PORTABLE FIRE PIT

A portable fire pit includes a base and a burner assembly. The burner assembly includes a top plate and a gas burner fixed to and supported by the top plate. The top plate is supported by the base. The burner assembly is supported on the base by the top plate. The top plate is removably engaged with the base. A top surface of the portable fire pit is defined at least in part by the top plate. The gas burner is positioned to generate a flame above the top surface.

BACKGROUND

Fire pits are operated in outdoor settings for aesthetic appearance and/or localized heat. Fire pits may be, for example, operated on residential patios, public patios and gathering areas, etc. Unlike furnaces, heating burners, cooking burners (e.g., barbeques), etc., the top surface of a fire pit is open so that flames are visible during operation of the fire pit. In other words, the fire pit is uncovered for viewing the flames.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a fire pit10is generally shown. Components of the fire pit10can be assembled in an assembled position, e.g., as shown inFIGS.1,2, and4-6. In some examples, including the examples shown in the Figures, the fire pit10is portable. The components of the fire pit10can be disassembled and packed for storage and/or transportation. In the examples shown in the Figures, the components of the fire pit10can be packed flat for compact storage and/or transportation, as described further below. As an example, the fire pit10can be packed flat for storage and/or transportation, e.g., in a bag. In a disassembled position, the components of the fire pit10are designed to be assembled together in the assembled position, as described herein. When assembled, the fire pit10can be lifted as a unit and relocated. The components of the fire pit10have a size, shape, orientation, and/or other characteristics specifically intended to be assembled together in the assembled position.

The fire pit10includes a base12and a burner assembly14. The base12may be an assembly, i.e., a base assembly16, that includes multiple components assembled together. In the example shown in the Figures, the base assembly16includes four panels18that can be assembled into a four-sided, open-ended polyhedron. In the example shown inFIGS.1-14, the four panels18are each trapezoidal-shaped and are assembled as a truncated-pyramidal tube, i.e., hollow with an outer surface that is frusto-pyramidal with an open top and bottom. In other examples, for example inFIGS.16and17, the four panels18may be rectangular and may be assembled as a rectangular tube, i.e., a hollow cuboid with two open ends opposing each other. The four panels18in the assembled position define a cavity42that is open at two ends of the base assembly16. In some examples, the base assembly16includes retainers44that hold the four panels18together in the assembled position, as described further below.

In some examples, such as the example shown inFIGS.1-14, the four panels18, more specifically, include a first side panel20, a second side panel22, a first end panel24, and a second end panel26. Any one of the side panels20,22and end panels24,26may be arranged at the front, back, left, or right of the fire pit10with the side panels20,22and the end panels24,26in alternating arrangement, i.e., each side panel20,22is between two end panels24,26, and each end panel24,26is between two side panels20,22. In the example shown inFIGS.1-14, the first side panel20is at the front, the second side panel22is at the back, the first end panel24is at the left, and the second end panel26is at the right.

With reference toFIGS.12-14, the burner assembly14includes a top plate28and a gas burner30supported by the top plate28. With reference toFIG.14, the burner assembly14may include a box32that houses the gas burner30and/or other components of the burner assembly14, e.g., fuel lines34, a gas inlet36, ignition components (not shown), a thermocouple38, an automatic shut-off valve40, etc. With reference toFIGS.1-6, the burner assembly14is disposed in the cavity42of the base assembly16and/or at a top end of the cavity42. The burner assembly14is supported by the base assembly16in the assembled position. Specifically, the top plate28of the burner assembly14may be supported by one or more of the panels18of the base assembly16, as described further below. The burner assembly14is assembled to the base assembly16as a unit, i.e., the top plate28, the gas burner30, the box32, and the other components of the gas burner30in the box32move together as a unit as the burner assembly14is assembled to and disassembled from the base assembly16.

As described further below, the four panels18are positioned in an assembled position. For example, in some examples, the four panels18are assembled and the retainers44are engaged to retain the four panels18assembled together in the assembled position. The burner assembly14is then assembled to the base assembly16as a unit.

The gas burner30is connected to a fuel source (not shown) before, during, or after assembly of the burner assembly14to the base assembly16. In some examples, a fuel tank, e.g., a 20-pound propane tank, may be spaced from the fire pit10and connected to the gas burner30with the fuel line34such as, for example, a flexible gas line. In other examples, a fuel tank, e.g., a 5-pound propane tank, may fit within the cavity42of the base assembly16when the four panels18are assembled. The gas inlet36may include a releasable connection for connection to a hose from the fuel source, including, in some examples, releasable connections that are currently known.

In some examples, including the example shown inFIGS.1-14, when the four panels18are assembled together, the retainers44are engaged, and the burner assembly14is assembled to the base assembly16, the components of the fire pit10are rigidly retained together for operation of a flame on the burner assembly14. The rigid retention of the components of the burner assembly14allows for lifting and relocation of the fire pit10, e.g., when a flame is not being operated on burner assembly14, without disassembling components of the fire pit10. The four panels18of the base assembly16may be disassembled from each other and packed flat for storage and/or transportation. The burner assembly14may be disassembled from the four panels18and packed flat along with the four panels18. As an example, the burner assembly14may be packed flat in a bag.

Several examples of the fire pit10and components thereof are shown in the Figures. Common numerals are used to identify common features in the various examples. Various components of the examples shown in the Figures and described below can be interchangeable among the various examples. Merely by way of example, one example of the fire pit10is shown inFIGS.1-14. Other examples of the base assembly16are shown inFIGS.15-20, respectively. The example base assemblies16inFIGS.15-17may be used with the burner assembly14shown inFIGS.12-14. The burner assembly14in the example inFIGS.18-20may include features to lock the base assembly16in the assembled position, as described further below, and may otherwise be the same as the burner assembly15shown inFIGS.12-14.

