Abstract:
A gas burner capable of producing an image via a pattern of flames and illuminated glass beads is provided. The burner may comprise a top plate having a plurality of gas apertures for releasing a combustible gas. The gas apertures may be formed in a gas aperture frame. The gas apertures may form an outline of the image. The frame of the gas apertures may define a height and an apex or pinnacle. Recesses may be formed adjacent the gas apertures. Glass beads may be disposed within the recesses. A height of the glass beads may be generally lower than the height of the gas aperture frame such that the glass beads sit lower than the apex of the gas aperture frame. The glass beads may be illuminated via flames produced at the gas apertures. The flames and glass beads may collectively produce the image.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to a gas burner, and more particularly, a plurality of flames and illuminated glass beads arranged to resemble an image, picture, object, etc. (e.g., yin/yang symbol, martini with olive, etc.). 
         [0004]    Gas burners may be purchased in many different sizes and shapes for different purposes. For example, one type of gas burner is a gas grill for cooking. Typically, a gas grill has an enclosure with a gas line routed to the enclosure. The gas line may be connected to two pipes with a plurality of gas apertures. The two pipes may be positioned parallel with respect to each other and disposed within the enclosure. To light the gas burner, gas is introduced into the gas line. The gas is transferred from the gas line to the two pipes. Gas is ejected out of the gas apertures. The user may ignite the ejected gas thereby resulting in flames. A grilling plate may be disposed over the flames to cook hamburgers, meat, and other food products (e.g., vegetables, etc.). Unfortunately, gas grills are unaesthetically pleasing. 
         [0005]    Another type of gas burner is a gas fireplace. The gas fireplace will have a firebox. One or more pipes with a plurality of gas apertures will be placed in the firebox. A gas line will be connected to the pipe(s) and be operative to introduce combustible gas into the pipes. Non-burning logs may be placed within the firebox over the pipes. In use, combustible gas is introduced into the gas line and transferred into the pipes. The combustible gas will be ejected out of the gas apertures. At this point, the user may ignite the ejected gas thereby resulting in flames. The combination of flames and non-burning logs resembles a wood burning fireplace. Unfortunately, the flames and non-burning logs may not be rearranged to resemble other symbols, pictures, objects, etc. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved gas burner. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The gas burner discussed herein addresses the needs discussed above, discussed below and those that are know in the art. The gas burner when lit may have an outline of an image produced by flames. Glass beads may be disposed adjacent the flames and illuminated by the flames. The flames and illuminated glass beads may collectively resemble the image. 
         [0008]    The outline of the image may be formed by the flames. By way of example and not limitation, the gas burner may have an outline of an image formed by the flames resembling a yin/yang symbol, a glass of martini with an olive and stirrer, or other image. For example, to form the outline of the yin/yang symbol, the gas burner may have a first set of gas apertures having a circular configuration. Additionally, a second set of gas apertures may have a reverse S configuration joining opposite sides of the first set of gas apertures. Gas may be introduced into the gas burner which releases the gas through the first and second sets of gas apertures. The gas relased through the gas apertures may be ignited with a match, lighter or any other ignition device. Upon ignition, the resulting flames may have an outline of the image formed by the flames in a configuration of the yin/yang symbol. To form an outline of a different image, the gas burner may one or more sets of gas apertures configured and arranged to resemble the outline of the image. 
         [0009]    The flames may illuminate glass beads adjacent thereto such that the glass beads and flames collectively resemble the image. In relation to the yin/yang symbol, the gas burner may have a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion. The outer periphery of the first recess portion and the second recess portion may be defined by the first and second sets of gas apertures. 
         [0010]    First and second sets of glass beads may be disposed within the first and second recessed portions. In particular, the first set of glass beads may have a white color when illuminated by the flames. The first set of glass beads may be generally dispersed throughout the first recessed portion. The second set of glass beads may have a dark color when illuminated by the flames. The second set of glass beads may be aggregated and disposed centrally at the upper portion of the first recessed portion. The second recess portion may also have first and second sets of glass beads generally disposed therein. In particular, the second set of glass beads may be generally dispersed within the second recessed portion. Also, the first set of glass beads may be aggregated and disposed centrally at the lower portion of the second recessed portion. 
         [0011]    When gas of the gas burner is ignited, flames are produced at the first and second sets of gas apertures. The flames illuminate the first and second sets of glass beads within the first and second recessed portions. The first set of glass beads is illuminated in a light color such as white, whereas, the second set of glass beads is illuminated in a dark color such as black. As a result, the flames and illuminated glass beads collectively resemble a yin/yang symbol. 
