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CROSS-REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/410,388 filed Nov. 5, 2010. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention pertains generally to a fire safety device, and more particularly to a safety barrier cage for enclosing an outdoor recreational fire. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many people enjoy socializing outdoors with their family and friends around recreational fires. However, even controlled and contained fires still pose significant dangers to small children and pets that may easily wander too close to the flames or embers. These fires put them at risk of serious injury or death from burns caused by radiant heat and flame. Furthermore, traditional safety barriers detract from the ambiance of sitting around and viewing the fire. 
         [0004]    Consequently, a safety barrier that will not detract from the recreational experience of sitting around a camp fire is needed. The proposed invention allows individuals to enjoy outdoor recreational fires while maintaining the piece of mind that nearby children and animals will remain shielded from danger. Further, access to the fire for warmth, cooking, and maintenance remains unhindered. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a unique and useful fire pen that protects children and pets from outdoor recreational fires while not detracting from the camp fire experience. 
         [0006]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some novel embodiments described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0007]    The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a barrier device for fire safety. In one embodiment the barrier device comprises a plurality of gate panels connected by a plurality of hinge elements and a fastening element. When the fastening element is employed, the barrier device forms a polygon-shaped structure capable of encircling a recreational fire. Further, when engaged with the ground the barrier device is stabilized to prevent intrusion into the fire. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment the barrier device comprises a fire resistant coating which acts as an insulation aid in preventing burns from contact with the barrier device. When not in use, the barrier device is collapsible to aid in portability. The barrier device can be used for all types of outdoor recreational fires, namely, camp fires, fire pits, fire pans, fire rings, and the like. 
         [0009]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a partial side elevational view of a barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a close-up cross-sectional elevational view of a hinge element of the barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a close-up cross-sectional elevational view of a hinge element of the barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of a barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  illustrates an underside view of a top rail of the barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a partial side elevational view of a fastening element in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top unhooked partially folded view of a barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Safety of children and animals near fire is of paramount importance to people who enjoy outdoor recreational fires. Accordingly, the disclosed device is designed to protect small children and pets from burns that may occur from accidental close proximity or contact with these fires. However, this device allows individuals to enjoy the ambiance of an outdoor fire while still maintaining a protective barrier that does not otherwise significantly detract from the viewing and use of the fire. 
         [0019]    Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. The invention relates generally to a portable barrier device that protects children and animals from accidental contact with campfires. 
         [0020]    Referring initially to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a barrier device  100  for use with an outdoor recreational fire  180 . The barrier device  100  comprises a plurality of gate panels  102  and a plurality of hinge elements  118 . Unless otherwise stated, the components of the barrier device  100  are preferably constructed of wood, glue, iron and poly vinyl chloride, though it is contemplated that other suitable materials, including without limitation steel, aluminum, metal alloys, polymers, wood products, and the like, can be used without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Further, any of the construction materials used may also be coated with a fire resistant high temperature paint or coating. 
         [0021]    When in use around a fire, the barrier device  100  is substantially polygonal in shape and preferably comprises a seven-sided heptagon. The preferred size provides an enclosure with an approximate diameter of between 68 and 70 inches, and an approximate circumference of between 200 and 230 inches. These dimensions allow for adequate protection for a fire or fire ring of between 10 and 30 inches in diameter while maintaining a distance of between 15 and 30 inches from any point in the base of the fire. However, this is not meant as a limitation as the barrier device  100  dimensions may be smaller or larger as desired. For example, a larger barrier device  100  may be desirable for bonfires to ensure an adequate protective distance. When not in use, the barrier device  100  easily collapses or folds along the plurality of hinge elements  118  to the approximate dimensions of one of the plurality of gate panels  102 , as discussed infra, and to between seven to nine inches in depth. When in the folded or un-deployed position, the plurality of gate panels  102  align in a substantially parallel orientation. As the barrier device  100  preferably weighs between 15 and 35 pounds, and is simple to fold and/or unfold, it is easily portable. 
         [0022]    Preferably, the plurality of gate panels  102  are manufactured from wood or a wood product, however, as discussed supra, this is not meant as a limitation as a wide variety of common construction materials may be used with out affecting the overall concept of the invention. Similarly, the wood is preferably coated with a fire resistant paint or coating to protect the wood from degradation and combustion. For example, the wood may be sprayed with a high temperature acrylic based paint such as those used to coat stoves, grills, automotive parts, and the like. In addition to protecting the plurality of gate panels  102  from combustion, the coating acts as an insulator to keep the wood or other construction material from becoming hot enough to cause a burn injury from contact. 