The base assembly16supports the burner assembly14. In other words, the weight of the burner assembly14is borne by the base assembly16in the assembled position, for example as shown inFIGS.1,2, and17-19.

The base assembly16includes panels18arranged with a cavity42therebetween. The cavity42of the base assembly16in the assembled position houses at least a portion of the burner assembly14, e.g., the box32and/or the top plate28, and may house a fuel source, e.g., a propane tank.

As set forth above, in some examples, the base assembly16includes four panels18. In the examples shown in the Figures, the four panels18include the first side panel20, the second side panel22, the first end panel24, and the second end panel26. Any of the four panels18may be labeled a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, or a fourth panel, with the numerical adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth,” used as identifiers for the panels18and not indicating order or importance. The panels18may be metal. As an example, each of the four panels18may be of the same type of metal. As examples, the panels18may be steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, etc.

With reference toFIGS.1-7, the first side panel20and the second side panel22may be similar or identical to each other. In the example shown in the Figures, the first side panel20is identical to the second side panel22except that the first side panel20includes a void that provides access to the burner assembly14, as described further below. The first end panel24and the second end panel26may be similar or identical to each other. In the example shown in the Figures, the first end panel24and the second end panel26are identical to each other. The first end panel24and the second end panel26are duplicates and interchangeable with each other in the assembled position.

The end panels24,26and the side panels20,22are engageable with each other in the assembled position. In the examples shown in the Figures, in the assembled position, the first end panel24and the second end panel26are opposite each other relative to the cavity42and the first side panel20and second side panel22are opposite each other relative to the cavity42. The first end panel24and the second end panel26are spaced from each other, and the first side panel20and the second side panel22are spaced from each other. In the assembled position, the first end panel24extends from the first side panel20to the second side panel22and the second end panel26extends from the first side panel20to the second side panel22. The base assembly16may have retainers44and/or locators46on the panels18for locating the panels18relative to each other and for selectively retaining the panels18to each other in the assembled position.

In the example shown in the Figures, two of the panels18, e.g., the end panels24,26, each include a first corner48, a second corner50, and an intermediate portion52extending from the first corner48to the second corner50. Each end panel24,26includes a first bracket54at the first corner48and a second bracket56at the second corner50. Two of the panels18, e.g., the side panels20,22, each include a first flange58, a second flange60, and middle portion70extending from the first flange58to the second flange60.

The end panels24,26and the side panels20,22are designed such that, in the assembled position, the side panels20,22each extend from the first corner48of one of the end panels24,26to second corner50of the other of the end panels24,26. In the assembled position, the side panels20,22extend from the first corner48of one end panel24,26to the second corner50of the other end panel24,26.

The end panels24,26and side panels20,22are designed to interlock with each other with a flush appearance. The first corner48of each end panel24,26has a first planar outer surface62and the second corner50of each end panel24,26has a second planar outer surface64. Each side panel20,22has a planar outer surface66that is coplanar the planar outer surfaces62,64of adjacent ones of the corners48,50. Specifically, the planar outer surface66of the first side panel20is coplanar with both first planar outer surface62of the first corner48of the first end panel24and the second planar outer surface64of the second corner50of the second end panel26. The planar outer surface66of the second side panel22is coplanar with both the second planar outer surface64of the second corner50of the first end panel24and the and the first planar outer surface62of the first corner48of the second end panel26.

The first flange58of the first side panel20and the second flange60of the first side panel20are coplanar with each other and in a plane separate from and parallel to the planar outer surface66of the first side panel20. Similarly, the first flange58of the second side panel22and the second flange60of the second side panel22are coplanar with each other and in a plane separate from and parallel to the planar outer surface66of the second side panel22. The first flange58is positioned inside the first corner48of one of the end panels24,26and the second flange60is positioned inside the second corner50of the other of the end panels24,26. In other words, the first flange58and the second flange60of the first side panel20are recessed relative to the first corner48of the first end panel24and the second corner50of the second end panel26in the assembled position. Similarly, the first flange58and the second flange60of the second side panel22are recessed relative to the first corner48of the second end panel26and the second corner50of the first end panel24in the assembled position.

The side panels20,22interlock with the end panels24,26at the corners48,50. In the examples shown inFIGS.1-17, for each side panel20,22, the first flange58is designed to, in the assembled position, extend between the first corner48and the first bracket54of one of the end panels24,26. The second flange60is designed to, in the assembled position, extend between the second corner50and the second bracket56of the other of the end panels24,26. For each side panel20,22, in the assembled position, the first flange58of the side panel20,22is positioned between the first corner48and the first bracket54of one end panel24,26, and the second flange60of the side panel20,22is positioned between the second corner50and the second bracket56of the other end panel24,26.

The flanges56,58are designed to abut the end panels24,26. Specifically, the flanges56,58are designed to engage channels74between the corner48,50and the bracket54,56in the assembled position. Specifically, the flanges56,58are sized, shaped, and positioned the extend into the channels74. As an example, the flanges56,58define a recess68designed to receive the respective end panel24,26. As identified inFIG.8A-Band12, the recess68may have a depth D and the corner may have a thickness TC sized so that planar outer surface62,64of the corner48,50is flush with the planar outer surface66of the side panel20,22. For example, the depth D may be equal to, or slightly larger than, the thickness TC of the corner48,50. The depth D of the recess68and the thickness TC of the corner48,50are sized so that the flange58,60fits between the corner48,50and the bracket54,56with a clearance fit or a press fit (also referred to as an interference fit).