         [0012]    The gas burner may be fabricated such that the flames and illuminated glass beads resemble other images. By way of example and not limitation, one or more sets of gas apertures may be formed to have an outline of a martini glass. Recessed portions may be formed adjacent the sets of gas apertures. The recessed portions may receive glass beads which may be illuminated by adjacent flames. Glass beads having different colors and shades may be selectively positioned within the recessed portions such that the flames and illuminated glass beads collectively resemble a martini glass with an olive. 
         [0013]    The gas burner may have a top plate, bottom plate and a gas dispersing chamber. The top plate may have an outer peripheral lip. The outer peripheral lip may have any configuration to follow the general motif of the image. For example, in the yin/yang symbol, the outer peripheral lip may have a circular configuration to match the general overall motif of the yin/yang symbol. The outer peripheral lip may have other configurations such as square configuration, pentagonal configuration, etc. 
         [0014]    The outer peripheral lip of the top plate may have a vertical riser extending from an inner periphery of the lip. The vertical riser may be tapered inwardly. A recess plate may join the inner periphery of the riser. The recess plate may have a gas aperture frame attached to the recess plate. In relation to the yin/yang symbol gas burner, the gas aperture frame has an outline of the yin/yang symbol. The cross-sectional configuration of the gas aperture frame may have an inverted V configuration. The gas apertures may be formed in the gas aperture frame. The gas apertures of the frame may be equidistantly spaced apart from each other. 
         [0015]    The bottom plate may have a generally mirror configuration of the top plate. In particular, the bottom plate may also have an outer peripheral lip. The outer peripheral lip of the bottom plate may match the outer peripheral lip of the top plate. The outer peripheral lip of the bottom plate may be placed in contact with the outer peripheral lip of the top plate. The outer peripheral lips of the top and bottom plates may be joined to each other by crimping, welding or other known methods of joining. The bottom plate may also have a riser which extends downwardly from an inner periphery of the outer peripheral lip of the bottom plate. An enclosure plate may join the inner periphery of the riser. A central portion of the enclosure plate may have a gas inlet aperture through which gas may be introduced into the gas chamber of the gas burner. The gas chamber is defined by the cavity between the top plate and the bottom plate. 
         [0016]    A gas dispersing chamber may be formed within the gas chamber. In particular, the gas dispersing chamber may comprise a baffle and a stand. The baffle may be disposed above the gas inlet aperture of the bottom plate. The stand may have a circular cylindrical configuration and may be interposed between the baffle and the enclosure plate. The baffle may rest on the stand and be attached thereto. Also, the stand may be fixedly attached to the enclosure plate. The stand may have a plurality of dispensing apertures such that gas introduced through the gas inlet aperture of the enclosure plate may be dispersed throughout the gas chamber. 
         [0017]    The gas burner may be ground mounted or tabletop mounted. More particularly, when the gas burner is mounted within the ground, the ground may be excavated. A gas line may be disposed within the ground and connected to the gas inlet aperture of the enclosure plate. When the gas burner is table mounted, a table top may have a recess sized and configured to receive the gas burner. A gas line may be routed to an underside of the gas burner and connected to the gas inlet aperture for introducing gas into the gas chamber. 
         [0018]    In use, the gas line may be opened for allowing gas to flow therethrough. The gas may be introduced into the gas dispersing chamber which in turn distributes the gas throughout the gas chamber. Gas may then be ejected out of the gas apertures. The user may ignite the gas thereby producing flames in the outline of an image. The flames may illuminate glass beads within recessed portions. The glass beads may be illuminated in different colors. The flames and the illuminated glass beads may collectively resemble the image. 
         [0019]    The glass beads may comprise Aquatic Glassel glass beads manufactured by Moderustic of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. as described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2005/0126225A1 and US20060101854A1, the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein. However alternative or substitute glass and/or silica is contemplated herein. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of a gas burner; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the gas burner shown in  FIG. 1  which is table top mounted; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the gas burner shown in  FIG. 4  which is ground mounted; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of a gas burner with flames and glass beads arranged so as to resemble a martini glass. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Referring now to the drawings which are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of a gas burner  10  and not for the purpose of limiting the same,  FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the gas burner  10 . The gas burner  10  shown in  FIG. 1  when ignited produces a plurality of flames  12  (see  FIG. 2 ) and illuminated glass beads  14  (see  FIG. 2 ) which collectively resemble a yin/yang symbol. Although the gas burner  10  discussed herein is in relation to the yin/yang symbol, the flames  12  and illuminated glass beads  14  (see  FIG. 2 ) may be organized and arranged so as to resemble other images and/symbols. By way of example and not limitation, the plurality of flames  12  and illuminated glass beads  14  may resemble a martini with an olive (see  FIG. 4 ), football, etc. 
