Abstract:
Collapsible combustion containers are disclosed and described. Such combustion containers generally include a first pair of vertically oriented panels joined by a hinge and a second pair of vertically oriented panels joined by a hinge. The pairs of panels are hinged to one another to form a closed perimeter with a box like shape. One panel of the first pair may further include a relief space feature that creates a relief space so that the second pair of panels may be folded flat between the panels of the first pair when the container is collapsed for storage. Such combustion containers may burn a variety of fuels, including wood and other combustible matter, and be used as a portable stove or heating device and are especially useful during activities such as camping or backpacking, and for emergency preparedness reasons.

Description:
PRIORITY DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/302,665, filed on Feb. 9, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to collapsible devices for containing a combustion reaction and methods for use thereof. Accordingly, the present invention involves the mechanical and material science fields. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Portable stoves and other devices that allow the preparation and containment of a fire or other manner of combustion are often used when camping or during times of an emergency. Such devices are useful for cooking, water purification, heat, as well as other numerous uses. 
         [0004]    Many of such devices are light weight and extremely portable, many also depend on a fuel canister in order to provide fuel for the fire. While such canisters are convenient, they typically provide only a finite and limited amount of fuel and will eventually become useless if not refilled once empty. Furthermore, such canisters present an extra object of significant size and weight that must be carried by a user. Other portable devices which are capable of utilizing wood or other fuel sources present the advantage of being able to use a perpetual supply of fuel that can be found in nature. However, such devices are often heavy, require assembly of several pieces, or are bulky to store. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Accordingly, the present invention provides collapsible combustion container devices that are capable of utilizing a variety of fuels, light weight, and that collapse into a small configuration for storage and portability. 
         [0006]    In one aspect, the present invention provides a collapsible combustion container that includes a first pair of vertically oriented panels joined by a hinge, each panel having an equal width, and a second pair of vertically oriented panels joined by a hinge, each panel having an equal width that is less than the width of the panels of the first pair. A third hinge joins one panel from the first pair to one panel from the second pair, and a fourth hinge joins the other panel from the first pair to the other panel from the second pair, such that the pairs of panels form a closed box shaped perimeter with an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface generally defines an open space suitable for containing a combustion reaction. The box is collapsible from an open configuration to a closed configuration in a two step process by first folding the second pair of panels so that the interior surfaces thereof move toward the interior surfaces of the first pair of panels, and second by further folding the second pair of panels so that the exterior surfaces thereof move toward one another and the second pair of panels is held between the first pair of panels. The container also includes at least one relief space feature in at least one of the panels of the first pair, such that a relief space is created between the first pair of panels when folded together, said relief space being of sufficient size to accommodate a thickness of the folded second pair of panels located between the first pair of panels and allow the first pair of panels to be oriented substantially parallel to one another in the folded configuration with the second pair of panels held folded therebetween. 
         [0007]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, various features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a corner top perspective view of a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a corner bottom perspective view from the same corner as in  FIG. 1 , of a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4   a - 4   d  show the steps of collapsing a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5   a - 5   c  show a top view of various alternatives of relief space features in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show opposite sides of a fully collapsed combustion container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows a top perspective view of a combustion container having pins fitted into slots across the top of two panels and an ash tray engaged in a bottom portion of the container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  shows a top perspective view of a combustion container where the ash tray is engaged over a top opening in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    Definitions 
         [0017]    In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below. 
         [0018]    The singular forms “a,” “an,” and, “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a particle” includes reference to one or more of such particles, and reference to “the resin” includes reference to one or more of such resins. 
         [0019]    As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a composition that is “substantially free of” particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof. 
         [0020]    As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint. 
         [0021]    As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. 
         [0022]    Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. 