With continued reference toFIGS.8A-Band12, the flange58,60may abut both the corner48,50and the bracket54,56in the assembled position. For example, the thickness TF of the flange58,60and a width CW of the channel74may be sized so that the flange58,60fit between the corner48,50and the bracket54,56with a clearance fit or a press fit (also referred to as an interference fit). For example, the channel74has a width CW that is equal to, or slightly larger than, the thickness TF of the flange58,60.

The side panels20,22each include a middle portion70that includes the planar outer surface66. The middle portion70and the flanges56,58are planar and elongated in their respective planes. The flanges56,58may be coplanar, and the plane of the planar outer surface66of the middle portion70may be parallel to the plane of the flanges56,58. The middle portion70and the flanges56,58may be unitary, as shown in the examples in the Figures. “Unitary” means a single, uniform piece of material with no seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives holding it together, i.e., formed together simultaneously as a single continuous unit, e.g., by stamping, molding, forging, casting, machining from a unitary blank, etc. In other examples the flanges56,58may be non-unitary with the middle portion70, i.e., are formed separately and subsequently assembled, e.g., by welding, bonding, adhesive, etc.

For each end panel20,22, the intermediate portion52extends from the first corner48to the second corner50. The intermediate portion52has a planar outer surface68extending from the first corner48to the second corner50. The planar outer surface68of the intermediate portion52may be perpendicular to the first planar outer surface62of the first corner48and the second planar outer surface64of the second corner50.

The intermediate portion52and the corners48,50may be unitary, as shown in the examples in the Figures. In the example shown in the Figures, the corner48,50may be formed by bending the end panel24,26. In other examples, the unitary corners may be formed together simultaneously as a single continuous unit by, for example, molding, forging, casting, machining from a unitary blank, etc. In other examples the corners48,50may be non-unitary with the intermediate portion52, i.e., formed separately and subsequently assembled, e.g., by welding, bonding, adhesive, etc.

Each bracket54,56is fixed to the intermediate portion52and/or the corners48,50at the corner48,50. In the example shown in the Figures, the brackets54,56are fixed to the intermediate portion52at the corner48,50. Specifically, the bracket54,56is spaced from the respective corner48,50defining the respective channel74therebetween. In the assembled position, the channel74is elongated upright. As identified inFIG.7, the channel74has a width CW sized to receive the flange58,60. Specifically, the width CW of the channel74and the thickness TF of the flange58,60(identified inFIGS.8A-Band12) may be sized for a clearance fit, and more specifically, a slide fit. In such an example, the width CW of the channel74and the thickness TF of the flange58,60are sized so that the flange58,60can be slid into the channel74and sits in the channel74without play between the flange58,60and the channel74. In the example shown in the Figures, the bracket54,56is formed separately from the intermediate portion52and subsequently assembled to the intermediate portion52, e.g., by welding, bonding, adhesive, fastener, etc.

The base assembly16includes one or more retainers44releasably connecting the end panels24,26and the side panels20,22. The retainers44retain the panels18relative to each other in the assembled position. In some examples, including the examples shown in the Figures, the panels18are compressed toward each other by multiple retainers44. Locators46may operate in conjunction with the retainers44to retain the four sides to each other, as described further below.

The base12may include one or more retainers44between the first end panel24and second end panel26and/or the first side panel20and second side panel22. The example shown in the Figures includes multiple retainers44with each retainer44releasably connecting one of the end panels24,26and one of the side panels20,22. Specifically, the example inFIGS.1-11includes eight retainers44, with two retainers44between the first end panel24and the first side panel20, two retainers44between the first end panel24and the second side panel22, two retainers44between the second end panel26and the first side panel20, and two retainers44between the second end panel26and the second side panel22.

As described further below, various examples of retainers44are shown in the examples in Figures. One example of the retainer44is shown inFIGS.1-11. Other examples of the retainer44are shown inFIGS.15-18, respectively. Any one or more of these various examples of retainers44disclosed herein may be used with each other and/or with any one or more of the various examples of locators46disclosed herein. The retainers44may be in the cavity42below the top plate28, as shown in the examples in the Figures.

In the example shown inFIGS.1-11, the retainers44are draw latch assemblies76. The draw latch assemblies76have components on the first side panel20, the second side panel22, the first end panel24and the second end panel26, as described below. The draw latch assemblies76are moveable from an unlatched position (FIG.8A) to a latched position (FIG.8B). The draw latch assemblies76draw the first side panel20and the second side panel22toward the first end panel24and the second end panel26when the draw latch assemblies76are moved from the unlatched position to the latched position. The draw latch assemblies76are selectively moveable from the unlatched position to the latched position to assemble the fire pit10and from the latched position to the unlatched position to disassemble the fire pit10. In other words, the draw latch assemblies76are lockable and releasable at the selection of the user.

With reference toFIGS.8A,8B, and10-11, each draw latch assembly76includes a latch78and a keeper80. The latch78is moveable relative to the keeper80to move the draw latch assembly76between the unlatched position and the latched position.

The latch78includes a base82and a handle84pivotally connected to the base82. Specifically, a hinge86rotatably connects the handle84to the base82and the handle84is rotatable relative to the base82about the hinge86. The latch78includes a clasp88fixed to the handle84at a position spaced from the hinge86. The clasp88is rotatable relative to the handle84. Specifically, the clasp88is rotatable about a rotational axis spaced from and parallel to the rotational axis of the hinge86. The keeper80includes a finger90that is engageable by the clasp88in the latched position.

