Fireplace oven

A portable outdoor cooking and decorative appliance including a combustion compartment and a separate oven compartment. The appliance can burn a variety of solid, liquid, and/or gaseous fuels. Material combustion products are inhibited from contacting food items inside the oven compartment to avoid contamination and transfer of undesired tastes, smells, and materials. The appliance is constructed to more efficiently transfer heat to the oven compartment to improve cooking speed and capability and reduce fuel needed. The appliance can include transparent doors such that users can view the interior of the appliance during use, without opening the doors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of cooking and outdoor appliances and to a combined oven and fireplace.

2. Description of the Related Art

A variety of outdoor fireplaces are known and widely used to provide a pleasing aesthetic contribution in outdoor or open environments. For example, an outdoor fireplace can provide a campfire ambience in an outdoor residential setting. Outdoor fireplaces generally include some configuration of open container to hold the fuel material and contain ashes. Outdoor fireplaces also generally elevate the fire from the ground, in contrast to fires that can be built directly on the ground.

A variety of outdoor cooking appliances, commonly known as barbecues or hibachis, are widely used for outdoor cooking. Such cooking appliances can be adapted to use solid fuel, such as fuel wood and/or charcoal or fuel gases such as natural gas or propane to generate heat for the cooking. Such cooking appliances generally include an open container where the fuel combustion takes place. Such open containers can have a variety of shapes, including generally hemispherical, semicylindrical, rectangular, pyramidal, or other shapes. Outdoor cooking appliances are also generally provided with one or more grills supported and arranged generally above the combustion region to support food items for cooking above the combustion region.

An open configuration of outdoor cooking appliance suffers the limitation that a significant portion of the heat generated can be lost due to radiant and convective heat escaping through the open upper region of the cooking appliance. This results in a significant decrease in cooking efficiency, generally resulting in higher fuel consumption and extended cooking times and limitations in the type of cooking methods that can be used with the appliance. Accordingly, outdoor cooking appliances are frequently provided with a movable cover to allow access to the grill area for placement and removal of food items but also allowing the cooking appliance to be at least partially closed to assist in retaining heat within the cooking appliance to improve cooking efficiency. Such closable cooking appliances will generally include one or more vents to facilitate provision of fresh air to support combustion and/or allow combustion products to escape the interior of the cooking appliance.

However, such cooking appliances suffer the drawback that placing the cooking region over the combustion region contributes to exposure of the food items being cooked to combustion products such as smoke, soot, and possible remnants from previously cooked food items. While the heat of combustion is a combustion product that is desirably communicated to the food items, frequently smoke, soot, and remnants of previously cooked food items can contributed undesired tastes and aroma to subsequently cooked food items. Combustion of solid fuels can also result in ash and cinders accumulating on the surface of the food. In addition, certain foods can drip combustible materials such as fat and oils that can burn upon contact with the normal fuel and result in excessive heat and burning of the food.

Enclosing a cooking appliance detracts from the aesthetic qualities of the cooking appliance as the frequently desirable appearance of the combustion is obscured from view. Thus, it will be understood that there exists a need for an improved design of outdoor cooking appliance which inhibits exposure of cooked items to undesired combustion products and maintains the desired aesthetic qualities of open outdoor fireplaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment comprises a combustion appliance including an inwardly arranged structure defining a combustion compartment and a separate oven compartment, an outwardly arranged structure substantially encompassing the inwardly arranged structure, an intermediate structure interposed between the inwardly and outwardly arranged structures, an outward space interposed between the outwardly arranged structure and the intermediate structure and providing thermal insulation between the outwardly arranged structure and the inwardly arranged and intermediate structures, an exhaust space arranged between the inwardly arranged structure and the intermediate structure and in fluid communication with the combustion compartment such that physical combustion components can vent from the combustion compartment through the exhaust space around at least a portion of the oven compartment and out from the appliance and such that the physical combustion components are materially separated from an interior of the oven compartment, and a movable oven door such that actuation of the oven door can enclose or provide access to the interior of the oven compartment.

