U.S. patent application number 16/684042 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-12 for combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven.
The applicant listed for this patent is ROUND GROVE PRODUCTS, LLC. Invention is credited to Scott Widmer.
Application Number | 20200080724 16/684042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62146889 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200080724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Widmer; Scott |
March 12, 2020 |
COMBINATION OUTDOOR FIREPLACE AND PIZZA OVEN
Abstract
A combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system includes a
main body with a framework assembly. The framework assembly has a
fireplace firebox, an oven firebox, a smokebox, and a chimney flue
disposed therein. Each of the fireplace firebox and the oven
firebox is in communication with the smokebox. The smokebox is in
communication with the chimney flue. The framework assembly is
covered by a refractory heat resistant mortar. The oven firebox is
suspended above the fireplace firebox and is configured for baking
pizza. The smokebox and the chimney flue are disposed in the
framework assembly above both the fireplace firebox and the oven
firebox.
Inventors: |
Widmer; Scott; (Dalton,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ROUND GROVE PRODUCTS, LLC |
Dalton |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62146889 |
Appl. No.: |
16/684042 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15796949 |
Oct 30, 2017 |
10480793 |
|
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16684042 |
|
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62424581 |
Nov 21, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24B 1/182 20130101;
F24B 1/189 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24B 1/182 20060101
F24B001/182; F24B 1/189 20060101 F24B001/189 |
Claims
1. A combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system,
comprising: a main body including a framework assembly having a
fireplace firebox and an oven firebox, the framework assembly
having a refractory heat resistant mortar, wherein the oven firebox
is suspended above the fireplace firebox and configured for baking
pizza.
2. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of claim
1, wherein the oven firebox is suspended centrally above the
fireplace firebox.
3. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of claim
1, wherein the fireplace firebox has a fireplace width and the oven
firebox has an oven width, and the over width is less than the
fireplace width.
4. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of claim
1, further comprising insulation disposed between the fireplace
firebox and the oven firebox.
5. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of claim
4, wherein the insulation is mineral wool.
6. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of claim
1, wherein each of the fireplace firebox and the oven firebox
includes refractory bricks.
7. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of claim
1, wherein each of the fireplace firebox and the over firebox has
an opening at a front wall of the main body.
8. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of claim
7, wherein the opening of the oven firebox is selectively closed by
an oven door hingedly attached to the front wall of the main
body.
9. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of claim
1, wherein the refractory heat resistant mortar includes fireclay,
cement, and sand.
10. A combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system,
comprising: a main body including a framework assembly having a
fireplace firebox, an oven firebox, and a chimney flue disposed
therein, the oven firebox in communication with the chimney flue,
the framework assembly having a refractory heat resistant mortar,
wherein the oven firebox is suspended above the fireplace firebox
and configured for baking pizza, and the chimney flue is disposed
in the framework assembly above the oven firebox.
11. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of
claim 10, wherein the oven firebox is suspended centrally above the
fireplace firebox.
12. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of
claim 10, wherein the fireplace firebox has a fireplace width and
the oven firebox has an oven width, and the over width is less than
the fireplace width.
13. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of
claim 10, further comprising insulation disposed between the
fireplace firebox and the oven firebox.
14. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of
claim 13, wherein the insulation is mineral wool.
15. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of
claim 10, wherein each of the fireplace firebox and the oven
firebox includes refractory bricks.
16. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of
claim 10, wherein each of the fireplace firebox and the over
firebox has an opening at a front wall of the main body.
17. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of
claim 10, wherein the opening of the oven firebox is selectively
closed by an oven door hingedly attached to the front wall of the
main body.
18. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of
claim 10, wherein the refractory heat resistant mortar includes
fireclay, cement, and sand.
19. A combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system,
comprising: a main body including a framework assembly having a
fireplace firebox, an oven firebox, and a chimney flue disposed
therein, the oven firebox in communication with the chimney flue,
the framework assembly having a refractory heat resistant mortar,
wherein the oven firebox is suspended above the fireplace firebox
and configured for baking pizza, and the chimney flue is disposed
in the framework assembly above the oven firebox, wherein the
fireplace firebox has a rectangular body with an opening at a front
wall of the main body, and the oven firebox includes a rounded arch
with an opening at the front wall of the main body.