In the example shown inFIGS.1-11, the latches78are on the first side panel20and the second side panel22and the keepers80are on the first end panel24and the second end panel26. Specifically, the keepers80are fixed to the first end panel24and the second end panel26, e.g., to the brackets54,56, by, for example, unitary formation, welding, fastener, etc. The base82of the latches78are fixed to the first side panel20and the second side panel22by, for example, welding, fastener, etc. In other examples, the latches78may be on the first end panel24and the second end panel26and the keepers80may be on the first side panel20and the second side panel22.

In the example shown inFIGS.1-11, to assemble the fire pit10, the flanges56,58are inserted into the channels74, in which position the latches78are aligned with the keepers80. The handle84and the clasp88are positioned so that the clasp88engages the keeper80. The handle84is then rotated relative to the base82to lock the clasp88on the keeper80, i.e., to the latched position. During this movement, the draw latch assembly76draws the first side panel20and the second side panel22toward the first end panel24and the second end panel26and maintain the panels18in position until the draw latch assembly76is moved to the unlatched position. Specifically, to move the draw latch assembly76to the unlatched position, the handle84is rotated relative to the base82to release the clasp88from the keeper80and the clasp88can then be rotated away from the keeper80to release the panels18relative to each other.

In the example shown inFIGS.1-11, the fire pit10includes eight draw latch assemblies76, i.e., two at each of the four corners48,50of the fire pit10. In other examples, the fire pit10can have any suitable number of draw latch assemblies76and one or more draw latch assembly76may be used with other types of retainers44, including the other example retainers44described herein.

As another example, the retainer44inFIG.15is a bail92rotatably connected to one of the first end panel24or the second end panel26and engageable with the other of the first end panel24or the second end panel26. For example, one of the first end panel24or the second end panel26includes the bail92and the other of the first end panel24or the second end panel26includes a hook94releasably engageable by the bail92.

The bail92is rotatably engaged with the first end panel24/second end panel26to engage the hook94when rotated to the engaged position. Specifically, the bail92is rotated relative to the first end panel24/second end panel26into engagement with the hook94and out of engagement with the respective hook94. For example, as shown inFIG.11, the bail92may be rotatably engaged with the first end panel24/second end panel26with a rotatable hinge. The hinge may be, for example, a hollow barrel and the bail92may include two ends that rotatably engage the hollow barrel, as shown in the examples inFIG.15.

The bail92engages the hook94in an engaged position and is releasable from the hook94to a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the engagement of the bail92with the hook94retains the first end panel24and the second end panel26to each other and retains the first side panel20/second side panel22sandwiched therebetween.

The hook94is shaped to be engaged by the bail92. For example, the hook94has a finger extending transversely from the first end panel24/second end panel26. The finger may resiliently engage the bail92when the bail92is engaged with the hook94. The finger may be resiliently displaced by the bail92as the bail92engages the hook94. In other words, the bail92may be sized and shaped so that the bail92displaces the finger as the bail92is engaged with the hook94and the finger may be designed to be at a design position absent bias by the bail92and to resiliently move when biased by the bail92. The finger resumes the design position when bias from the bail92is removed, i.e., when the bail92is disengaged with the finger. The finger may be designed to resiliently bias the bail92toward the hook94in the engaged position. In other words, in such an example, the hook94pulls the bail92and maintains the bail92in tension to pull together the first end panel24and the second end panel26. Specifically, the finger of the hook94on the first end panel24pulls the bail92of the second end panel26toward the first end panel24in the engaged position and the finger of the hook94on the second end panel26pulls the bail92of the first end panel24toward the second end panel26in the engaged position. This places the first side panel20and the second side panel22in compression between the first end panel24and the second end panel26with the bails92are engaged with the hooks94in such an example.

In the example shown inFIG.15, the first end panel24and the second end panel26each include two bails92and two hooks94. The two bails92of the first end panel24are positioned to engage the two hooks94on the second end panel26aid and the two bails92on the second end panel26are positioned to engage the two hooks94on the first end panel24in the assembled position. As another example, the first end panel24and the second end panel26each include one bail92and one hook94, or any suitable number of bails92and hooks94.

The bail92may include two branches parallel to each other, as shown in the examples inFIG.15. For example, the branches may be unitary and may meet at an open end. The two ends of the bail92may meet at and engage the hinge. At least one of the two branches may include finger-grips that can be used by an operator to pull the bail92between the engaged and disengaged positions.

The bail92may rotate about an upright axis or a horizontal axis between the engaged position and the disengaged position. For example, in the example shown inFIG.15, the bails92each rotate about an upright axis. The upright axis is elongated along a line that is between 70 to 110 degrees from horizontal, i.e., when the fire pit10is on a horizontal surface. The upright axis may be vertical. In examples in which the bail92rotates about an upright axis, the finger of the hook94can extend generally horizontally from the first side panel20/second side panel22. In the other examples, the bails92can rotate about a horizontal axis. In such an example, the finger of the hook94can extend upwardly. For example, the hook94can include a base12extending from the first side panel20/second side panel22and the hook94may extend upwardly from the base12.

Another example of the retainer44is shown inFIG.16. The retainers44inFIG.16include removeable pins96that engage the first side panel20to the first end panel24and the second end panel26and that engage the second side panel22to the first end panel24and the second end panel26. When the panels18are in the assembled position, the pins96are engaged with the panels18to retain the panels18in the assembled position and may be removed for disassembly of the panels18, e.g., for storage, packing, etc.