Another embodiment includes a portable combustion apparatus comprising at least one combustion compartment, at least one enclosable oven compartment arranged adjacent the at least one combustion compartment such that, in a closed configuration, material combustion products resulting from combustion occurring in the at least one combustion compartment are routed around an exterior of the at least one enclosable oven compartment and physically isolated from an interior of the at least one enclosable oven compartment and such that heat from the combustion is preferentially transferred to the interior of the at least one enclosable oven compartment.

A further embodiment includes a combustion appliance comprising an inwardly arranged structure defining a combustion compartment and an oven compartment, an outwardly arranged structure substantially encompassing the inwardly arranged structure, an exhaust space arranged between the inwardly and the outwardly arranged structures and in fluid communication with the combustion compartment such that physical combustion components can vent from the combustion compartment through the exhaust space and out from the appliance and such that the physical combustion components are materially separated from an interior of the oven compartment, and a movable oven door such that actuation of the oven door can enclose or provide access to the interior of the oven compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made to the Figures wherein like parts and structures have the same reference designation throughout.FIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of a fireplace oven100. The fireplace oven100is designed to offer users an outdoor cooking appliance that offers the aesthetic appeal of an outdoor fireplace. The fireplace oven100is further designed and constructed to offer improved cooking capabilities to offer a greater variety of cooking methods in an outdoor setting beyond those available with traditional barbecues, hibachis, or other grill-type outdoor cooking appliances.

FIG. 1illustrates the fireplace oven100in an “open” configuration or in a configuration where access can be gained to the interior of the fireplace oven100. In this embodiment, the fireplace oven100comprises a combustion compartment102and an oven compartment104. The combustion compartment102is configured as an enclosable space within which combustion can occur. The fireplace oven100in various embodiments can be constructed to utilize solid fuel such as firewood, charcoal, coal, wood pellets, artificial fire logs, and the like to fuel combustion. In some embodiments, the fireplace oven100can be constructed and designed to utilize liquid fuels such as kerosene, fuel oil, diesel fuel, biodiesel, white gasoline, ethanol, methanol, or other combustible liquids. In some embodiments, the fireplace oven can be constructed to utilize gaseous fuels such as natural gas, propane, butane, hydrogen, or other flammable gases to support combustion within the combustion chamber102.

The oven compartment104is configured to provide an enclosable cooking region within which a variety of cooking methods can be utilized to cook a variety of foods. For example, various embodiments of the fireplace oven100can support dry roasting, baking, steaming, rotisserie, and other types of cooking methods to cook foods including but not limited to breads, pastries, meats, vegetables, seafood, and others.

In one embodiment, a fireplace oven100comprises a combustion door106and an oven door108. The combustion door106and oven door108are moveably engaged with remaining components of the fireplace oven100so as to be moveable from an “open” configuration as illustrated inFIG. 1and a “closed” configuration as illustrated inFIG. 2.

The open configuration illustrated inFIG. 1facilitates placement and retrieval of food items in the oven compartment104and similarly placement, ignition and/or cleaning of fuels within the combustion compartment102. The closed configuration of the oven compartment104facilitates more efficient cooking by retaining heat generated by the fireplace oven100within the oven compartment104. The closed configuration of the combustion compartment102, for example as provided by closing the combustion door106, can facilitate more efficient combustion of fuels within the combustion compartment102, for example by regulating air flow into the combustion compartment102. Further, the closed configuration of the combustion compartment102provides improved safety by providing a physical barrier between users and passers-by and the interior of the combustion compartment102and possibly hot items located therein.

In some embodiments, the combustion door106is comprised at least partially of high temperature resistant and optically transparent materials, such as tempered glass. In these embodiments, the transparent aspects of at least portions of the combustion door106provide the aesthetic advantage that persons can at least partially view the interior of the combustion compartment102and view combustion occurring therein. It will be understood that many people find the visual appearance of a contained fireplace or campfire to be appealing and embodiments of the fireplace oven100including transparent aspects of the combustion door allow these pleasing aspects to be enjoyed by users of the fireplace oven100.

