U.S. patent application number 17/062943 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-21 for vertical fire pit.
The applicant listed for this patent is PETER M 0N, DAVID M GIUNTOLI, WALTER KAIHATU, PAUL ZAMAN. Invention is credited to PETER M 0N, DAVID M GIUNTOLI, WALTER KAIHATU, PAUL ZAMAN.
Application Number | 20210018181 17/062943 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005134878 |
Filed Date | 2021-01-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210018181 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GIUNTOLI; DAVID M ; et
al. |
January 21, 2021 |
VERTICAL FIRE PIT
Abstract
A vertical fire pit with a cap to fully enclose a vertical tube
having perforations, supported by a plate and base to hold one or
more logs in a vertical position. The plate may be non-perforated
to allow for collection of ash and leftover unburned log pieces at
the bottom of the vertical tube or the plate may be perforated so
that ash may fall into an ashtray allowing for easy collection and
clean-up.
Inventors: |
GIUNTOLI; DAVID M; (SAN
DIEGO, CA) ; 0N; PETER M; (CARLSBAD, CA) ;
KAIHATU; WALTER; (ENCINITAS, CA) ; ZAMAN; PAUL;
(JAMUL, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GIUNTOLI; DAVID M
0N; PETER M
KAIHATU; WALTER
ZAMAN; PAUL |
SAN DIEGO
CARLSBAD
ENCINITAS
JAMUL |
CA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005134878 |
Appl. No.: |
17/062943 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14719188 |
May 21, 2015 |
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17062943 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24B 3/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24B 3/00 20060101
F24B003/00 |
Claims
1. A fire pit apparatus for burning one or more logs to create a
fire, comprising, in combination: an elongated vertical fire
chamber having an elongated central axis and cross-sections
oriented perpendicularly to said elongated central axis; all of
said cross-sections are substantially identical in size and shape;
each of the logs having a central elongated axis; said elongated
vertical fire chamber being designed, dimensioned and constructed
to receive therein a first one of the logs only in a vertical
orientation with the central elongated axis of said first one of
the logs oriented substantially parallel to said elongated central
axis of said elongated vertical fire chamber; said elongated
vertical fire chamber being designed, dimensioned and constructed
to receive therein a second one of the logs only in a vertical
orientation with said central elongated axis of said second one of
the logs oriented substantially parallel to said elongated central
axis of said elongated vertical fire chamber, and to receive said
second one of the logs in said vertical orientation on top of an
end of a partially-consumed first log such that the fire will
continue to burn without interruption; said elongated vertical fire
chamber being designed, dimensioned and constructed so that it
holds the logs only vertically on top of one another in said
elongated vertical fire chamber which prevents the logs from
sitting, resting, or burning side-by-side; said elongated vertical
fire chamber being designed, dimensioned and constructed to be in
close proximity to the logs therein so that the logs can only be
stacked vertically on top of one another end-to-end; and support
means to support said elongated vertical fire chamber.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, including: an ashtray.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said support means includes a
base assembly.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: said support means includes a
base assembly.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: said base assembly includes a
plurality of support legs.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: said base assembly includes a
plurality of support legs.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: each of the logs has the
shape of a substantially rectangular prism (15).
8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: each of the logs has the
shape of a substantially rectangular prism (15).
9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: each of the logs has the
shape of a substantially rectangular prism (15).
10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: each of the logs has the
shape of a substantially rectangular prism (15).
11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: each of the logs has the
shape of a substantially rectangular prism (15).
12. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: each of the logs has the
shape of a substantially rectangular prism (15).
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said elongated vertical fire
chamber is comprised of a plurality of flat rectangular side
assemblies which have a height at least three times greater than
the width (FIG. 1).
14. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: said elongated vertical fire
chamber is comprised of a plurality of flat rectangular side
assemblies which have a height at least three times greater than
the width (FIG. 1).
15. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: said elongated vertical fire
chamber is comprised of a plurality of flat rectangular side
assemblies which have a height at least three times greater than
the width (FIG. 1).
