Abstract:
A firewood storage device for made of a container having a plurality of panels, wherein at least one said panel having an edge being capable of removably affixing to an edge of at least one other said panel, and at least one said panel having a vent.

Description:
[0001]     This is a non-provisional application of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/501,936 filed Sep. 11, 2003.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates to the field of firewood storage containers, specifically containers that allow firewood to dry, eliminates insect infestation of buildings, collects any firewood debris, and helps reduce wood mold and subsequent allergic reactions to wood mold when firewood is brought into the house.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Storage of wood for use in wood burning fireplace units requires a dry area protected from rain/snow and further infestation of insects and animals. While wood is being dried outdoors it is exposed to the elements causing it to become damp and degrade in overall burning ability. Currently there are several types of plastic/canvas tarps on the market. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,491,958 and 5,699,646 disclose log storage covers made of pervious plastic material, which restricts sunlight, wind and rain and permits adequate ventilation. However, in the inventors experience, these actually tend to help retain moisture, which promotes the growth of wood mold and mildew which when the wood is taken indoors often adds to allergy symptoms in many people. This type of covering also tends to tear and rot away within a short period of time. Additionally, the covers do not substantially envelope the wood contained therein, thereby permitting insects to enter and exit the wood. These covers are therefore not suitable for firewood storage outside a home or structure, inside a garage, a basement or other storage area convenient to the user.  
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES  
       [0006]     It is therefore an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container capable of withstanding years of continuous outdoor exposure.  
         [0007]     It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that does not freeze, crack, or become unusable in inclement weather, and is easy to use in inclement weather.  
         [0008]     It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that is capable of accommodating vertical and/or horizontal supports of a firewood rack.  
         [0009]     It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that permits ease of access to the firewood by a user.  
         [0010]     It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that prevents debris, ice, and snow from contacting any fastening means of the container/bag.  
         [0011]     It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that facilitates air flow in the container.  
         [0012]     It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that promotes drying of the firewood.  
         [0013]     It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that allows for drainage of any moisture which may enter the container/bag.  
         [0014]     It is also an object of the invention to prevent insects, which may be contained in the firewood, to escape from or enter the container.  
         [0015]     It is an object of the invention to provide a firewood storage container that permits firewood storage next to a house, or building, without concern of possible infestation of the structure by any insects that may be in the firewood.  
         [0016]     It is an object of the invention to provide a firewood storage container that permits firewood storage outside a home or structure, inside a garage, a basement or other storage area convenient to the user.  
         [0017]     It is an object of the invention to provide a firewood storage container that collects firewood debris and thereby eliminates the need to sweep or rake up debris.  
         [0018]     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the detailed description annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     This invention relates to a firewood storage cover which is designed to withstand years of continuous outdoor exposure. The firewood cover is a heavy duty firewood storage cover which allows the wood to continue drying over time, eliminates potential insect infestation of buildings, contains any wood debris, and helps reduce allergic reactions to wood mold when firewood is brought into the house. 
     
    
     DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment in a closed state.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is an exploded frontal view of the preferred embodiment.  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment in an open state.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment illustrating use in conjunction with a wood frame  30 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a frontal view of an alternative embodiment illustrating the frame  30  encompassed within the container  10 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a frontal view of an alternative embodiment of container  10 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]     While the invention may be susceptible to embodiments in different forms, there will be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that which is described herein.  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a frontal view of the preferred embodiment in a closed state. As shown in  FIG. 1 , container  10  is a generally rectangular bag that is capable of storing firewood logs therein. Container  10  is preferably made of heavy duty fabric, preferably Sunbrella® fabric, manufactured by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC, Glen Raven, N.C.; however any fabric exhibiting similar qualities may be utilized. Any fabric is preferably an air pervious woven polypropylene or polyethylene fabric. The fabric also preferably permits heat transfer and is mildew resistant. The invention has been tested over an eight year period and has proved to be extremely durable, weather resistant and has proven to facilitate the drying of firewood.  
