Patent Publication Number: US-9835328-B2

Title: Multipurpose outdoor gas fire place

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The following application claims priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/032,539 filed Aug. 2, 2014. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not applicable 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to outdoor devices that use gas for providing heat, such as area heaters, cooking food, such as barbeques, atmosphere-illumination such as tiki torches and comfort such as fire places or fire pits. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Most individuals have one or more gas powered devices in their backyards used to create atmosphere, provide a comfortable setting or to cook food outdoors. Some of these devices include well known items such as tiki torches, gas lamps, fire pits, area heaters and barbeques. Most of these devices require a liquid gas supply, a gas line between the gas supply and the active element of the device, a regulator and an output control valve that adjusts the flow of the gas from the supply canister to the active element. One disadvantage of having many of these devices simultaneously is the duplication of the gas supply elements including a separate gas canister, supply line and regulator/valve. This generally results in increased cost of purchasing these items as well as the cost of multiple gas supplies or a permanently installed utility gas supply. 
     Another disadvantage of having multiple devices can occur when the outside area is small. For example, having a barbeque, outdoor heater, chairs and a table may make a small patio or backyard cramped and confining. Consequently, individuals may be forced to consider the size of their outdoor area before purchasing gas powered devices. In such cases, the individual may have to settle on a less desirable or the exclusion of some devices due to size, space and cost constraints. 
     When these devices are not in use it may be desirable to store them until needed. Multiple gas powered devices can require a significant amount of space for storage and if an appropriate area is not available they are often stored together in a corner of the yard. In this circumstance, these areas of the yard can become unsightly, unusable and make retrieving a particular device more difficult. 
     Another concern is the volume of flammable liquid gas stored with or in multiple devices on the premises in a confined area. In certain states where wild fires are prevalent these areas become dangerous not only because they may explode and spread the fire to other areas and homes but when they explode they may injure fireman who are unaware that gas/flammable liquid storage canisters are present. Reducing the number of gas/flammable liquid canisters is possible but requires that the user connect or fill a canister each time they intend to use a particular device which is generally inconvenient. 
     Tiki torches come in both gas and flammable liquid fueled versions. This type of device may be used for illumination but is generally used to create a tropical atmosphere. These are usually constructed of bamboo shaft with wicker housing at the top for housing a canister filled with a flammable fluid. The housing usually comes with a top which secures the wick having one end in the flammable fluid and the other end extending above the top and carrying the flammable fluid for burning. The volume of fluid they can house is limited and they must be refilled regularly requiring storage and handling of replenishment fuel. In addition, they are usually constructed of combustible material and can easily Tip-fall over, and/or catch fire creating unacceptable additional fire hazards. 
     Consequently, there is a need for a gas powered device that may be utilized for multiple purposes thereby reducing cost by limiting the number of purchases, that does not occupy the area of multiple devices and limits the amount of flammable gas/liquids needed to be stored for or within a number of devices in one location. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a multipurpose outdoor gas fire place comprising a frame with a gas outlet about its center and having at least three adjustable radius arms for connecting to a gas canister housing, a gas line with an output adjustment control valve and a first end able to be securely connected to a gas canister through a pressure regulator and the second end able to be securely connected to a gas outlet and a cover-tray that fits over the canister housing and gas outlet frame for burning gas. The radius arms have connectors on the ends for securing the frame to the gas canister housing that has an open top for receiving the cover-tray. The cover-tray distributes the gas about its middle at a set distance from its center for burning gas and has a central adapter in line with the gas outlet for connecting a second gas burning element. 
     In one embodiment, the frame may comprise a central platform having a center portion and a perimeter edge, wherein the gas outlet is affixed about the center of the center portion and wherein the at least three adjustable radius arms are about evenly spaced and rotatably connected to the perimeter edge. 
     In another embodiment, the at least three adjustable radius arms have at least one of the following adjustable aspects/components, arm length and height, allowing for frame adjustment during assembly and facilitating canister housing variability in size, shape and depth. Pivot connectors enabling the frame to pivot upward for gas canister placement inside the gas canister housing and release/latch connector, releasing/anchoring the frame securely within said gas canister housing in the open/closed position. 
     In yet another embodiment, the multipurpose outdoor gas fire place further comprises an ignition switch. 
     In another embodiment, the cover-tray comprises a base plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge, a central adapter and a gas directing vent attached to the upper surface. The base plate has an ascending skirt projecting upward along the perimeter edge and an outward projecting lip perpendicular to the ascending skirt. The central adapter has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end comprises a gas-air venturi descending from the lower surface that is received by the frame and gas outlet. The cover-tray may further comprise a plug for closing and directing gas within the upper end of the central adapter and the cover-tray. The cover-tray may also comprise at least three legs about evenly spaced on the lower surface and along the perimeter edge of the base plate to prevent the gas-air venturi from damage and to provide cover tray at rest stabilization when removed from the gas canister housing. 