         [0023]    The Invention 
         [0024]    The present invention provides collapsible combustion containers and methods for the use and fabrication thereof. Turning now to  FIG. 1  is shown a collapsible combustion container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The container  10  generally has a first pair of vertically oriented panels  20  joined to one another by a hinge  30 . A second pair of vertically oriented panels  40  is also joined by a hinge  50 . In one embodiment the panels of the first pair may each have an equal width, or a substantially equal width, and the panels of the second pair may each have an equal width or substantially equal width that is less than the width of the panels of the first pair. A third hinge  60  joins one panel from the first pair to one panel of the second pair, and a fourth hinge  70  joins the other panel from the first pair to the other panel of the second pair such that the pairs of panels form a box shaped perimeter. The box shaped perimeter may generally have an outside or exterior surface and an inside or interior surface. The open space created or defined between the interior surfaces of the panels is suitable for containing or housing a combustion reaction, such as a fire. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   d , is shown a sequence for collapsing a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4   a , the container  10  stands fully open with the four vertically oriented panels, namely, the first pair  20  coupled to the second pair  40 . The first pair of panels is joined by a hinge  30  and the second pair of panels is joined by a hinge  50 . Third and fourth hinges,  60  and  70  respectively join the two pairs of panels together in a box shaped perimeter. The panels of the first pair are of substantially the same width as are the panels of the second pair. However, the panels of the second pair are of a smaller width than the panels of the first pair. As shown in  FIG. 4   b , a first step in collapsing the container is to move the in interior surface of the second pair of panels toward the interior surface of the first pair of panel, or alternatively, to move each pair of panels toward the other. This effectively moves hinges  30  and  40  toward one another. In so doing hinges  60  and  70  rotate from an approximate 90° angle to an angle that is 30° or less. Further, hinge  30  rotates from an approximate 90° angle to an angle of from 150° to 180° as does hinge  40 . When moved far enough toward one another, the pairs of panels will eventually substantially contact one another. In other words, one panel from the first pair will substantially contact one panel from the second pair. In this configuration, the hinges  60  and  70  become completely closed. 
         [0026]    In  FIG. 4   c , the second step in collapsing the container is shown. At this point in the collapse process, the second pair of panels  40  are brought together so that the outside surfaces thereof move toward one another. Such motion now begins moving the hinge  30  from its previous 150° to 180° position to a closed position. Further, hinge  40  is moved from its previous 180° to a further obtuse angle which will eventually close when the hinge reaches an angle of 270° from its starting orientation. As such, in one embodiment, three hinges may be located substantially on the inside of the combustion container and one hinge can be located substantially on the outside.  FIG. 4   d  shows the final collapsed configuration of the container with all hinges completely closed and the second pair of panels  40  held between the first pair of panels  20  and the outside surfaces of each panel of the second pair in substantial contact with one another so that in the collapsed configuration, the container will be flat with the first pair of panels on the outside of the second pair of panels and being oriented substantially parallel to one another. 
         [0027]    The ability of the container to be oriented into such a flat final collapsed position with the panels of the second pair held between the panels of the first pair is provided by a relief space feature  80 . Referring again to  FIG. 1 , one example of such a feature is shown. Further, such feature is well illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the relief space feature is a crease, or bend, or fold, created in one of the panels of the first pair  20 . As can be seen, the relief space feature runs substantially the entire length of the panel and is parallel, or substantially parallel to a vertical edge thereof. Moreover, the relief space feature has a bend of sufficient size to create a relief space that accommodates the entire thickness of the second pair of panels. The amount of relief space needed can be selected in order to achieve a specific result as needed. For example, as the thickness of the panels of the second pair vary, so can the amount of relief space provided. This can be achieved by controlling the amount and severity of the crease or bend. Further, in some aspects, multiple creases or bends can be used. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5   a - 5   c , is shown various alternative embodiments for a relief space feature  80  in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5   a , in one aspect, the hinge  30  that connects the panels of the first pair can be configured so that it is wider than a typical hinge and spread laterally. Alternatively, the hinge may actually be a double hinge with a solid connecting panel in between (not shown). In this case, the panel would actually present a fifth panel to the device and the dual hinge could be considered as separate hinges, or as a double hinge with dual rotational axis. As shown in  FIG. 5   b , another alternative relief space feature is to enlarge the hinge  30  which joins the panels of the first pair. Such enlargement can again be customized to provide the necessary amount of relief space required to achieve a desired result. Enlargement of part of the hinge, such as just the hinge casing, or of the hinge connecting pin  90 , or of both may be used. Turning to  FIG. 5   c , is shown an embodiment of the invention wherein a crease or bend is made in each of the panels of the first pair in order to create the relief space feature. Like with crease or bend shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the creases or bends in  FIG. 5   c  run the entire height of each panel of the first pair, and also run substantially parallel to an edge thereof. Further, such creases, folds, or bends, can have a combined size sufficient to create the relief space desired and may take the form of various different angles, curves, etc., as required to achieve a specific result. 