         [0023]    Each of the plurality of gate panels  102  further comprises a top rail  104 , a bottom rail  106 , and a plurality of pickets  116 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  3 A, the top and bottom rails  104  and  106  respectively, both comprise an offset portion  108  and an arm portion  114  with a total preferred combined length of 32 inches. The offset portion  108  typically is two inches wide extending perpendicularly about one and a half to two inches before angling approximately 45 degrees back into the arm portion  114 . However, any angle between zero and 90 degrees, and any geometric or ornamental design that extends the width of the offset portion  108  is acceptable and still within the scope of the invention. Both the offset portion  108  and a distal end of the arm portion  114  of the top rail  104  further comprise a top through hole  110 , and the offset portion  108  and a distal end of the arm portion  114  of the bottom rail  106  further comprise a bottom through hole  112 . The top and bottom through holes  110  and  112  are approximately centered in the corresponding offset portion  108  and the distal end of the arm portion  114  and are between ¼ th  and ½ inches, but preferably ⅜ th  of an inch in diameter. 
         [0024]    The plurality of pickets  116  are generally round, however, any ornamental design or geometric shape such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, and the like, will not deviate from the scope of the invention. Typically the plurality of pickets  116  are ½ inches in diameter and 24 inches in length. But as discussed supra, these dimensions are not meant as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Preferably, six of the plurality of pickets  116  are set vertically between the top and bottom rails  104  and  106  of each of the plurality of gate panels  102  so that the plurality of pickets  116  are approximately equidistant at about four inch intervals. The four inch interval is beneficial in that it is close enough so that a child or pet may not fit between the plurality of pickets  116 , but still allows for a mostly unobstructed view of the fire. However, any number of pickets may be used and not vary from the scope of the invention. 
         [0025]    The plurality of pickets  116  are typically centered in the top and bottom rails,  104  and  106 , and set into a plurality of non-through holes  160  approximately ½ inches deep into the underside of top rail  104  and the top side of the bottom rail  106  as seen in  FIG. 3A . The plurality of pickets  116  are further attached with glue and brads. However, any known method of attaching wood elements, including adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and joints is considered equivalent. 
         [0026]    While the plurality of gate panels  102  typically number seven, the barrier device  100  may comprise a greater or lesser number as desired and still be within the scope of the invention. Each of the plurality of gate panels  102  preferably are approximately 25 inches high, although this is not meant as a limitation on the scope of the invention as the height may range from 18 to 36 inches. However, the 25 inch height permits a substantial barrier for small children and pets while still allowing for easy access to the recreational fire  180 . 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A and  2 B, the plurality of gate panels  102  are rotatably connected by the plurality of hinge elements  118  so that a first adjacent gate panel  102 ( a ) is connected to a second adjacent gate panel  102 ( b ). A plurality of fixedly attached connecting elements  120  are inserted into the plurality of hinge elements  118  so that the plurality of gate panels  102  may rotate about the plurality of hinge elements  118 . The plurality of fixedly attached connecting elements  120  comprise a rod element  122 . The rod element  122  is typically a 5/16 th  diameter iron or steel bar, however any metal, metal alloy, wood, plastic, and the like of diameters ranging from ¼ th  to ½ inches may be used and still be within the scope of the invention. The diameter of the rod element  122  is only limited by the diameter of the through holes  110  and  112 . The rod element  122  is inserted through the top and bottom through holes  110  and  112  of the offset portion  108  of the first adjacent panel  102 ( a ) and the top and bottom through holes  110  and  112  of the distal end of the arm portion  114  of the second adjacent gate panel  102 ( b ) thereby connecting them. 
         [0028]    The rod element  122  comprises a top cap element  124  of a greater diameter than that of the through holes  110  and  112  that is welded or otherwise fixedly attached and a top washer  126  that freely spins. Both the top cap element  124  and the top washer  126  are positioned above the top rail  104 . The rod element  122  further comprises at least one bottom washer  130  that freely spins, a crimped element  132 , and a spike portion  134 . The at least one bottom washer  126  is positioned below the bottom rail  106  and is held in place on the rod element  122  by the crimped element  132  which is compressibly attached below the at least one bottom washer  126  fixing the rod element  122  in place in the plurality of hinge elements  118 . Preferably, there are two bottom washers  130  (according to  FIG. 2B ). The rod element  122  terminates in the spike portion  134  of between six to ten inches in length which is insertable into the ground up to six inches in depth. 