20. The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system of
claim 19, wherein the oven firebox is suspended centrally above the
fireplace firebox, and the fireplace firebox has a fireplace width
and the oven firebox has an oven width, and the over width is less
than the fireplace width.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility
Application No. 15/796,949, filed on Oct. 30, 2017, and issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 10.480,793 on Nov. 19, 2019, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/424,581, filed on Nov. 21,
2016. The entire disclosures of the above applications are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to outdoor fireplaces and, in
particular, an outdoor fireplace having an oven for baking edible
goods such as pizza.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Outdoor fireplaces have become increasingly popular, either
as a landscape feature or as part of an outdoor kitchen. However,
construction of an outdoor fireplace has been labor intensive and
consequently expensive. Typical outdoor fireplaces are constructed
from brick, block or stone components which are custom built for
each installation. In some cases, few of the fireplace components
have been constructed at a manufacturing facility, while brick or
stone veneer is manually applied at the jobsite.
[0004] Outdoor pizza ovens that use solid fuel (e.g. wood,
charcoal, pellets, charcoal briquettes, and coal) are also
increasingly popular. However, these outdoor pizza ovens often fail
to provide adequate, or proper, and consistent cooking
temperatures. Classically-styled brick ovens are also often large,
heavy, and built-in fixtures, for example, assembled by a skilled
craftsman in an end-users' backyard.
[0005] There is a continuing need for an outdoor fireplace that
also facilitates the baking of pizzas. Desirably, the combination
outdoor fireplace and pizza oven is constructed at a manufacturing
facility offsite, and is easily transportable to a final location
for end use.
SUMMARY
[0006] In concordance with the instant disclosure, an outdoor
fireplace that also facilitates the baking of pizzas, and which is
constructed at a manufacturing facility offsite, and is easily
transportable to a final location for end use, is surprisingly
discovered.
[0007] In one embodiment, a combination outdoor fireplace and pizza
oven system includes a main body with a framework assembly. The
framework assembly has a fireplace firebox, an oven firebox, a
smokebox, and a chimney flue disposed therein. Each of the
fireplace firebox and the oven firebox is in communication with the
smokebox. The smokebox is in communication with the chimney flue.
The framework assembly is further covered by a refractory heat
resistant mortar. The oven firebox is suspended above the fireplace
firebox and configured for baking pizza. The smokebox and the
chimney flue are disposed in the framework assembly above both the
fireplace firebox and the oven firebox.
[0008] In another embodiment, the fireplace firebox is in
communication with the smokebox via a first flue duct and a second
flue duct. The first flue duct is disposed between the oven firebox
and a first sidewall of the main body. The second flue duct is
disposed between the oven firebox and a second sidewall of the main
body. In operation, the smoke and hot gases from the fireplace
firebox will flow around the oven firebox to the smokebox and out
through the chimney flue.
[0009] In a further embodiment, the fireplace firebox is in
communication with the smokebox via a single flue duct. The single
flue duct is disposed between the oven firebox and a rear wall of
the main body. In operation, the smoke and hot gases from the
fireplace firebox will flow behind the oven firebox to the smokebox
and out through the chimney flue.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination outdoor
fireplace and pizza oven system is constructed using structural
panels of 2-1/2'' wide 18'' gage galvanized U-channels made of top
and bottom members that interlock with 2-3/8'' 18 gage galvanized
wide U-channels upright framing members. Each union of the vertical
uprights and horizontal top/bottom members is fastened with two
screws. Then individual panels are fastened together to create the
box-frame assembly of the product, or the skeletal framework. A
skilled artisan may also select other materials and dimensions
within the scope of the disclosure, as desired.
[0011] The system comprises a structural framing for lifting and
positioning the unit, a fireplace firebox, a pizza oven firebox, a
smokebox, and a chimney flue, all of which are contained within the
skeletal framework assembly. The pizza oven is suspended above the
fireplace firebox. Variations of this configuration permit the
pizza oven and the fireplace to function either dependently or
independently from each other. The distinction between the two
variations is the combustion source.