In the example shown inFIG.16, the retainers44each include braces98on adjacent ones of the panels18. In the assembled position, each brace98abuts one of the braces98of an adjacent one of the panels18in the assembled position. Each brace98defines a hole and, in the assembled position, the holes are coaxial to receive one of the pins96. In the example shown inFIG.16, each panel18includes a plurality of braces98interleaved with a plurality of braces98of the adjacent one of the panels18. For example, the first side panel20includes four braces98interleaved with four braces98of the second end panel26and the first side panel20includes four braces98interleaved with four braces98of the first end panel24. Similarly, the second side panel22includes four braces98interleaved with four braces98of the second end panel26and the second side panel22includes four braces98interleaved with four braces98of the first end panel24.

The braces98of each may be grouped into pairs that both receive one of the pins96. For example, in the example shown inFIG.16, the first side panel20includes four pairs of braces98, specifically, two pairs of braces98interleaved with two pairs of braces98of the second end panel26and two pairs of braces98interleaved with two pairs of braces98of the second end panel26. Four pins96engage the four pairs of braces, respectively. Similarly, the second side panel22includes four pairs of braces98, specifically, two pairs of braces98interleaved with two pairs of braces98of the second end panel26and two pairs of braces98interleaved with two pairs of braces98of the second end panel26.

The braces98and holes may be oriented in the assembled position such that the pin96is elongated generally upright in the assembled position. The pin96may include a releasable lock to selectively retain the pin96in the hole, e.g., a spring-loaded ball. The pin96may include a handle, e.g., a ring, to aid in removal of the pin96.

In the example shown inFIG.17, the retainer44is a magnet100. In the example shown inFIG.17, the base assembly16includes a plurality of magnets100. The magnet100is on one of the four panels18and magnetically attracts an adjacent one of the four panels18. In such an example, the adjacent one of the four panels18is of a ferromagnetic material that is magnetically attracted to the magnet100. As set forth above, for example, the four panels18may be steel, stainless steel, etc. In other examples, the four panels18may be of a non-ferromagnetic material and may include pads of a ferromagnetic material positioned on the four panels18to be attracted to the magnets100. The magnet100may be of any suitable type, including rare earth magnets100such as neodymium.

In the example shown inFIG.17, the first end panel24/second end panel26may include one or more magnets100on the corners48,50and positioned to magnetically attract the first side panel20/second side panel22, e.g., the flanges56,58. As set forth above, various components of the examples shown in the Figures and described below can be interchangeable among the various examples. For example, the example shown inFIG.17may include the brackets54,56, channels74, etc. As another example, the magnets100may be combined with any of the other example retainers44disclosed herein.

The base assembly16may include a locator46releasably interlocking each end panel24,26and side panel20,22. The first end panel24/second end panel26and the first side panel20/second side panel22include locators46that align the first end panel24/second end panel26with the first side panel20/second side panel22during assembly and in the assembled position. The locators46may retain the panels18in the assembled position in addition to or in the alternative to the retainers44. For example, the fire pit10may include one or more locators46in addition to one or more retainers44or may include one or more locators46in the alternative to the one or more retainers44. One example of the locators46is shown in the example base assembly16inFIGS.1-14and another example of the locator46is shown in the example base assembly16inFIG.16. Any one or more of these various examples of locators46disclosed herein may be used with each other and/or with any one or more of the various examples of retainers44disclosed herein.

As one example of the locators46, the first end panel24/second end panel26has one of a slot102or a tab104and the first side panel20/second side panel22has the other of the slot102or the tab104. In those examples shown in the Figures, the first side panel20and second side panel22each have the tab104, and the first end panel24and second end panel26each have the slot102. Specifically, the first side panel20and second side panel22each have multiple tabs104vertically spaced from each other in the assembled position, and the first end panel24and second end panel26have a corresponding number of slots102similarly vertically spaced from each other in the assembled position to receive the corresponding tab104.

For each end panel24,26, the first bracket54and the second bracket56each include one of a slot102or a tab104, and each side panel20,22includes the other of the slot102or the tab104on each of the flanges56,58. In the example shown inFIGS.1-14, for each end panel24,26, the first bracket54and the second bracket56each define one instance of the slot102, and each side panel20,22includes a tab104on each of the flanges56,58.

The tabs104and slots102are designed such that the tabs104are engaged with the slots102in the assembled position. In the assembled position, the tabs104are engaged with the slots102, as shown, for example, inFIG.10.

In examples including at least one tab104and corresponding slot102, the tab104may be elongated horizontally and the corresponding slot102may be elongated horizontally. Accordingly, the tab104and the slot102engage each other in a horizontal plane. In such examples, the engagement of the tab104and the corresponding slot102may bear at least some of the weight of the fire pit10in the event the fire pit10is vertically lifted, e.g., by lifting upwardly at a handle106for relocation of the fire pit10. This assists in retention of the assembly of the panels18in the assembled position during relocation of the fire pit10.

Each corresponding slot102and tab104interlock. The side panels20,22and the end panels24,26interlock at the slot102and the tab104. This interlock provides rigidity to the base assembly16. This interlock provides portability, as described above. This interlock also distributes downward forces on the base assembly16among the panels18through the engagement of the slots102and tabs104. The downward forces may include the weight of the burner assembly14and may also include the weight of substrate on the burner assembly14, e.g., lava rocks, river rocks, fire glass, etc.

In examples including at least one tab104and corresponding slot102, the retainers44may pull the first end panel24and the second end panel26toward each other. Specifically, the engagement of the retainers44compress the first side panel20between the first end panel24and the second end panel26and compress the second side panel22between the first end panel24and the second end panel26. In the example shown inFIGS.1-14, the engagement of the latches78and hooks94pull the first end panel24and the second end panel26toward each other to retain the tab104in the slot102. As another example in the example shown inFIG.15, the bails92and the hooks94compress the first side panel20and the second side panel22between the first end panel24and the second end panel26, as described above, which compresses the tabs104against the respective slots102.