         [0029]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , relief space feature  80  may be located laterally at any desired point in the panel. However, in one aspect, it may be located between the middle of the panel and the hinge joining the panels of the first pair. In another aspect, the relief space feature may be located at a location that substantially matches a location to which the hinge  40  joining the pair of second panels extends between the first pair of panels when the container of the present invention is in a fully collapsed orientation or configuration. This is true when one or multiple bends, creases, or folds are used to create the relief space feature. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, the relief space feature  80  may include multiple bends, folds, or creases in the same panel. Each crease, bend, or fold runs the entire length (i.e. height) of the panel, and runs substantially parallel to a vertical edge thereof. The cumulative fold or bend of such feature will typically have a size that is cumulatively sufficient to create a relief space that accommodates the entire thickness of the folded panels of the second pair. In some embodiments, one crease, bend, or fold may be located proximate to one hinge of a panel and a second crease, bend, or fold may be located proximate to the other hinge of the same panel. In other words, one crease, bend, or fold may be proximate to the hinge  30  joining the panels  20  of the first pair, while the second crease, fold, or bend may be located in the same panel, but proximate to either the third hinge  60  or the fourth hinge  70 . In some aspects, both panels of the first pair may have relief space features that include two or more bends, creases, or folds as recited herein. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , is shown a combustion plate  100 . Combustion plate  100  is the primary surface upon which the combustion reaction, such as a fire, may take place. In some embodiments, the combustion plate may be hingedly joined with a hinge  110  to one of the panels of either the first or second pair, and in yet a further embodiment, the hinge may allow the combustion plate to pivot in an upward direction between the panels when the combustion container is being collapsed for storage. In such a case, the combustion plate will also fit into the relief space and the thickness of the relief space may be adjusted to accommodate the presence of the combustion plate. Further as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  8   b , in some embodiments, the hinge  110  may be angled or relieved out of the plane in which the panel to which it is attached resides. An advantage created by such angling is that it allows the combustion plate to rest substantially flat against the panel to which it is hinged when folded into an upright position. Such flat abutment reduces the amount of relief space required to allow the container  10  to be flat when in a collapsed configuration. Thusly, the angling of the hinge effectively decreases the thickness of the device when folded into the collapsed configuration. In some aspects, the amount of angle of the hinge may be equal or substantially equal to a thickness of the combustion plate. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments the combustion plate  100  may be attached either to a panel of the first pair  20  or a panel of the second pair  40 . In one specific embodiment, the combustion plate may be attached to a panel of the first pair which has a relief space feature therein. In another embodiment, the combustion plate may be attached to a panel of the second pair which folds up against the panel of the first pair having the relief space feature therein. In another embodiment, the combustion plate may not fold between the panels when the container  10  is collapsed, but may fold toward an outside surface thereof instead. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the combustion plate  100  may have tabs  120  formed along a swinging edge  130  of the plate. The tabs may fit into slots located in a panel across from the panel to which the plate is hinged. Such tabs may fit through holes or grooves in the corresponding plate to provide a resting surface upon which the edge of the plate may rest when in a lowered position so as to create a flat surface with the plate extending across the bottom of the open space, or combustion space of the container. The flat surface can then be used to support a combustion reaction, such as a fire or other form of combustion. Additional mechanisms, such as ledges or tabs, slots, grooves, etc. can be used to catch and engage the swinging edge of the combustion plate whether or not tabs are used. As depicted, the combustion plate includes a plurality of apertures or holes therein for the purposes of ventilation. Such holes can take nearly any shape or size desired in order to achieve a specific end result and may in some aspects be specifically formed to accommodate a specific level of ventilation for a specific combustion material. Moreover, the combustion plate need not be fixed in position, or located only along the bottom edge of one panel as shown. Rather, the plate can be positioned at any height within the open space of the container and can be either permanently or temporarily fastened therein, for example by providing ledges or slots or grooves into on which the plate can rest. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 7  in one embodiment of the present invention, an ash tray  140  may be used to collect ashes or other debris falling from the combustion plate  100 . Generally the ash tray is a solid sheet of material that is combustion proof or fire proof, such as the metal material of the rest of the container unit. In some aspects the ash tray is substantially flat, and may in some embodiments have upwardly curling edges on opposing ends thereof. Such ends facilitate or ease the ability of a user to grasp the ash tray when placed on the ground or other flat surface. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the ash tray may have a handle or other features which allow its handling when hot. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the ash tray may fit snugly between opposing panels of the container. In some embodiments, the shape of the ash tray may be tapered at one end in order to accommodate a tapered trapezoidal or trapezium shape of the opening of the container in view of the fact that the second pair of panels are each more narrow than the panels of the first pair. In some aspects, the opposing panels may have a lip  145 , ledge, slot, or other mechanism for engaging the ash tray and holding it up above a surface upon which the combustion container rests when in use. 