[0012] In the dependent variation, there is no brick dome over the
pizza oven, so it functions as a cooking area rather than as a
firebox. A fire in the fireplace firebox below heats the pizza oven
cooking area above. In this configuration, the pizza oven cooking
area can be either: enclosed and indirectly heated by the
combustion source below--acting more like a convection oven; or
open to the smoke and heat directly from the combustion
source--acting more like a smoker.
[0013] In the independent variation, the pizza oven firebox is
insulated from the fireplace firebox--smoke and hot gasses from the
fireplace firebox pass around the outside of the insulated pizza
oven firebox and proceed into the smokebox. Both fireboxes can
function simultaneously and independently of each other. A fire in
the pizza oven firebox will only heat that specific space and, vice
versa, a fire in the fireplace firebox will only heat that specific
space.
[0014] The structural framing for lifting and positioning the unit
includes a full-depth panel of U-channel members attached to
box-iron channels. The box-iron channels allow access for
forklifts, slings, or straps for lifting and positioning the unit.
The exposed framing also allows access for anchoring the unit to
the foundation slab.
[0015] The smokebox collects all the smoke and hot gasses from both
fireboxes and reduces the airspace cross-section to a choke-point
transitioning into the chimney flue. The chimney flue allows the
smoke and hot gasses to exit the system. The geometry of the
smokebox and chimney flue aids in the "draw" of the unit, creating
high pressure above the choke-point relative to the low pressure
within the firebox, to draw the smoke and hot gasses through the
unit and to partially overcome any negative pressure at the firebox
opening from cross-winds.
[0016] It should be understood that the present disclosure includes
a combination of the fireplace and pizza oven and the dependent and
independent variations of the combustion source. An additional
useful feature is the combination of these features along with the
structural framing for lifting and positioning the unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The above, as well as other advantages of the present disclosure,
will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description, particularly when considered in the
light of the photographs and drawings described hereafter.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a combination outdoor
fireplace and pizza oven system according to one embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the combination fireplace and
pizza oven system shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the combination fireplace
and pizza oven system shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the combination
fireplace and pizza oven system shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the combination
fireplace and pizza oven system shown in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the combination
fireplace and pizza oven system shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevational depiction of the
interior of the combination fireplace and pizza oven system taken
at section line A in FIG. 6, and further depicting an airflow
through the system in operation with the flues shown on both sides
of the pizza oven;
[0025] FIG. 8 is front elevational view of a combination fireplace
and pizza oven system according to another embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevational side view of the
interior of the combination fireplace and pizza oven system taken
at section line B in FIG. 8, and further depicting an airflow
through the system in operation with a single flue shown on behind
the pizza oven; and
[0027] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-section elevational
side view of the interior of the combination fireplace and pizza
oven system taken at callout C in FIGS. 7 and 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or
uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings,
corresponding reference numerals also indicate like or
corresponding parts and features. In respect of the methods
disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature,
and thus, is not necessary or critical unless otherwise
disclosed.
[0029] In FIGS. 1-10, a combination fireplace and pizza oven system
10, 110 according to various embodiments of the disclosure is
shown. In FIGS. 1-7 and 10, a side-flue embodiment of the
combination fireplace and pizza oven system 10 is illustrated. In
FIGS. 8-10, a rear-flue embodiment of the combination fireplace and
pizza oven system 110 is illustrated. One of ordinary skill in the
art may also select alternate suitable flue arrangements for the
combination fireplace and pizza oven system 10, 110, as
desired.
[0030] In FIGS. 1-7, the system 10 includes a main body 12 defined
by a framework assembly 14 (shown in FIG. 7) covered by a
refractory heat resistant mortar 16, and containing a fireplace
firebox 18, an oven firebox 20, a smokebox 22, a chimney flue 24,
and a base 26. In particular, the framework assembly 14 includes a
framework of steel channel members, as described further
hereinbelow. The steel channel members define chambers for the
fireplace firebox 18 and the oven firebox 20 within the framework
assembly 14.