16. A fire pit apparatus capable of burning one or more logs to
create a fire, comprising, in combination: an elongated vertical
fire chamber having an elongated central axis and cross-sections
oriented perpendicularly to said elongated central axis; all of
said cross sections are substantially identical in size and shape;
each of the logs having a central elongated axis; said elongated
vertical fire chamber being capable of receiving therein a first
one of the logs only in a vertical orientation with the central
elongated axis of said first one of the logs being oriented
substantially parallel to said elongated central axis of said
elongated vertical fire chamber; said elongated vertical fire
chamber being capable of receiving therein a second one of the logs
only in a vertical orientation with said central elongated axis of
said second one of the logs being oriented substantially parallel
to said elongated central axis of said elongated vertical fire
chamber, and being capable of receiving therein said second one of
the logs in said vertical orientation on top of an end of a
partially-consumed first log so that the fire will continue to burn
without interruption; said elongated vertical fire chamber being
capable of holding therein the logs only vertically on top of one
another in said elongated vertical fire chamber which prevents the
logs from sitting, resting, or burning side-by-side; said elongated
vertical fire chamber being capable of holding therein the logs in
close proximity to inner walls of said elongated vertical fire
chamber so that the logs can only be stacked vertically on top of
one another end-to-end; and support means capable of supporting
said elongated vertical fire chamber.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, including: a tray capable of holding
ashes.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: said elongated vertical
fire chamber is capable of having a height at least three times
greater than the width of said elongated vertical fire chamber
(FIG. 1);
19. A fire pit apparatus for burning one or more logs to create a
fire, comprising, in combination: a base assembly including a
plurality of support legs; an ashtray; a perforated plate
positioned above said ashtray; said base assembly is positioned
underneath said ashtray and underneath said perforated plate; an
elongated vertical fire tube comprised of a plurality of flat
rectangular side assemblies which have a height at least three
times greater than the width (FIG. 1); said elongated vertical tube
includes a plurality of perforations covered by a mesh screen
located inside of and adjacent to the vertical side; an elongated
vertical fire tube having an elongated central axis and cross
sections oriented perpendicularly to said elongated central axis;
all of said cross-sections are substantially identical in size and
shape; each of the logs having a central elongated axis; said
elongated vertical fire tube being designed, dimensioned and
constructed to receive therein a first one of the logs only in a
vertical orientation with the central elongated axis of said first
one of the logs oriented substantially parallel to said elongated
central axis of said elongated vertical fire tube; said elongated
vertical fire tube being designed, dimensioned and constructed to
receive therein a second one of the logs only in a vertical
orientation with said central elongated axis of said second one of
the logs oriented substantially parallel to said elongated central
axis of said elongated vertical fire tube, and to receive therein
said second one of the logs in said vertical orientation on top of
an end of a partially-consumed first log so that the fire will
continue to burn without interruption; said elongated vertical fire
tube being designed, dimensioned and constructed so that it holds
the logs only vertically on top of one another in said elongated
vertical fire tube which prevents the logs from sitting, resting,
or burning side-by-side; said elongated vertical fire tube being
designed, dimensioned and constructed to be in close proximity to
the logs therein so that the logs can only be stacked vertically on
top of one another end-to-end; said elongated vertical fire tube
houses the first log as a fuel source for the fire pit apparatus,
and further wherein the first log is positioned in a vertical
orientation within the tube parallel to the orientation of the side
assemblies of said elongated vertical fire tube; a cap fitting over
the top of said elongated vertical fire tube; said cap is connected
to said elongated vertical fire tube via a hinge; and said cap
includes a perforated mesh-covered opening.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein: each of the logs has the
shape of a substantially rectangular prism (15).
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/086,703 filed on Dec. 2,
2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to fire pits. More
particularly, the present invention pertains to a vertical fire pit
which may support one or more fire logs which may be vertically
stacked on top of each other in the vertical position as the
previous log burns. The log is placed in a perforated vertical tube
for optimal viewing pleasure, while the burnt ash may fall and
collect at the bottom or underneath the vertical tube, providing
for easy collection and removal of the ash.
[0003] Fire pits in the vertical position are known in the prior
art. The majority are targeted to provide a visually attractive
fire pit by displaying the fire in different shaped pits or towers
with different types of shapes cut out.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 8,028,690 issued Oct. 4, 2011 to Lohaus
discloses a tower resting or coupled to a surface with the option
of using multiple fuel sources, including coal, wood or paper. This
invention contains a base assembly which allows for a fuel source
to be contained within the body of the tower. The base and tower
connect with a number of cut-out portions to allow for lighting of
the fuel source but no containment of the burnt ash. However,
unlike the present invention, Lohaus does not disclose a cap to
prevent fly away ash. Additionally, the ash from burnt fuel
accumulates in the bottom of the tower instead of being collected
in a separate, self-contained structure for easy collection and
disposal.