         [0036]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in some aspects of the present invention, each pair of panels may have one panel of a first height or size and another panel of a second height or size. However, it is to be understood that in some embodiments all of the panels may be of substantially the same size or height, or three panels may be of one size with a fourth panel of a different size, either smaller or larger. In some the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the taller panels reach to substantially the same height and the shorter panels also reach to substantially the same height. As such, it is simple to place a frying pan or other cooking device or utensil across the top edge of the two higher panels for cooking or heating purposes. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments of the invention, a damper  150  may be connected to one or more of the shorter panels in order to extend its height and control air flow, or to provide a greater linear surface for cooking or resting a device upon. In some embodiments, the damper may be joined to the shorter panel with a hinge  160 . 
         [0038]    Referring again to  FIG. 7 , is shown a plurality of hooked pins  170 . Such pins may serve a variety of functions to the device of the present invention and serve multiple purposes. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the hooked pins are engaged into slots along a top edge of the shorter panels. When so placed, the pins can be used to create an effective horizontally disposed surface onto which a plate, such as a combustion plate, or other items can be placed. Thus, the height of the combustion reaction can be varied according to desire. In some aspects, an alternative fuel source, such as a sterno can or other packaged fuel may be set directly upon such pins. In another aspect, a plate suitable to serve as a combustion plate may be placed upon the pins. In yet another aspect, the pins may be made of a suitable size so as to engage the ventilation openings  180 , which can optionally be made in the panels as shown in  FIG. 7 . In one aspect, the openings may be patterned in a fashion to provide incremental height adjustment for the pins as well as serving the purpose of ventilation. In some aspects the openings may be a square shape and the width of the curved pins can substantially match the distance between two or more corners of the openings. Other shapes for the openings may be used, such as circular, elongated, slits, etc., and the size thereof may be varied according to need. Likewise, the shape of the curved pins can also be varied and can be rounded, half circular, triangular, or flat in the cross section thereof. As illustrated in the present figures the pins are shown with a flat cross section. 
         [0039]    In addition to having the curved pins  170  serve the purpose of providing a variable height for a combustion plate, in one aspect, the ash tray may also serve such a purpose. As shown in  FIG. 8  in one embodiment, the ash tray  140  may be placed over the top edges of the shorter panels and used to elevate the combustion reaction closer to the top edges of the taller panels. Such a surface is particularly useful when the combustion source is fuel tabs or other solid combustible fuel that produces low height flames. However, it is to be understood that a variety of fuel types may be used with the container of the present invention placed in such a configuration. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  is shown the combustion container  10  of the present invention in a fully collapsed state or orientation. In one embodiment of the invention, one of the panels of the first pair may have a top pair of vertical apertures  190  and a bottom pair of vertical apertures  200 . When so configured, the curved pins  170  may be utilizes as a mechanism for bundling and/or securing the combustion container in a collapsed configuration or orientation. Specifically, the curved pins may be inserted into and extended through the pairs of apertures. When sized appropriately, the curved or hooked part of the pin may also extend over the top edge of all folded panels and onto the other side of the folded container. The pin may then be secured down so that the hook or curve prevents the opening of the device from the collapsed position until the pins are removed. Moreover, in some embodiments, the vertically oriented apertures may be sufficiently raised so as to allow placement of the ash tray  140  between the pins and the panel containing the vertical apertures. In this way the ash tray can be held securely in place with the rest of the container unit for storage purposes. As such, in some aspects, the width of the vertically oriented apertures may be sufficient to accommodate the thickness of a pin and the thickness of an ash tray. In some aspects, the curved or hooked pins may have a protrusion  210  located on a back surface opposite the hooked end. Such protrusion or bump may aid in holding the pins securely through the vertical apertures when so engaged. 
         [0041]    In some aspects, a cooking or heating surface or plate (not shown) may be placed across the top edges of the tallest panels to aid in cooking or heating. In some aspects, such a plate can be hingedly joined to one of the panels and folded back against an outside surface thereof when not in use, or when the container is collapsed. Further, while it is possible that all of the hinges utilized be permanently affixed, it is also possible that the pins of such hinges be made to be removable, so that the various hinged connections or joints can be separated and the unit made modular. In addition, it is to be understood that the container unit can be made in a variety of sizes for a variety of different purposes. Such sizes may range from about 6 inches tall and 6 inches wide up to about 36 inches tall and 36 inches wide, or even larger as required suiting a particular purpose. In a further aspect, multiple containers can be joined or placed in an interconnected configuration in order to assemble a multi-burner unit. 
         [0042]    The combustion container and its various parts may be made from a variety of materials which can withstand the exposure to heat produced by the combustion process. Metals, such as iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, tin, and the like, as well as alloys thereof may be used. 
         [0043]    Of course, it is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.