Another example of the locator46is shown in the examples inFIG.16. Specifically, the locator46inFIG.16includes a spring-loaded member108on one of the panels18and a detent on the other of the panels18that is engaged by the spring-loaded member108in the assembled position. In the examples shown inFIG.16, the first side panel20and the second side panel22each include the spring-loaded member108and the first end panel24and the second end panel26each include corresponding detents. In other examples, the first end panel24and the second end panel26may include the spring-loaded member108and the first side panel20and the second side panel22may include corresponding detents.

The spring-loaded member108may include, for example, a barrel that retains a spring and a ball biased by the spring. The ball extends proud of an end of the barrel and is resiliently compressible into the barrel against the bias of the spring. For example, the ball is recessed into the barrel during assembly of the panels18and extends into the detent110when aligned with the detent110in the assembled position. To disengage the panels18sufficient force is applied to the respective panels18to recess the ball into the barrel against the bias of the spring to remove the ball from the recess.

The panels18may include legs112at a bottom end of the panel18in the assembled position, as shown in each of the examples in the Figures. The legs112may define a cutout therebetween such that the legs112abut ground under the fire pit10and the panels18are spaced from the ground at the cutout. The legs112provide stability to the fire pit10in the assembled position, for example, including in examples in which the fire pit10is placed on slightly uneven ground.

The example shown inFIGS.1-14includes feet114at the bottom of the fire pit10. In the example shown inFIGS.1-14, the feet114are on the front side and the rear side of the fire pit10. The feet114extend inwardly below the cavity42. The foot114includes a metal base12, e.g., unitary with the side, and may include a polymeric covering. The polymeric covering may be a pad or a coating. The polymeric covering may be, for example, rubber, nylon, etc.

The fire pit10includes handles106. The handles106may be used to relocate the fire pit10in the assembled position. In the examples shown in the Figures, the first end panel24and the second end panel26may include handles106. In other examples any one or more of the panels18may include the handles106. In the example shown in the Figures, the handle106is a void in the panel18. Specifically, the void extends through the panel18from the outer surface to an inner surface.

As set forth above, the burner assembly14includes the top plate28and the gas burner30supported by the top plate28. The gas burner30may be of any suitable type. The gas burner30, for example, may provide a decorative flame. The gas burner30may be designed to burn gas such as propane, liquified natural gas, etc. The gas burner30, in some examples, may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,571,117, which is hereby incorporated by reference, and/or any gas burner30currently available from Warming Trends, LLC of Englewood, CO, USA. In other examples, the gas burner30may be of any suitable type to generate a decorative flame.

The gas burner30is supported by the top plate28, i.e., the weight of the gas burner30is borne by the top plate28when assembled to the base assembly16. The gas burner30may be fixed to the top plate28in any suitable fashion such as, for example, threaded fasteners, brackets, etc.

The burner assembly14may include the box32that may house at least part of the gas burner30, fuel lines34, a gas inlet36, an ignition, the thermocouple38, etc. As set forth above, the box32encloses at least a portion of the gas burner30between the box32and the top plate28. In the example shown inFIGS.1-14, the box32encloses the portion of the gas burner30below the top plate28. The box32may also enclose all or a portion of other components of the burner assembly14including, for example, fuel lines34, the inlet36, the thermocouple38, the automatic shut-off valve40, etc., between the box32and the top plate28. The box32may include a burner control interface, e.g., knobs, dials, switches, etc., to control the gas flow. In the example shown inFIGS.1-14, the burner control interface is accessible through the void in the first side panel20.

The box32may be supported by the top plate28, i.e., the weight of the box32is borne by the top plate28in the assembled position. The box32is fixed relative to the top plate28, i.e., moves as a unit with the top plate28. The box32may be fixed to the top plate28with fasteners, welding, adhesive, bonding, etc. The top plate28and the box32may be metal. As an example, each of the top plate28and the box32may be of the same type of metal. As examples, the top plate28and the box32may be steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, etc. The top plate28may be planar and, in such examples, may be elongated in the horizontal plane in the assembled position. In the example shown inFIGS.1-15, the top plat28has a planar top surface116.

The burner assembly14, i.e., the top plate28, the gas burner30, the box32, etc., may be a unit, i.e., is assembled to and disassembled from the base assembly16as a unit. In the examples shown in the Figures, the burner assembly14, as a unit, is assembled to the base assembly16by resting the top plate28on the base assembly16. When disassembled from the base assembly16, the top plate28can be grasped by a user to lift the burner assembly14as a unit, e.g., to assemble the burner assembly14as a unit to the base assembly16. When assembled to the base assembly16, the top plate28can be grasped to lift the burner assembly14as a unit to remove the burner assembly14from the base assembly16. The top plate28may include cutouts sized to receive hands or fingers of the user to grasp the top plate28.

The burner assembly14may be disposed in the cavity42of the base assembly16and/or at an end of the cavity42. In the examples shown in the Figures, the top plate28is adjacent to the top end of the cavity42and the box32is in the cavity42below the top plate28.

The burner assembly14is supported by the base assembly16in the assembled position, i.e., the weight of the burner assembly14is borne by the base assembly16. The burner assembly14designed to be supported by at least one side panel20,22and/or at least one end panel24,26. In the assembled position, the burner assembly14is supported by at least one side panel20,22and/or at least one end panel24,26. Specifically, the top plate28of the burner assembly14may be supported by one or more of the panels18of the base assembly16. As shown in the examples in the Figures, the top plate28is supported by the brackets54,56, i.e., the weight of the top plate28is borne by the bracket54,56. The top plate28and/or the panels18, e.g., the brackets54,56may releasably engage each other, as shown in the examples in the Figures.