[0031] In certain examples, the framework assembly 14 is formed
from galvanized steel channel stock. Galvanized steel channel stock
has been found to be particularly suitable for the system 12,
especially compared to aluminum stock, which will warp or melt, or
common masonry, which will fracture or crack, at the temperatures
and heat cycles associated with operation of conventional
fireplaces and pizza ovens. In other examples, the refractory heat
resistant mortar may be formed from a mixture of fireclay, cement,
and sand, to provide a mortar that is both visually appealing and
resistant to the temperatures associated with operation of
conventional fireplaces and pizza ovens. One of ordinary skill in
the art may select alternative suitable materials for the framework
assembly 14 and the refractory heat resistant mortar 16 within the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, the oven firebox 20 may be suspended
above the fireplace firebox 18. The fireplace firebox is configured
for burning wood and other suitable fireplace media. The oven
firebox 20 is configured for burning wood and other suitable
fireplace media, and also for baking edible goods, such as pizza.
Each of the fireplace firebox 18 and the oven firebox 20 are formed
from noncombustible or refractory materials. In one nonlimiting
example, each of the fireplace firebox 18 and the oven firebox 20
are formed from noncombustible magnesium oxide board and refractory
bricks. One of ordinary skill in the art may select other suitable
refractory materials for the fireplace firebox 18 and the oven
firebox 20, as desired.
[0033] In a particular embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the fireplace
firebox 18 and the oven firebox 20 are thermally insulated from one
another. For example, the fireplace firebox 18 and the oven firebox
may be separated by an insulating arrangement of steel channel
members 28, insulation 30 such as mineral wool insulation, and a
noncombustible board 32 such as magnesium oxide board. The
insulation 30 may be disposed within a hollow portion of the steel
channel members 28, between the noncombustible board 32 of the
fireplace firebox 18 and the noncombustible board 32 of the oven
firebox 20, for example. The noncombustible board 32 may further be
secured to the steel channel members 28 with fasteners such as
screws, bolts, rivets, or the like. Refractory bricks 34 may be
laid atop the noncombustible board 32 to form a floor of the oven
firebox 20. The noncombustible board 32 may be left uncovered and
form a ceiling of the fireplace firebox 18. In this manner, heat
transfer between the fireplace and oven fireboxes 18, 20 is
minimized during an operation of the system 10. Other suitable
insulating means are also contemplated and considered within the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0034] Although the insulative layered construction is specifically
shown in FIG. 10 at the top of the fireplace firebox 18 and the
base of the oven firebox 20, it should be appreciated that the
layered construction shown may also be used for the various other
sides and tops of the respective fireboxes 18, 20, as desired.
[0035] With renewed reference to FIG. 7, the smokebox 22 and the
chimney flue 24 are disposed in the framework assembly 14 above
both the fireplace firebox 18 and the oven firebox 20. The
fireplace firebox 18 is in communication with smokebox 22 through
at least one flue duct 36, 38. The at least one flue duct 36, 38
may include a first flue duct 36 and a second flue duct 38. The
first flue duct 36 may be disposed between the oven firebox 20 and
a first sidewall 40 of the main body 12. The second flue duct 38
may be disposed between the oven firebox 20 and a second sidewall
42 of the main body 12. In operation of the system 10, smoke and
hot gases from a fire within the fireplace firebox 18 may be
directed around the sides of the oven firebox 20. Heat transfer may
also be minimized between the ducts 36, 38 and the oven firebox 20
through use of the insulating and refractory materials and the
layered construction in forming the oven firebox 20, as described
hereinabove.
[0036] Another embodiment of the system 110 is depicted in FIGS.
8-9. In FIGS. 8-9, like or related structure from FIGS. 1-7 and 10
are shown with the same reference number but in a 100-series for
purpose of clarity.