Embodiments including an at least partially transparent combustion door106also offer the advantage of easier monitoring of the combustion conditions within the combustion compartment102. For example, through simple visual examination through the transparent combustion door106, a user can ascertain whether additional fuels are needed, whether combustion is occurring as desired, whether cooking accoutrements such as wood chips for smoking should be added, and the like.

In some embodiments, the oven door108is comprised at least partially of transparent materials that are resistant to heat, such as tempered glass. Embodiments including at least a partially transparent aspect of the oven door108provide the advantage to the user of being able to visually monitor the progress of cooking occurring within the oven compartment104. For example, where the oven door108is at least partially transparent, a user may visually examine food items within the oven compartment104, for example for proper browning of baked goods, monitoring of a thermometer placed within the oven compartment104, and a variety of other known methods and processes for visually monitoring a cooking process.

The fireplace oven100also comprises one or more chimneys110. The chimney110is configured to facilitate withdrawal and venting of combustion components from the combustion process occurring within the combustion compartment102. The fireplace oven100is further constructed such that physical combustion components resulting from combustion occurring within the combustion compartment102such as smoke, soot, carbon dioxide, unburned hydrocarbons, water vapor, carbon monoxide, and the like are directed around the oven compartment104and withdrawn and vented out the chimney110such that contact between the physical combustion components and the interior of the oven compartment104is reduced. The fireplace oven100is further constructed such that the heat resulting from combustion occurring with the combustion compartment102including radiant heat resulting from the combustion and convective heat entrained with the physical combustion components is preferentially conveyed to the oven compartment104to provide more efficient heating of the oven compartment104. Additional details and description of these aspects of the fireplace oven100will be provided below following a more detailed description of the design and construction of other components of the fireplace oven100.

In some embodiments, a fireplace oven100is portable and further comprises a plurality of supports or legs112. The legs112provide structural support such that the fireplace oven100can be placed on a surface for use. The legs112further provide the functionality of elevating a lower surface114of the fireplace oven100above a supporting surface. As will be understood, in use the fireplace oven100can generate at least certain regions of relatively high temperatures. The elevation provided by the legs112distances such components having elevated temperature from adjacent surfaces and materials. This aspect of the fireplace oven100provides increased flexibility for placement of the fireplace oven100by allowing use in areas where the high temperatures generated during use of the fireplace oven100might otherwise cause damage and/or present a fire risk.

In some embodiments, a fireplace oven100comprises one or more combustion racks120. The combustion rack(s)120is arranged and supported within the combustion compartment102generally above a region where combustion would occur. The combustion rack120provides the utility of providing a support surface for food items where a user wishes to utilize conventional grilling type cooking techniques where food material is placed directly over a combustion region. Thus, the combustion rack120supports traditional type barbecuing or grilling type cooking techniques. The combustion rack120also supports smoking type cooking techniques that can be dry or wet smoking by placing food items on the one or more combustion racks120and placing appropriate smoking components, such as wood chips, near a heat source.

In some embodiments, a fireplace oven100comprises one or more oven racks, such as a first oven rack122and a second oven rack124. The oven racks122,124provide the utility of providing a support surface for various food items to be cooked within the oven compartment104. The oven racks122,124are arranged and supported within the oven compartment104. It will be understood that one or more or all of the racks120,122,124can be moveable or adjustable for placement in different locations within the respective compartments102,104. For example, the racks122,124can be moveable to accommodate different sized items to be cooked, and/or for placement at various elevations within the oven compartment104to facilitate cooking at different temperatures that may occur at different locations within the oven compartment104.

In some embodiments, a fireplace oven100can comprise one or more combustion assemblies126. The combustion assembly126can comprise a single or an array of vents or nozzles for expelling gaseous and/or liquid fuels to support combustion within the combustion compartment102. In certain embodiments, the combustion assembly126can comprise a pan or rack to support and contain solid fuels, such as firewood, wood pellets, charcoal, and the like. In some embodiments, the combustion assembly126can comprise a plurality of components, for example an array of vents or nozzles to support gaseous and/or liquid fuels and a tray or pan to contain wood chips for smoking type cooking.