[0005] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0090589 by Fisher discloses
a fire pit formed in the shape of a bottle which may be decorated
with a branded beverage logo. This bottle shaped fire pit does not
provide for logs to be used in a vertical position and fails to
disclose the means by which embers and ash is collected or disposed
of.
[0006] One object of the present invention provides the features
described herein as well as additional advantages of providing a
vertical fire pit with a fully enclosed vertical tube for easy
clean-up of ash and leftover unburned log pieces, providing
perforations in the vertical tube for viewing pleasure, allowing
the addition of full or partial length logs on top of an existing
fire, taking up less space, and is portable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a vertical fire pit which holds one
or more logs in the vertical position.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
vertical fire pit wherein the viewing experience by the user is
enhanced by the inclusion of vertical tubes with an assortment of
perforations.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
vertical fire pit capable of receiving another log, full length or
partial length, into the fire on top of ash from consumed fuel.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
vertical fire pit that takes up less space and is therefore more
versatile for varied use.
[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a vertical fire pit with a fully enclosed vertical tube to
prevent the falling over of logs.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
vertical fire pit capable of preventing cinders from becoming
airborne through the use of a cap.
[0013] It is further still an object of the present invention to
provide a vertical fire pit amenable to easy collection and
clean-up of ash.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The advantages of this invention, as well as the invention
itself, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which
similar parts, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
vertical fire pit tube assembly;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
vertical fire pit with a stand;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a vertical
fire pit tube with a slip cap;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up side view of a vertical fire
pit tube with a hinged cap;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a deconstructed view of a vertical fire
pit tube as shown in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a deconstructed view of one side of the
vertical fire pit tube as shown FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a deconstructed view of two halves of a
mechanically fastened vertical fire pit tube;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
alternative vertical fire pit with an ashtray stand;
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the vertical fire
pit disconnected from the ashtray;
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the fully
assembled vertical fire pit; and
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a fully assembled
vertical fire pit during use, and how an additional log will be
added to the existing fire.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a vertical fire pit of the present
invention. The vertical fire pit 10 is comprised of a perforated
vertical tube 12, a fuel insert (i.e. log) 15, and a cap 11. By way
of example only, the perforated vertical tube 12 may be comprised
of four vertical side assemblies 13, each side assembly containing
a plurality of cut-out sections 17. Alternatively, the perforated
vertical tube 12 may be any shape desirable for a pleasing
aesthetic affect. The perforated vertical tube 12 encloses a fuel
source 15 such as a manufactured log or natural wood log. This
vertical tube 12 holds one "log" such that its longest dimension is
vertical. A cap 11 restricts the fuel source to the interior of the
perforated vertical tube 12 thereby preventing partially burned
fuel, such as ash, from escaping from the perforated vertical tube
12. In a preferred embodiment, the cut-outs 17 are covered with
mesh screen.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 2, shown is a first embodiment of the
vertical fire pit 20. The perforated vertical tube 12 is attached
thereon a non-perforated plate 23 which further rests upon a stand
24. A fuel source 15 (not shown) is placed in the perforated
vertical tube 12 and is fully enclosed therein when a cap 11 is
placed on top of perforated vertical tube 12 preventing fly-away
embers during use. In the present embodiment, burnt ash and
unburned log remnants may remnants may fall and collect in the
plate 23 preventing fly-away embers during use providing easy
disposal of ash by disconnecting the plate 23 from the perforated
vertical tube 12.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 3, shown is a close-up perspective
view of a perforated vertical tube 32 from FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 with a
slip cap 31 that fits over the top most end. Slip cap 31 slips onto
the and of the perforated vertical tube 32 to fully enclose the
fuel source (not shown). In the present embodiment, the slip cap 31
is slightly larger in dimension than the dimension of the
perforated vertical tube 32 such that the slip cap 31 rests on the
top of the perforated vertical tube 32 with a short lip 35
extending down to effectively seal the ad closed. Optionally, the
slip cap 31 may be further comprised of a perforated, mesh opening
37 to allow flame and smoke to escape through the slip 31 cap
during use.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 4, shown is a close-up side view of a
perforated vertical tube 42 with a hinged cap 41. Hinged cap 41 is
connected to a perforated vertical tube 42 via a hinge 48, which
provides for easy opening and closing top of the perforated
vertical tube 42. Similar to the slip cap (not shown), the hinged
cap 41 is slightly larger in dimension than the dimension of the
perforated vertical tube 42 such that the hinged cap 41 rests on
the top of the perforated vertical tube 42 with a short lip 45
extending down to effectively seal the top most end closed.