         [0026]    The gas burner  10  may comprise a top plate  16  and a bottom plate  18 . A lip  20  of the top plate  16  may be attached or joined to a lip  22  of the bottom plate  18 . The lips  20 ,  22  of the top plate  16  and the bottom plate  18  may be hermetically sealed so as to provide a gas tight seal therebetween. The purpose of the gas tight seal is to prevent any leakage of combustible gas from within a gas chamber  24  (see  FIG. 2 ) to the environment at the outer peripheries of the top plate  16  and the bottom plate  18 . By way of example and not limitation, the lip  20  of the top plate  16  may be joined or attached to the lip  22  of the bottom plate  18  via sonic welding, arc welding, adhering, nut and bolt connections, etc. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the lips  20 ,  22  of the top plate  16  and the bottom plate  18  may have identical configurations. For example, the lips  20 ,  22  of the top plate  16  and the bottom plate  18  shown in  FIG. 1  have a circular configuration to match the yin/yang symbol. It is also contemplated that the gas burner  10  may be fabricated such that the plurality of flames  12  and illuminated glass beads  14  may resemble other images or symbols. For example, if the plurality of flames  12  and glass beads  14  were arranged so as to resemble football, then the lips of the top plate and bottom plate may be fabricated so as to have a general configuration of a football. 
         [0028]    The gas burner  10  may have a plurality of gas apertures  26  (see  FIG. 2 ). The plurality of gas apertures  26  may be configured as an outline of the symbol or image. When combustible gas is introduced into the gas chamber  24 , the combustible gas escapes out of the gas chamber  24  via the plurality of gas apertures  26 . The user may ignite the combustible gas to produce flames  12 . The ignited flames  12  may have a configuration resembling an outline of the image or symbol. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a first set  28  of gas apertures  26  may have a circular configuration. A second set  30  of gas apertures  26  may be circumscribed by the first set  28  as a reverse S-shaped configuration. When combustible gas is introduced into the gas chamber  24 , the combustible gas escapes out of the gas chamber  24  via the first and second sets  28 ,  30  of gas apertures  26 . The user may ignite the combustible gas which produces flames  12  along the first and second sets  28 ,  30  of gas apertures  26 . The resulting flames  12  have a configuration resembling the outline of the image or symbol. 
         [0029]    The plurality of gas apertures  26  may be formed in a frame  32  (see  FIG. 2 ). The frame  32  may have any configuration such that the resulting flames  12  have a configuration resembling the outline of the image or symbol. By way of example and not limitation, a first frame  34  (see  FIG. 1 ) having the first set  28  of gas apertures  26  may be formed in a circular configuration on the top plate  16 . Also, a second frame  36  (see  FIG. 1 ) having the second set  30  of gas apertures  26  may be circumscribed by the first frame  34  in a reverse S shaped configuration. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the gas apertures  26  may proceed through the frames  34 ,  36  and release gas at a pinnacle  38  of the frame  32 . Each of the gas apertures  26  may have a central axis  40  (see  FIG. 2 ) which is generally perpendicular to the top plate  16 . When the combustible gas ejected out of the gas apertures  26  is ignited, the flames  12  are also directed perpendicular to the top plate  16 . The frame  32  may be formed to a recess plate  42  of the top plate  16 . 
         [0030]    The lip  20 , a riser  44 , frame  32  and recess plate  42  may collectively define the top plate  16 . The recess plate  42  may have a generally flat configuration and may also be generally parallel with the ground. The frame  32  may be attached to the recess plate  42  and sealed to the recess plate  42  such that the combustible gas may not escape out of the gas chamber  24  between the frame  32  and the recess plate  42 . By way of example and not limitation, the frame  32  may be welded to the recess plate  42 . Alternatively, the frame  32  as well as other features of the top plate  16  may be formed via a hydroforming process discussed further below. The recess plate  42  may be attached or formed onto the lip  20  of the top plate  16  via the riser  44 . The riser  44  may have a frustal conical configuration wherein an inner periphery of the riser  44  is attached to the outer periphery of the recess plate  42  and an outer periphery of the riser  44  is attached to the inner periphery of the lip  20  of the top plate  16 . 