     Other aspects of the present invention include a second gas burning element. This element may be an area heater, a barbeque, a torch, a lamp or other optional burning elements, all controlled by the central gas output adjustment control valve. When the second gas burning element is an area heater or an illuminating element, it may comprise a tubular housing, a gas conduit within said tubular housing and a burning element. The conduit has a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end has a sleeve to be received by a central adapter of a multipurpose gas fire place and a pressure fit connector to receive a gas outlet within the sleeve. The top end has an adjustable gas release nozzle-venturi burning element. 
     When the second gas burning element is an outdoor barbeque element it may comprise a rigid or flexible gas conduit and a burning element. The conduit has a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end has a sleeve to be received by a central adapter of a multipurpose gas fire place and a pressure fit connector to receive a gas outlet within the sleeve. The top end has an adjustable gas release nozzle-venturi that may be received by the barbeque burning element. 
     When the second gas burning element is an outdoor torch element it may comprise a tubular housing and a gas conduit within the tubular housing. The conduit has a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end has a sleeve to be received by the central adapter of a multipurpose gas fire place and a pressure fit connector to receive a gas outlet within the sleeve. The top end has an adjustable gas release nozzle-venturi burning element. The outdoor torch element may further comprise a cap for covering the gas release nozzle-venturi when the gas burning torch is not in use. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1 : is a diagrammatic representation of a muiltipurpose outdoor gas fire place showing the cover tray and plug, frame and gas line. 
         FIG. 2 : is a diagrammatic representation of gas burning barbeque element of a multipurpose outdoor gas fire place showing a flexible gas conduit having an adjustable gas release nozzle venturi on one end and a sleeve adapter on the other end able to receive the central adapter and gas outlet of the frame. 
         FIG. 3 : is a diagrammatic representation of (A) a gas burning outdoor heater element and (B) a gas burning outdoor torch element both showing a tubular housing, a gas conduit within said housing and a heating element wherein the gas conduit has an adjustable gas release nozzle venturi connected to the heating element on one end and a sleeve adapter on the other end able to receive the central adapter and gas outlet of the frame. 
         FIG. 4 : is a diagrammatic representation of a gas burning outdoor lamp showing a tubular housing, a gas conduit within said housing and a burning element wherein the gas conduit has an adjustable gas release nozzle venturi connected to the burning element on one end and a sleeve adapter on the other end able to receive the central adapter and gas outlet of the frame. 
         FIG. 5 : is a cross sectional view of a multipurpose outdoor gas fire place (A) with an adapter of a gas burning outdoor element affixed within the multipurpose outdoor gas fire place and (B) with plug covering gas burning element adapter aperture when no gas burning element is in use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein have the same meaning as are commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, patent applications and publications referred to throughout the disclosure herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in this section prevail. 
     The term “about” as used herein refers to the ranges of specific measurements or magnitudes disclosed. For example, the phrase “about 10” means that the number stated may vary as much as 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 10%, 15% or 20%. Therefore, at the variation range of 20% the phrase “about 10” means a range from 8 to 12. 
     When the terms “one”, “a” or “an” are used in the disclosure, they mean “at least one” or “one or more”, unless otherwise indicated. 
     The term “connector” as used herein refers to a variety of devices known to those skilled in the art for affixing one element to another. The connection may be dynamic or static. For example when the connector is dynamic, it may allow one element to separate from another such as a hook and eye ring, rotate one about the other such as the frame arms ability to rotate from side to side on the perimeter edge of the central platform or pivot about one another such as the connector that allows the frame to pivot up and to one side of the gas canister housing to allow inserting or replacement of the gas canister. If the connector is static, one element is securely affixed to another in a way that does not allow either of the elements to move about one another. 
     The term “adapter” as used herein refers to a device known to those skilled in the art that interfaces one element of the invention with another. Generally the adapter makes a secure connection to allow open communication from one element to another. For example, the pressure regulator has a threaded adapter on one end for securing the regulator to the gas canister that allows gas to flow from the canister through the regulator and through a gas line to a second adapter that connects to a gas outlet where the gas may be burned. 
     The present invention provides a multipurpose outdoor gas fire place comprising a frame with a gas outlet about its center and having at least three adjustable radius arms for connecting to a gas canister housing, a gas line with an output adjustment control valve and a first end able to be securely connected to a gas canister through a pressure regulator and the second end able to be securely connected to a gas outlet and a cover-tray that fits over the gas outlet for burning gas. The radius arms have connectors on the ends for securing the frame to the gas canister housing that has an open top for receiving the cover-tray. The cover-tray distributes the gas about its middle a distance from its center for burning gas and has a central adapter in line with the gas outlet for connecting a second gas burning element. 