Optionally, the hinged cap 41 may be further comprised of a
perforated, mesh opening (not shown) to allow flame and smoke to
escape through the hinged cap during use.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 5, shown is a deconstructed
perforated vertical tube of the present invention. A plurality of
side assemblies 57 are attached via vertical pins 58. Each side
assembly 57 contains hinge knuckles 59 along the opposing vertical
edges of each side assembly 57. Two side assemblies 57A and 57B may
be fit together at a 90 degree angle via the hinge knuckles 59 and
placement of vertical pins 58 inserted in the hinge knuckles 59.
Alternatively the side assemblies may be any shape desired such
that the perforated vertical tubes of the present invention are
comprised of any number of side assemblies.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 6, shown is a deconstructed view of a
single side assembly as shown in FIG. 5. Each side assembly 57 is
comprised of apiece of sheet metal 60 placed over a mesh screen 61.
The sheet metal 60 may have any shape cut-outs desired for a
variety of aesthetic affects during use. The screen 61 is placed in
the grooves 62 of the inner side of the sheet metal 60.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 7, shown is a deconstructed view of
two halves of a mechanically fastened vertical tube of the present
invention. Two halves of the vertical tube 77A and 77B are attached
via a plurality of screws 78. Each half 77A and 77B contains a
plurality of corresponding screw openings 79 along the edges of
each half 77A and 77B. Each half 77A and 77B may be fit together at
a 90 degree angle via the plurality of screw openings 79 and
placement of the plurality of screws 78 inserted in the
corresponding screw openings 79.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 8, shown is an exploded view of an
alternative vertical fire pit with an ashtray stand. The perforated
vertical tube 82 is positioned above and attached to a horizontal
plate 83. The horizontal plate 83 further includes openings 86 to
allow ash to drop into the tray 84 underneath the plate 83.
Alternatively, the ashtray stand may be any shape desirable in
order to achieve a variety of aesthetic effects during use.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 9, shown is a vertical fire pit top
assembly wherein the top assembly is removed from the ashtray.
Burnt ash may be collected in the tray 84 as it falls through the
openings (not shown) in the perforated plate 83. Once the tray 84
is full of ash it may easily be emptied by lifting up and removing
the perforated plate 83 and vertical tube 84.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 10, shown is a fully assembled
vertical fire pit shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. The perforated
vertical tube 82 is positioned above and attached to a horizontal
plate 83 which in turn sits upon ash tray 84. Alternatively, the
ashtray 84 may be any shape desirable in order to achieve a variety
of aesthetic effects during use.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 11, shown is a side view of a fully
assembled vertical fire pit during use. When in use, the ash 100
from consumed log 15 falls to the bottom of the vertical tube 12
and through the plate (not shown) into the ashtray (not shown)
sitting on top stand 27. Once the fuel source diminishes or is
consumed, additional fuel in the form of a full length log 15 or
partial length log 16 may be placed directly on top of the existing
fire or ash 100.
[0037] One embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical
fire pit for use in areas of limited space such as balconies and
patios.
[0038] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
vertical fire pit that is aesthetically pleasing to use.
[0039] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a
vertical fire pit wherein the fuel source is oriented vertically
during use.
[0040] A further embodiment of the present invention provides a
vertical fire pit wherein a user may add a full or partial log to
the fire pit as the previous fuel source is consumed.
[0041] Additional embodiment of the present invention provided that
as the vertically held fuel is burning, additional fuel, log, can
will be added to the top and held vertical as well. So that both
the burning log and just added log are all vertically aligned.
[0042] Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a
vertical fire pit wherein the fuel source is fully enclosed within
the vertical tube causing ash and debris to fall and collect in a
plate or ashtray for easy disposal and clean-up.
[0043] A further embodiment of the present invention provides a
vertical fire pit with a cap which inhibits cinders from becoming
airborne.
[0044] The foregoing detailed description is not to be taken in a
limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined
by the appended claims and their equivalents. Although more than
one embodiment has been presented, one skilled in the art will
appreciate that various modifications are possible. Such variations
will not materially alter the nature of the invention. Many
embodiments may be conceived and may not achieve all the advantages
of some embodiments, particularly preferred embodiments, yet the
absence of a particular advantage shall not be construed to
necessarily mean that such an embodiment is outside the scope of
the present invention.
* * * * *