         [0028]     Container  10  is preferably constructed of a single piece of fabric subdivided into panels. Container  10  is exploded in  FIG. 2  and illustrates panels  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16 . In the preferred embodiment, first panel  11  contacts fifth panel  15  at first crease A. Similarly, fifth panel  15  contacts third panel  13  at second crease B, third panel  13  contacts second panel  12  at third crease C, fifth panel  15  contacts second panel  12  at fourth crease D, fourth panel  14  contacts second panel  12  at fifth crease E, sixth panel  16  contacts second panel  12  at fourth crease F, and fifth panel  15  contacts fourth panel  14  at seventh crease G. Creases A, B, C, D, E, F, and G are preferably created by hemming or stitching, and which thereby created a crease by which the respective panels may fold thereupon.  
         [0029]     As shown in  FIGS. 2 , first panel  11  has a first edge  40 , third edge  42 , and fifth edge  44 . Also shown in  FIG. 2 , sixth panel  16  has second edge  41 , tenth edge  49 , and eight edge  47 . Additionally, third panel  13  has a fourth edge  43  and seventh edge  46 , and fourth panel  14  has a sixth edge  45  and ninth edge  48 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , third edge  42  removably attaches to fourth edge  43 . Similarly, fifth edge  44  removably attaches to sixth edge  45 , seventh edge  46  removably attaches to eight edge  47 , ninth edge  48  removably attaches to tenth edge  49 , and first edge  40  removably attaches to second edge  42 .  
         [0030]     The respective edges removably attach to one another by fastening means. In the preferred embodiment, the fastening means are interlocking fastening devices, such as a zipper, however hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other fastening means that removably affix the respective edges may be used.  
         [0031]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , fastening means  33   a  is placed along third edge  42  and removably attaches to fastening means  33   b,  which is placed along fourth edge  43 . Similarly, fastening means  32   a  is placed along eight edge  47  and removably attaches to fastening means  32   b,  which is placed along seventh edge  46 . Additionally, fastening means  34   a  is placed along fifth edge  44  and removably attaches to fastening means  34   b,  which is placed along sixth edge  45 . Finally, fastening means  31   a  is placed along first edge  40  and removably attaches to fastening means  31   b,  which is placed along second edge  42 .  
         [0032]     In order to protect the fastening means from ice and snow buildup, the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , has a first flap  17 , a second flap  18 , and a third flap  19 . In the preferred embodiment, third edge  42  is a crease that divides second flap  18  from first flap  11 , and fifth edge  44  is a crease that divides third flap from first panel  11 . Additionally, first flap  17  is divided from sixth panel  16  by a crease generally defined by eight edge  47 , second edge  41 , and tenth edge  49 . The creases are formed in a similar manner as described above. This allows the flaps  17 ,  18  and  19  to fold over the respective fastening means, thereby creating a barrier against ice and snow buildup.  
         [0033]     Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, and as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , flap  18  is removably affixed to panel  13 , flap  19  is removably affixed to panel  14 , and flap  17  is removably affixed to panels  11 ,  13 , and  14 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Preferably, flaps  17 ,  18  and  19  are removably affixed to the panels  11 ,  13  and  14  by hook and loop fasteners, although any removable affixing means may be utilized.  
         [0034]     In  FIG. 3 , container  10  is shown in an open state revealing firewood  20  contained therein. In the open state, panel  11  is no longer affixed to panels  13 ,  14  and  16 . Additionally, in the open state, flaps  17 ,  18  and  19  are no longer affixed to panels  11 ,  13  and  14 . The open state allows the firewood  20  to be easily accessed by a user.  
         [0035]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , container  10  is in a closed state containing firewood therein. In the closed state, panel  11  is removably affixed to panels  13  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ),  14  and  16 . As well, in the closed state, flaps  17 ,  18  and  19  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) are removably affixed to panels  11 ,  13  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) and  14 .  