At least one of the panels18includes a ledge118in the cavity42that supports the top plate28. The ledge118is designed to be in the cavity42and to support the top plate28in the assembled position. At least one side panel20,22and/or at least one end panel24,26may include one or more ledges118and the burner assembly14is supported on the ledges118.

The ledge118is designed (i.e., sized, shaped, positioned) such that the burner assembly14is supported on the ledge118in the assembled position. In the example shown inFIGS.1-17, in the assembled position, the burner assembly14abuts the ledge118and is maintained on the ledge118by gravity. In the examples shown inFIGS.1-14, the top plate28is insertable into the cavity42to removably engage the ledge118in the assembled position. In the assembled position, the top plate28is disposed in the cavity42of the base assembly16and an outer periphery120of the top plate28is adjacent to each of the panels18of the base12. In such examples, gravity maintains the top plate28on the ledge118and between the panels18. Since the outer periphery120of the top plate28is adjacent to each of the panels18, in the event forces on the panels18urge the panels18to move relative to each other, the top plate28is pinched between the panels18and limits relative movement of the panels18.

In the example shown inFIGS.1-14, each of the brackets54,56include one ledge118that abuts the top plate28to support the top plate28. The ledge118may be at a top end of the bracket54,56. The bracket54,56, e.g., the ledge118, may be designed, i.e., sized, shaped, positioned, have a material type, etc., to support the burner assembly14and medium on top of the top plate28such as lava rocks, river stones, fire glass, etc. The top plate28supports the rest of the burner assembly14on the base assembly16, e.g., on the brackets54,56. In other words, the top plate28bears the weight of the rest of the burner assembly14on the base assembly16.

A progression showing the assembly of the fire pit10of the example ofFIGS.1-14starts with insertion of the first side panel20into one of the channels74of the first end panel24and insertion of the second side panel22into the other of the channels74of the first end panel24. Similarly, the second side panel22is inserted into one of the channels74of the second end panel26and the second side panel22is inserted into the other of the channels74of the second end panel26. Specifically, during insertion into the channels74, the tabs104are also aligned with and inserted into the slots102. Next, the latches78are engaged with the respective hooks94, e.g., by rotating the clasp about the respective hinges. Next, the burner assembly14is inserted into the top end of the cavity42and rested on the ledges118.

The top plate28is removably engaged with the base12, e.g., the base assembly16. For example, in the example shown inFIGS.1-14, the top plate28is engaged with the base assembly16by vertically abutting the ledges118under the force of gravity and being laterally retained by the panels18. The top plate28is removed from the base assembly16by lifting the top plate28from the ledges118against the force of gravity. When the top plate28clears the panels18and exits the cavity42while being lifted, the top plate28is disengaged from the base assembly16.

The brackets54,56on the end panels24,26provide rigidity to the fire pit10in the assembled position. As examples, including the examples shown inFIGS.1-14, the brackets54,56define the channels74that receive the flanges56,58of the side panels20,22, which interlock the side panels20,22and the end panels24,26. In some examples including retainers44, including the examples shown inFIGS.1-14, the retainers44are engaged with the brackets54,56in the assembled position to pull the end panels24,26and side panels20,22together, e.g., to pull the flanges56,58into the channels74, to tightly fit the panels18to each other. In some examples including the slots102and tabs104, including the examples shown inFIGS.1-14, the brackets54,56provide interlocking engagement of the slots102and the tabs104to align the end panels24,26and the side panels20,22and to transmit forces between the end panels24,26and the side panels20,22, including vertical forces when the fire pit10is lifted in the assembled position. In some examples including the ledges118in the cavity42, including the examples shown inFIGS.1-14, the brackets54,56provide the ledges118that support the top plate28in the cavity42and, in such examples, the top plate28can add rigidity to the panels18.

In the examples shown in1-16, the assembled position, the panels18have top edges122. The top edges122of the panels18are the uppermost surfaces of the fire pit10. In the examples shown inFIGS.1-16, the top plate28is in the cavity42between the panels18below the top edges122of the panels18. The planar top surface116of the top plate28is below the top edges122of the panels18. In such examples, the panels18and the top plate28define a pocket124recessed from the top edges122of the panels18. The pocket124defines a combustion area in which flames are generated by the burner. The pocket124and combustion area is always visible and open to atmosphere when the fire pit10is in the assembled position, i.e., visible and open the air surrounding the fire pit10and/or media supported on the top plate28, e.g., lava rocks, river rocks, fire glass, etc. In other words, the pocket124and combustion area remains uncovered by other components of the fire pit10so that flames remain visible above the fire pit10at all times during operation of the fire pit10.

The fire pit10in the assembled position includes a top surface126. The top surface126is the surface of the panels18and the top plate28visible from a top view of the fire pit10, i.e.,FIG.5. The top surface126includes the top edges122of the panel18and the planar top surface116of the plate. The top surface126is planar across the top plate28, i.e., at the planar top surface116of the top plate28. The planar top surface116of the top plate28across the top plate28is horizontal.

The gas burner30is positioned to generate a flame above the top surface126, e.g., above the planar top surface116of the top plate28. The gas burner30is positioned and designed to generate a flame in the pocket124with the flame extending upwardly out of the pocket124. The top surface126of fire pit10is open at all times. In other words, no other part of the fire pit10covers the top surface. The top surface126is exposed to atmosphere at all times, i.e., the air surrounding the fire pit10and/or media supported on the top plate28, e.g., lava rocks, river rocks, fire glass, etc., so that flames remain visible above the fire pit10at all times during operation of the fire pit10. The top surface126is exterior to cavity42at all times and the cavity42is below the top surface126at all times. Fuel-combustion outlets130of jets128, as described below, are exposed to atmosphere at all times without being covered by another component of the fire pit10in the assembled position.