         [0031]    The recess plate  42 , frame  32  and a mounting base  46  may form a plurality of recesses. By way of example and not limitation, in relation to the yin/yang gas burner, the first and second frames  34 ,  36 , recess plate  42  and the mounting base  46  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  form a first recess  47   a  (see  FIG. 1 ), a second recess  47   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) and a third recess  47   c  (see  FIG. 1 ). The first and second recesses  47   a, b  are defined by the recess plate  42  and the first and second frames  34 ,  36 . The third recess  47   c  is defined by the first frame  34 , recess plate  42  and the mounting base  46  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0032]    Glass beads  14  may be disposed within the first, second and third recesses  47   a, b, c.  Although the gas burner  10  shown and discussed herein has three recesses  47   a, b, c , it is contemplated that the gas burner  10  may have one or more recesses. The glass beads  14  may be illuminated by the ignited flames  12  produced at the first and second sets of gas apertures. The ignited flames  12  may have a generally blue bottom portion and a generally yellow upper portion. The flames  12  may illuminate the glass beads  14  disposed within the first, second and third recesses  47   a, b, c . The glass beads  14  may be illuminated into different colors and shades of light. For example, the glass beads  14  may be illuminated as a yellow color, white color, black color, blue color, green color and other colors by the ignited flames  12 . 
         [0033]    The gas burner  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may have flames  12  and illuminated glass beads  14  arranged so as to resemble the yin/yang symbol. To this end, the first, second and third recesses  47   a, b, c  may be filled with first and second sets of glass beads  14 . The glass beads  14  may generally lay lower than the pinnacle  38  of the frames  34 ,  36  (see  FIG. 2 ) such that the resulting flame is generally above the glass beads  14 . The first set of glass beads  14  may have a generally black color when illuminated. The first set of glass beads  14  may be generally disposed throughout the first recess  47   a  except for a central portion  48  of a top portion of the first recess  47   a . The second set of glass beads  14  may have a generally white color when illuminated by the resulting flames  12 . The second set of glass beads  14  may be disposed within the central portion  48  of the top portion of the first recess  47   a . The second set of glass beads  14  may be aggregated in a circular configuration. 
         [0034]    The second recess  47   b  may have first and second sets of glass beads  14  disposed therein. The first and second sets of glass beads  14  disposed in the second recess  47   b  may have a reverse configuration as that of the first recess. In particular, the second set of glass beads  14  may be generally disposed throughout the second recess  47   b  except for a central portion  50  of a lower portion of the second recess  47   b . The first set of glass beads  14  may be disposed within the second recess  47   b  at the central portion  50  of the lower portion of the second recess  47   b . The first set of glass beads  14  may be aggregated into a circular configuration. 
         [0035]    The third recess  47   c  may have the first set or second set of glass beads  14  generally disposed therewithin. 
         [0036]    After the glass beads  14  are disposed within the first, second and third recesses  47   a, b, c  the gas chamber  24  may be filled with combustible gas. The combustible gas may be ejected vertically upward out of the gas apertures  26  formed in the first and second frames  34 ,  36 . The user may ignite the combustible gas. Once ignited, flames  12  are produced along the gas apertures  26  of the first and second sets  28 ,  32 . The flames  12  may illuminate the glass beads  14  such that the flames  12  and the illuminated glass beads  14  collectively resemble the yin/yang symbol. The flames may also illuminate the glass beads  14  disposed within the third recess  47   c  to complete the yin/yang symbol. 
         [0037]    The glass beads  14  may be tumbled, polished and tempered, as further explained in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2005/0126225A1 and US20060101854A1, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. The glass beads  14  may have different shapes such as spherical, tear drop, or any other configuration. 
         [0038]    The bottom plate  18  may comprise the lip  22 , a riser  52  and an enclosure plate  54 . The riser  52  may have a frustal conical configuration. The riser  52  of the bottom plate  18  may have a mirror configuration compared to the riser  44  of the top plate  16 . The lip  22  of the bottom plate  18  may be joined to the lip  20  of the top plate  16 . An inner periphery of the riser  52  of the bottom plate  18  may also be joined to the outer periphery of the enclosure plate  54 . The enclosure plate  54  may have a generally flat configuration and be parallel with respect to the recess plate  42 . When the lips  20 ,  22  of the top and bottom plates  16 ,  18  are joined, the top and bottom plates  16 ,  18  form the gas chamber  24 . A gas inlet  56  (see  FIG. 2 ) may be formed through the enclosure plate  54 . Preferably, the gas inlet  56  is centrally disposed in the enclosure plate  54 . The gas inlet  56  may be sized and configured to receive a gas line  58  (see  FIG. 3 ) which may be remotely turned on to introduce combustible gas into the gas chamber  24  and off to prevent the introduction of combustible gas into the gas chamber  24 . 