[0037] The combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system 110
shown in FIGS. 8-9 has a single flue duct 136. The single flue duct
136 is disposed between the oven firebox 120 and a rear wall 144 of
the main body 112. In operation, smoke and hot gases from a fire
within the fireplace firebox 118 may be directed to the rear of the
oven firebox 120. Heat transfer may also be minimized between the
single flue duct 136 and the oven firebox 120 through use of
insulating and refractory materials and the layered construction in
forming the oven firebox 120, as described hereinabove.
[0038] It should be appreciated that the embodiment of the system
110 depicted in FIGS. 8-9 may permit for a construction with a
narrower width, but greater depth, in comparison to the embodiment
of the system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7. Otherwise, the skilled artisan
will understand that the systems 10, 110 may be operated in
substantially the same manner, through a burning of fires in the
respective fireboxes 18, 20, 118, 120.
[0039] With renewed reference to FIGS. 1-7, each of the fireplace
firebox 18 and the oven firebox 20 has an opening 46, 48 at a front
wall 50 of the main body. The opening 48 of the oven firebox 20 may
be selectively closed by an oven door 52. The oven door 52 may be
hingedly attached to the front wall 50 of the main body 12, for
example. In certain examples, the oven door 52 is formed from
stainless steel. The oven door 52 may have a grate that may be
selectively opened and closed in order to control a supply of air
to a fire burning within the oven firebox 18. The oven door 52 may
be provided of other suitable materials and have other suitable
configurations, as desired.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, the smokebox 22 is defined by an area
above a dome 53 of the oven firebox 20 and a lower wall of the
chimney flue 55. In particular embodiments, the dome 53 is formed
by a plurality of interlocking bricks disposed in an arch. A vent
57 may be formed through an upper portion of the dome 53, and
provides the communication between the interior of the oven firebox
20 and the smokebox 22. In operation, smoke and hot gases from the
oven firebox 20 travel through the vent 57 and into the smokebox
22, where they collect and mix with the hot gases and smoke from
the underlying fireplace firebox 18.
[0041] The smokebox 22 of the system is configured to collect smoke
and hot gases from both the fireplace firebox 18 and the oven
firebox 20. The smokebox 22 is also dimensioned to reduce an
airspace cross-section to a choke-point 54, which transitions into
the chimney flue 24. Advantageously, the reduced airspace
cross-section of the smokebox 22 aides in creating a higher
pressure above the choke-point 54 relative to a lower pressure
within the fireplace firebox 18 in operation, so as to draw the
smoke and the hot gases through the smokebox 22 and into the
chimney flue 24, even when there is a crosswind in front of the
open fireplace firebox 18.
[0042] Although not specifically shown, it should be understood
that the chimney flue 24 may include a chimney damper or flap
inside or at a top of the chimney flue 24, which can be adjusted
manually to allow smoke to escape or air to enter. The chimney
damper may be formed of metal or ceramic so as to tolerate the heat
from the smoke and hot gases. The chimney damper may be opened and
closed through a variety of suitable mechanisms, for example, a
latch, a pull chain, or a handle, as desired.
[0043] In further embodiment, the system 10 may include a base 26.
The base 26 is disposed beneath the fireplace firebox 18, and is
configured to facilitate a transport of the combination outdoor
fireplace and pizza oven system 10, for example, from a location of
manufacture to an end user's location. The base 26 may include a
pair of holes 56 formed in the front wall 50 of the base 26.
Advantageously, the pair of holes 56 are configured to receive at
least one of forklifts, slings, and straps for lifting and
positioning the combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system
10.
[0044] In a particular example, the holes 56 may be defined by a
pair of box-iron channels 58 connected to the framework assembly
14. In other examples, and the box-iron channels 58 may project
outwardly from the main body 12 to define a step 60 of the
combination outdoor fireplace and pizza oven system. Other suitable
means of forming the holes 56 to securely and conveniently move the
system 10 are also considered within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0045] Advantageously, the combination outdoor fireplace and pizza
oven system 10, 110 facilitates the baking of edible goods such as
pizzas in an outdoor environment, but may be constructed at a
manufacturing facility offsite and easily transported to a final
location for end use.
[0046] While certain representative embodiments and details have
been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is
further described in the following appended claims.
* * * * *