         [0029]    Additionally, the rod element  122  is partially encapsulated by a center sleeve element  128  positioned between the top and bottom rails  104  and  106 . The center sleeve element  128  is preferably a length of poly vinyl chloride pipe coated with a fire resistant paint, as discussed supra, however any similar material known to one of skill in the art is considered within the scope of the invention. The center sleeve element  128  serves as an insulator so that the iron or steel rod element  122  does not become hot enough to burn a person or animal. To deploy or collapse the barrier device  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the user may move the plurality of gate panels  102  which are horizontally disposed into a desired polygonal orientation around the fire or into a folded storage position by simply rotating the plurality of gate panels  102  about the plurality of hinge elements  118  in the desired direction. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a fastening element  138  is employed to selectively connect an outer two of the plurality of gate panels  102  so that the barrier device  100  forms a polygon-shaped configuration, such as a heptagon, when connected. Furthermore, additional gate panels (not shown) may be added to the barrier device  100  to create a larger polygon. The fastening element  138  comprises a fixed element  140 . The fixed element  140  is preferably a metal rod similar to the rod element  122  discussed supra. Like the rod element  122 , the fixed element  140  further comprises a spike  142  and a center sleeve  144 . However, the fixed element  140  further comprises a top securing element  146  and a bottom securing element  150 . The top and bottom securing elements  146  and  150  preferably are L-shaped hooks extending from the body of the fixed element  140  with the bottom securing element preferably longer in height than the top securing element  146 . However, other securing connectors known to one of skill in the art such as straps or flexible tubing are acceptable as well. 
         [0031]    The barrier device  100  forms a fire enclosure when a first outer gate panel  102 ( c ) is connected to a second outer gate panel  102 ( d ) with the fastening element  138 . The first outer gate panel  102 ( c ) employs the fixed element  140  positioned between the top and bottom through holes  110  and  112  to form an outer hinge element  118 ( a ). Next, the second outer gate panel  102 ( d ) is moved adjacent to the first outer gate panel  102 ( c ). From underneath, the bottom securing element  150  is placed through the bottom through hole  112  of the first outer gate panel  102 ( c ) so that the first and second outer gate panels  102 ( c ) and ( d ) are engaged at the bottom. Simultaneously, the top securing element  146  is positioned so that it may slide up through the top through hole  110  of the first outer gate panel  102 ( c ) so that the first and second outer gate panels  102 ( c ) and ( d ) are engaged at the top as well. The top securing element  146  is then held in place with a locking element  148  so that the first and second outer gate panels  102 ( c ) and ( d ) stay connected. The locking element  148  may be a cotter pin for example, or of any other temporary attaching element known to one of skill in the art. 
         [0032]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , the connected barrier device  100  is positioned around the fire  180  so that it is completely surrounded. The barrier device  100  is further stabilized by stepping on the bottom rail  106  of the plurality of gate panels  102 , or alternatively by using a hammer to drive the rod elements  122  and the fixed element  138  in to the ground. The spike portion  134  and the spike  142  are driven into the ground so that the bottom rails  106  are positioned between two to six but preferably four inches above the ground to prevent access underneath the barrier device  100 . The barrier device  100  is removed by pulling it out of the ground, disengaging the fastening element  138 , and folding for storage. 
         [0033]    What has been described above includes examples of the disclosed device. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel device is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Summary:
An architecture is presented that provides a barrier device for protecting recreational fires from accidental intrusion by small children and animals. The barrier device comprises a plurality of gate panels linearly connected by a plurality of hinge elements. A fastening element is employed to selectively engage the outer two gate panels so that they may be connected together. When in use, the plurality of gate elements rotate about the plurality of hinge elements to form a seven-sided polygon-shaped configuration that is connected together by the fastening element. Typically, a user arranges the fastened barrier device around the fire. The open structure of the gate panels prevents access to the fire by small children or animals while allowing easy viewing and access to the fire by adults.