         [0039]    A gas disbursing chamber  60  (see  FIG. 2 ) may also be disposed within the gas chamber  24 . The disbursing chamber  60  may comprise a baffle  62  and a stand  64 . The baffle  62  may have a generally circular configuration and be fabricated from a solid piece of material. The stand  64  may have a generally cylindrical configuration and may circumscribe the gas inlet  56 . A plurality of dispersing apertures  66  (see  FIG. 1 ) may be formed through the stand  64  which disperses the combustible gas throughout the gas chamber  24 . A lower end of the stand  64  may be attached to the top surface of the enclosure plate  54 . Also, a bottom surface  68  of the baffle  62  may be attached to the upper end of the stand  64 . When gas line  58  is turned on, combustible gas is introduced into gas line  58  and the gas dispersing chamber  60 . The combustible gas flows onto the bottom surface  68  of the baffle  62  and is dispersed radially outward and toward the dispersing apertures  66  formed in the stand  64 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The combustible gas exits the dispersing chamber and enters the gas chamber  24 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The combustible gas fills the gas chamber  24  and exits the gas chamber  24  through the gas apertures  26  formed in the frames  34 ,  36 . 
         [0040]    The gas burner  10  may be mounted within a table, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The table may comprise a table top  70  (see  FIG. 2 ) and four legs. The four legs may be positioned vertically and the table top  70  secured to the upper most ends of the legs. The table top  70  may define a length, width and depth. The length and width of the table top  70  may be greater than a length and width of the gas burner  10 . Also, the depth of the table top  70  may be greater than a thickness of the gas burner  10 . To mount the gas burner  10  in the table top  70 , an upper surface  72  of the table top  70  may be formed with a cavity  74 . The cavity  74  may be sized and configured to receive the gas burner  10 . More particularly, the length and width of the cavity  74  may be greater than the length and width of the gas burner  10 . Also, the depth of the cavity  74  may be greater than the thickness of the gas burner  10 . An aperture  76  may be formed through a bottom surface  78  of the cavity  74  to permit the gas line  58  to connect to the gas inlet  56 . The aperture  76  may be sized, configured and positioned to receive the gas inlet  56  of the bottom plate  18 . Once the cavity  74  is formed, the gas burner  10  is disposed within the cavity  74 . An outer periphery  80  of the mounting base  46  may have a configuration that corresponds to an inner periphery  82  of the cavity  74 . Also, the bottom end  84  of the mounting base  46  may have a configuration that corresponds to the riser  44  and lip  20  of the top plate  16 . The mounting base  46  may be secured (e.g., adhesive, bolt connection, etc.) to the table top  70  so as to secure the gas burner  10  within the table top  70 . 
         [0041]    Alternatively, the gas burner  10  may be mounted within the ground  85 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . To mount the gas burner  10  in the ground, a hole  86  may be dug within the ground  85 . The hole  86  may be sized and configured to receive the gas burner  10 . More particularly, the length and width of the hole  86  may be greater than the length and width of the gas burner  10 . Also, a depth of the hole  86  may be greater than the thickness of the gas burner  10 . The gas line  58  may be routed to a bottom surface  88  of the hole  86  such that the gas line  58  and the gas inlet  56  may be connected to each other. Once the hole  86  is formed, the gas inlet  56  of the gas burner  10  may be connected to the gas line  58 . Also, the gas burner  10  may be disposed in the hole  86  and leveled. Similar to the table top mounted gas burner  10 , the outer periphery  80  of the mounting base  46  may have a configuration that corresponds to the inner periphery  90  of the hole  86 . Also, the bottom end  84  of the mounting base  46  may have a configuration that corresponds to the riser  44  and lip  20  of the top plate  16 . The mounting base  46  may be secured (e.g., adhesive, bolt connection, etc.) to the ground so as to secure the gas burner  10  within the ground. 
         [0042]    The top plate  16  may be fabricated via a hydroforming process. By way of example, a sheet of aluminum or other malleable material may be placed within a negative die having a configuration of the top plate  16 . The die is pressurized with fluid to force the sheet to have the shape of the negative die. In particular, the negative die may have a mirror configuration in relation to the top plate  16 , namely, the lip  20  of the top plate  16 , the riser  44  of the top plate  16 , the frame  32  and recess plate  42 . A sheet of material (e.g., aluminum, etc.) may be placed within the die. The die and sheet may be pressurized with fluid to force the sheet to have the shape of the negative die. After the sheet&#39;s shape is formed, the gas apertures  26  may be formed in the frame  32  to complete fabrication of the top plate  16 . The bottom plate  18  may also be fabricated via the hydroforming process. 
         [0043]    The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.