         [0036]     In the closed state, insects which may be contained in the firewood are prevented from escaping the container  10 . Thus, firewood storage is permitted next to a house, or building, without concern of possible infestation of the structure by any insects that may be in the firewood. Additionally, the container  10  collects firewood debris and thereby eliminates the need to sweep or rake up debris.  
         [0037]     In the closed state, the container  10  facilitates air flow to promote drying of the firewood. Additionally, the container  10  allows for drainage of any moisture which may enter the container  10 . In addition to the type of fabric used to construct container  10 , as described above, both of these features are aided and accomplished by the use of panel vents placed therein.  
         [0038]      FIG. 1  illustrates first panel vents  21  placed within the first panel  11  and fourth panel vent  24  placed within the fourth panel  14 .  FIG. 2  better illustrates the placement of panel vents  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 , and  25  along first panel  11 , second panel  12 , third panel  13 , fourth panel  14 , fifth panel  15 , respectively. The vents  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 , and  25  permit increased air flow throughout the container  10 , which decreases the drying time of the firewood  20  contained therein. The vents  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 , and  25  are preferably airlette® “Stick on” Vents™ manufactured by Airlette® Manufacturing Corporation, Lantana, Fla.; however any mesh screens, made of either metal or plastic, or other suitable material and which prevents insects from entering or exiting the container  10 , and which still permitting increased air flow may be used. The vents  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 , and  25  are preferably placed over preexisting holes within the panels and affixed to the panels by adhesive; however any fastening means such as crimping or stitching may be used so long as a seal is created. Additionally, the vents  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 , and  25 , most notably vents  25 , allow any condensation or moisture contained within the container  10  to drain.  
         [0039]     One added feature of the container  10  is it may be used in conjunction with a preexisting wood or metallic firewood frame  30 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the container  10  contains loops  26 ,  27 ,  28  and  29  that affix to the frame  30 . This permits the container  10  to be affixed in an upright and stationary position while in an open state in order to load firewood  20  into the container  10 . Loops  26 ,  27 ,  28  and  29  are preferably made of the same material as the container  10 ; however, any such durable weather resistant fabric may be used.  
         [0040]     The container  10  is not intended to be limited in any dimension. However the preferred container  10  is constructed in dimensions to contain generally a face cord of firewood. Therefore the dimensions of the preferred embodiment measure 96 inches×48 inches×14 inches. Accordingly, panels  15  and  16  are preferably 96 inches in length by 14 inches in width, panels  11  and  12  are preferably 96 inches in length by 48 inches in height, and panels  13  and  14  are preferably 48 inches in height and 14 inches in length. However, the preferred embodiment is not intended to be limiting as the preferred embodiment.  
         [0041]     The container  10  can be sized to fit various frames  30 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the frame  30  is placed exterior to the container  10 , where the loops  26 ,  27 ,  28 , and  29  are attached to the frame  30 . Alternatively, the container  10  is sized to encompass the frame  30  therein. In yet another alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , container  10  is constructed to encompass the frame  30 , but as shown in  FIG. 5 , panel  15  of alternative container  10  has openings  50 ,  51 ,  52 , and  53  which permit the legs of frame  30  to pass through the container  10 . Thus when the container  10  is in a closed state, the frame  30  as well as wood  20  is contained therein.  
         [0042]     In yet another alternative embodiment, the container  10 , as shown in  FIG. 6  is constructed of the same materials and in the same manner as the preferred embodiment explained above, however panel  15  is removed. This alternative embodiment is suitably used where insect and animal infestation is not problematic. Panel  11  is removably affixed to panels  13  and  14  in a manner as described above. In this alternative embodiment, panel  16  is fixedly attached to panels  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14 .  
         [0043]     Hence, while the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended that the invention be limited to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.  
         [0044]     As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, same should be apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly no further discussion relevant to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention shall be provided.  
         [0045]     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum proportions for the elements of the invention, and variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
         [0046]     Therefore, the foregoing is considered illustrative of only the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact method, construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.