In some embodiments, a fireplace oven100can comprise one or more fuel connectors130. As previously noted, some embodiments of the fireplace oven100are constructed to utilize gaseous and/or liquid fuels. The fuel connection130provides a location and structure for connection of a fuel feed to provide the gaseous and/or liquid fuels to the fireplace oven100. It will be understood that the fuel connection130can be configured as a detachable/replaceable connection and/or as a permanent or semi-permanent connection, depending on the needs of a particular application.

In some embodiments, a fireplace oven100comprises one or both of an oven seal132and a combustion seal134. The seals132,134, where provided, offer improved sealing and optionally thermal insulation between an opening to the combustion compartment102and/or oven compartment104and the respective combustion door106and oven door108. Where present, the seals132,134can be formed and applied with well known high temperature resistant materials.

The fireplace oven100further comprises a combustion/oven partition136. The combustion/oven partition136is arranged between or interposed between the combustion compartment102and oven compartment104so as to physically separate or isolate these regions of the fireplace oven100from each other. As previously noted, a desirable aspect of the fireplace oven100is the material separation of the oven compartment104from the combustion compartment102such that material combustion components resulting from combustion occurring within the combustion compartment102are materially separated or isolated from the interior of the oven compartment104.

However, it is desirable in at least certain applications to efficiently convey heat resulting from combustion occurring within the combustion compartment102to the interior of the oven compartment104. Thus, in at least some embodiments, the combustion/oven partition136provides material separation between the compartments102,104, however supports conduction and radiation of heat from the combustion compartment102to the oven compartment104. For example, in some embodiments, the combustion/oven partition136comprises a material having a relatively high heat transfer coefficient, such as metal.

The fireplace oven100also comprises a combustion latch140and an oven latch142. The latches140,142are configured to provide a latching function to secure the respective doors106,108in a closed position and also to provide a handle and actuating mechanism to unlatch the doors106,108and move the doors to the open configuration, for example as illustrated inFIG. 1. As in at least certain embodiments, one or both of the doors106,108can attain relatively high temperatures during use, the latches140,142can preferably be provided with a insulative aspect such that a user does not injure themselves when actuating the latches140,142.

As previously noted, the doors106,108are constructed to be moveable between an open and a closed configuration. In at least some embodiments, a fireplace oven100comprises a combustion hinge144and a oven hinge146to provide a pivoting type movement capability of the doors106,108.

In some embodiments, a fireplace oven100comprises one or more temperature gauges148. The temperature gauges148provide a measurement reading of temperatures monitored by the temperature gauge148. Temperature gauges can be arranged for example in one or both of the combustion compartment102and the oven compartment104.

FIGS. 3,4,5, and6illustrate embodiments of an inner structure150of a fireplace oven100in a front perspective, rear perspective, front view, and side view, respectively. The inner structure150provides physical structure and defines interior surfaces of the combustion compartment102and oven compartment104. As the inner structure150will be exposed during use to relatively high temperatures during the combustion and cooking processes, the inner structure150is preferably formed of a relatively strong material resistant to elevated temperatures. Suitable materials for the inner structure can include but are not limited to cast iron and sheet metals. In some embodiments, sheet steel of approximately 8 gauge to 18 gauge in thickness can be utilized to form the inner structure150.

The inner structure150can be formed by a combination of stamping processes, folding processes, welding processes, hydro-forming processes, adhesive processes, and a variety of other construction processes and materials known to one of ordinary skill. It will be appreciated that in at least certain embodiments, the inner structure150is formed from a plurality of smaller components that are joined or connected to form the inner structure150. It will be further appreciated that in at least some embodiments, one or more finishes or coatings can be applied to the inner structure, for example to provide increased resistance to extreme temperatures, to provide corrosion resistance, to facilitate cleaning of the fireplace oven100, and/or to provide improved aesthetic appearance to the inner structure150.