The gas burner30generates a flame that is decorative for the purpose of viewing. In other words, the gas burner30is a decorative-flame burner. In use, the flame is visible from above at all times and the gas burner30may be exposed or may be concealed, entirely or partly, by a substrate, e.g., lava rocks, river rocks, fire glass, etc.

The gas burner30includes a jet128having a gas passageway and a fuel-combustion outlet130open to the gas passageway of the jet128. The fuel-combustion outlet130is above the top surface of the top plate28. The gas burner30includes a nipple132having a gas passageway open to the gas passageway of the jet128.

In some examples, such as in the example inFIGS.1-14, the gas burner30may be partially recessed relative to the top plate28. In other words, at least part of the gas burner30may be below the top plate28, e.g., recessed below the top plate28in the cavity42. In some examples, including the examples inFIGS.1-14, the nipple132is below the top plate28. In such examples, the nipples132may be in the box32. In such examples, the top plate28has a hole extending through the top surface and the jet128extends from the nipple132, through the hole, to above the planar top surface116. The holes in the top plate28are designed, i.e., sized, shaped, and positioned, to receive the jets128.

The nipples132and jets128each define gas passageways, respectively, in communication with each other to deliver fuel from the inlet line to the jet128. The jet128releases the fuel to the atmosphere where the fuel is combusted as a decorative flame. The gas burner30, including the nipples132and jets128, may be designed to deliver and burn any suitable type of gaseous fuel, including natural gas and propane.

The gas burner30is configured to generate a decorative flame that is at least partly yellow and/or orange. As an example, the gas burner30may be configured to generate a flame that has a small blue portion at the jet128with the remainder of the flame being yellow and/or orange to the tip of the flame. In such an example, the blue portion may be of a minimal size such that the blue portion is not viewable, e.g., may be covered by substrate. As another example, the gas burner30may be configured to generate a flame that is all yellow and/or orange, i.e., from the point of combustion at the jet128to a tip of the flame distal to the jet128. Specifically, the gas burner30is configured to discharge the fuel from the jet128at an air-to-fuel ratio to generate a flame that is at least partly yellow and/or orange. The gas burner30is configured to burn a fuel-rich combustion mixture at an air-to-fuel to generate the yellow and/or orange color. Specifically, the fuel-rich combustion mixture generates the yellow and/or orange flame in contrast with a fuel-lean combustion mixture that generates a blue flame. As an example, a blue flame may be used in applications in which the flame is used solely for heat generation, e.g., for heating, cooking, etc., without concern for decorative appearance. The jet128may generate a Venturi effect to mix air with the fuel to feed an air-to-fuel ratio at the point of combustion to generate a flame that is yellow and/or orange. For natural gas and propane, for example, the gas burner30may be configured to burn at approximately 1000-1200° C. to generate the yellow and/or orange color of the flame.

The gas burner30is configured to generate a tall, dancing flame. This is generated, in part, by the flow rate of fuel to the jet128and the Venturi effect generated by the jet128to discharge the air-fuel combination at a high velocity. In addition, each jet128generates a flame and each flame from each jet128dances. In other words, the jets128are configured to discharge the air/fuel mixture such that the flame fluctuates in width and height during a stable fuel supply rate at an inlet coupling. The flames from the individual jets128intermingle and/or combine. In some examples, the flames combine together by swirling based on the aim of the jets128relative to each other. The flames from all of the jets128, in combination, dance. The burner described herein may operate, for example, at 60,000-450,000 BTU. For example, the burner inFIG.1may operate at 140,000 BTU. The jets128shown inFIG.1, for example, may each operate at 10,000 BTU. The nipples132and jets128may be arranged in any suitable shapes to position the jets128and aim the jets128to generate the tall, dancing flame. The burner may include any suitable number of nipples132and jets128.

The footprint of the gas burner30provides, at least in part, the generation of the tall, dancing flame. Specifically, the relative location of the jets128, at least in part, generates the tall, dancing flame. As an example, the elongation of the nipples132along axes, respectively, that are transverse to each other provides the footprint to locate the jets128for generation of the tall, dancing flame.

The gas burner30may be brass. Specifically, the nipples132and the jets128may be brass. The brass is corrosion resistant, sustainable, and rust-proof.

FIG.18shows an example of the fire pit10in which the burner assembly14is above the base12and engages top edges of the base12. As an example, in the example shown inFIG.18, the fire pit10includes panels18retained by a retainer44, which in that example is a key hole142on one of the panels18and a post on an adjacent side of the other of the panels18. The post, for example, may include a head that retains the post in the key hole142. The key hole142may, for example, include a wide section that receives the head of the post and a narrow section that retains the head of the post in the key hole142when the post is disposed in the narrow section. The post may be slidable between the narrow section and the wide section of the key hole142to engage and disengage the post96from the key hole142.

In the example shown inFIGS.19and20, sides136of the base12may be connected to each other by hinges138and at least two of the sides136may include two segments each connected by a hinge138. Specifically, all four of the sides136remain engaged with each other at the hinges138in the folded position and unfolded position. The two segments can fold against each other as the sides136are folded to the folded position.

In the examples, inFIGS.18and19, the burner assembly14has lips140that extend over and engage top edges of the base12. The gas burner30extends downwardly into the cavity42of the base12when assembled to the base12. This engagement of the lips140over the tope edges of the base12maintains the base12in the assembled position.