In some embodiments, the inner structure150comprises a plurality of rack supports156configured to support and locate one or more of the racks120,122,124. The inner structure150also comprises one or more exhaust openings160. The exhaust openings160are positioned and configured to facilitate withdrawal and venting of combustion components from combustion occurring within the combustion compartment102. The particular size, shape, number, and arrangement of the exhaust openings160can be adjusted and formed according to the needs of a particular application by one of ordinary skill.

The inner structure150also comprises one or more air openings162. The air openings162are arranged and configured to facilitate air draw of exterior air into the interior of the combustion compartment102to support combustion therein. In at least some embodiments, one or more air openings162can be configured and constructed in an adjustable manner such that the air flow through the respective air opening162can be regulated. This aspect of the fireplace oven100provides a throttling or damping feature to provide additional control of a combustion process occurring within the combustion chamber102.

FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate an embodiment of an intermediate structure170of a fireplace oven100in front perspective and front views, respectively. The intermediate structure170is formed and constructed to generally enclose and encompass the inner structure150. While the intermediate structure170would similarly be expected to experience exposure to elevated temperatures and use, the intermediate structure170would generally be expected to experience lower temperatures than the inner structure150. Nevertheless, the intermediate structure170is preferably constructed of relatively strong materials suitable for use at extreme temperatures. In a similar manner to the inner structure150, suitable materials for the intermediate structure170can include cast iron and/or sheet metal.

FIG. 9is a front perspective illustration of an outer structure180of a fireplace oven100. The outer structure180is sized and configured to substantially encompass and enclose the intermediate structure170and the inner structure150. The outer structure180is also preferably formed of relatively high strength materials resistant to temperature extremes and can be suitably formed by materials such as cast iron, sheet metals, concrete, and/or plasters. The outer structure180comprises a chimney opening182configured to allow the chimney110to extend there through for venting of combustion components from the fireplace oven100. The outer structure180also comprises a door opening184sized and configured to allow the combustion door106and oven door108to open and to provide clearance for placement and removal of items in the combustion compartment102and oven compartment104.

FIG. 10illustrates a partial front section view of an embodiment of an assembled fireplace oven100and further illustrating the relative locations and arrangements of the inner structure150, the intermediate structure170, and the outer structure180. As can be seen inFIG. 10, the inner structure150is arranged at an inwardmost position, the intermediate structure170is arranged in an intermediate location, and the outer structure180is arranged at an outermost location. The interstitial space between the inner structure150and intermediate structure170defines an exhaust space190. The exhaust space190is defined by the outer side, back, and upper surfaces of the inner structure150and inner side, back, and upper surfaces of the intermediate structure170.

As previously noted, the inner structure150comprises one or more exhaust openings160to facilitate withdrawal and venting of material combustion components from combustion occurring within the combustion compartment102. As the material combustion components are at an elevated temperature and the interior of the combustion compartment102is in fluid communication with the exhaust space190via the exhaust openings160, naturally occurring convective forces will draw the material combustion components out the one or more exhaust openings160, into the exhaust space190, and upwards and out the chimney110. The combustion products and direction of travel is indicated by the arrows and reference designator of196inFIG. 10.

An interstitial space also exists and is defined between the intermediate structure170and the outer structure180. An outward space192occupies this interstitial region and is defined by the outer side, back, and upward surfaces of the intermediate structure170and inner side, back, and upper surfaces of the outer structure180. The outward space192provides an isolation and insulation region between the elevated temperatures occurring during use of the fireplace oven170to be found at the intermediate structure170. The outward space192provides an insulating separation such that intentional or incidental contact with the outer structure180provides reduced risk of burn injury in instances of such contact. In some embodiments, the outward space192may be partially or fully filled with insulation194to further improve the insulation and isolation properties of the outward space192. In some embodiments, outer side, back, and/or upper surfaces of the outer structure180can be provided with additional insulating materials/coatings, such as plaster and/or heat resistant paint.

Thus,FIG. 10illustrates a variety of advantageous features and aspects of the fireplace oven100. The supports or legs112elevate a lower surface114of the fireplace oven100to provide an insulating separation between the lower surface114and materials and surfaces on which the portable fireplace oven100may rest. This provides increased safety and flexibility of placement of the fireplace oven100by avoiding undesirable heating of the surface upon which the fireplace oven rests which may otherwise cause damage or fire risks. Material combustion products196resulting from the combustion occurring within the combustion compartment102are vented out the one or more exhaust openings160and directed upwards and around the oven compartment104and out the chimney110. As the oven compartment104is materially enclosed, contact of the material combustion products116with the interior of the oven compartment104is reduced. In some embodiments, less than 10% of the generated physical combustion products196are allowed to enter into the interior of the oven compartment104. In other embodiments, the proportion of physical combustion products196that can enter into the interior of the oven compartment104is limited to no more than 5% and in further embodiments the proportion is limited to no more than 1%. As previously noted, limiting the amount of material combustion products196that are allowed to contact food items placed within the oven compartment104is desirable to avoid negatively affecting the taste, appearance, and cleanliness of the food being cooked.

However, the relatively hot combustion products196pass adjacent side, back, and upper surfaces of the inner structure150such that the heat generated by combustion occurring within the combustion compartment102can be preferentially conveyed to the oven compartment104. As previously mentioned, preferred materials for construction of the inner structure150can include cast iron and/or sheet metals having a relatively high thermal conductivity such that the relatively high temperatures of the combustion products196can efficiently conduct heat through the inner structure150into the interior of the oven compartment104. Further, the combustion/oven partition136is also in at least certain embodiments preferably formed of a material having relatively high thermal conductivity, such as metals, and can also efficiently conduct heat generated in the combustion compartment102to the adjacent oven compartment104.

The outward space192, which can be provided with insulation194in some embodiments, insulates the relatively high temperatures occurring during use found in the oven compartment104, the combustion compartment102, and the exhaust space190from the relatively lower temperatures found in the ambient environment. The arrangement of the outward space192provides the advantage of more efficiently maintaining heat within the oven compartment104both to improve the cooking conditions and reduce the amount of fuel needed to achieve a desired cooking temperature and time. The outward space192also provides increased safety by insulating the exterior of the fireplace oven100from elevated temperatures occurring in the interior of the fireplace oven100during use. As previously noted, the exterior of the outer structure180can be further provided with one or more insulative coatings to increase the insulative properties and/or to provide desired aesthetic appearances.

The fireplace oven100can be constructed using relatively inexpensive materials such as sheet steel, concrete and/or plaster. The fireplace oven100can be constructed using conventional well understood construction methods, such as stamping, hydro forming, welding, threaded fasteners, adhesives, and the like. The fireplace oven100can be provided in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit the requirements of particular applications.

While illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 10in a generally vertically extending or stacked configuration, embodiments of the fireplace oven100can also be provided in a generally lay down or horizontally extending configuration as illustrated inFIG. 11. The embodiments illustrated inFIG. 11comprise substantially similar components and construction methods as those embodiments of the fireplace oven100previously described and will not be repeated for brevity and ease of understanding.

The substantial difference between the embodiments illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 1 through 10and the embodiments illustrated byFIG. 11are that the combustion compartment102and oven compartment104are arranged in a side-by-side relationship in the embodiments illustrated byFIG. 11whereas the compartments102and104are arranged in a vertically stacked configuration in the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 10. However, in the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 11, the material combustion components196would still be drawn by naturally occurring convective forces arising from the elevated temperatures of combustion past side, back, and outer surfaces of the oven compartment104facilitating increased deficiency of heat transfer from the combustion components196to the oven compartment104. Similarly, the combustion/oven partition136is arranged and constructed to materially separate the oven compartment104from the combustion compartment102to reduce the exposure of food items placed in the oven compartment104with the material combustion products196while facilitating transfer of heat from the combustion compartment102through the combustion/oven partition136into the interior of the oven compartment104.

Again, the fireplace oven100can be readily constructed in a desired size and configuration to suit the requirements of a particular application. Furthermore, while the illustrated and described embodiments comprise a combustion compartment102and an oven compartment104, it will be understood that if indicated by the needs of a particular application, a plurality of combustion compartments102and/or oven compartments104can be provided without detracting from the scope of the invention.