     1. Frame 
     The frame  10  has a central body  12  with a gas outlet  14  affixed within and about the center of the central body  12 . There are at least three radius arms  16  connected to the central body  12  and about evenly spaced along the perimeter edge of the central body  12 . These arms  16  may be fixed in length or they may be adjustable. Each of the arms  16  has a connector  18  on its end for securing the frame  10  to the interior of a gas canister housing. In a three adjustable arm configuration, for example, the connectors  18  on two adjustable arms  16  are pivot connectors  17  while the remaining adjustable arm connector is a securing mechanism  19  that when opened allows the frame to be pivoted upward and to one side of the gas canister housing for easy insertion or replacement of a gas canister. In the closed position, the frame  10  is anchored within the central opening of the gas canister housing. The frame  10  may be made of a variety of materials including metal, or polymer. Further each element of the frame  10  may be made of the same material or different materials. For example, the central body  12  may be made of metal and the arms  16  may be made of polymer. In one embodiment, the entire frame  10  is made of a metal such as aluminum. 
     The frame central body  12  provides for tray-cover alignment, interface and support structure for the gas outlet  14  as well as connection for the at least three radius arms  16 . In one embodiment, the central body  12  is comprised of two metal disks  11  one circular shaped and one donut shaped. The metal disks are connected about their center with a tubular filter screen  13  fitted between the disks  11 . The gas outlet  14  is secured within the center of the base circular shaped metal disk  11  with its nozzle end  20  projecting upward into the area surrounded by the tubular filter screen  13 . The filter screen  13  allows air to circulate within the tubular filter screen  13  area and around the gas outlet  14  as well as preventing unwanted material from reaching the cover-tray gas venture, or nozzle  20 , during use. It also acts as an adapter base bracket, or central adapter  22 , for securing other gas burning elements to the device, such as the heater element  100 , lamp element  110 , barbeque element  120  and torch element  130 . The base of the gas outlet  14  is configured to receive the adapter of the gas line. In one embodiment, the base of the gas outlet  14  is threaded and able to receive a threaded adapter of the gas line. 
     The frame radius arms  16  may be secured to the central body  12  so that they are fixed or may rotate from side to side. In a fixed configuration, the arms  16  may be riveted, bolted or welded in place. Other methods known to those skilled in the art may also be used. In a dynamic configuration, the arms  16  may be bolted using a method that allows the arms to freely rotate from side to side. A variety of methods known to those skilled in the art may be utilized. In one embodiment, the arms  16  are not of fixed length but are adjustable. A variety of adjustable configurations may be utilized. For example, in one adjustable configuration, the radius arms  16  are prepared in two sections with one section able to fit snugly within the other and secured so that the smaller section does not disengage from the larger section. In this telescoping configuration, the larger diameter section is connected to the central body  12 . 
     The ends of the radius arms  16  comprise connectors  18  for securing the frame  10  within the opening of a gas canister housing. In one embodiment, one or two of the arms  16  will contain pivot connectors  17  while the remaining arms  16  contain releasable connectors, or securing mechanisms  19 . A variety of pivot connectors  17  known to those skilled in the art may be utilized with the present invention. In one embodiment, the pivot connector  17  is a ball joint connector having one end fastened to the arm  16  and one end secured to the gas canister housing. Correspondingly, a variety of releasable connectors  18  may be utilized for securing the remaining arms  16  to the gas canister housing. In one embodiment, the releasable connector, or securing mechanism  19 , is an adjustable eye loop secured to the top of an adjustable radius arm  16  that is received by a rod affixed to, and extending from, the interior of the gas canister housing. Alternatively, a spring loaded eye loop may be secured to a non-adjustable arm  16  so that the eye loop may be retracted until the rod is in place and then released, slipping the eye loop over the rod, and securing the frame  10  in place. 
     2. Gas Line 
     The gas line  24  is a tubular connection providing open communication for gas to flow between the gas canister and the gas outlet  14 . The gas line  24  may be purchased commercially and may be made of a variety of materials known by those skilled in the art for preparing gas lines. In the present invention, the gas line  24  has an adapter on each end, one for securing the line to the gas canister and one for securing the line to the gas outlet  14 . In one embodiment, the adapter is a rotatable threaded nut affixed to the end of the gas line  24  that provides a gas tight connection to the gas canister and/or gas outlet  14 . 
     A pressure regulator  26  may be provided on one end of the gas line  24  for connecting to the gas canister. The output control valve  27  is provide along the gas line  24 . In one embodiment, the pressure regulator  26  is provided on the gas line  24  near the gas canister. In another embodiment, the output control valve  27  may be fixed or adjustable. If the output control valve  27  is adjustable, it may have a rotating control that when turned in one direction increases the flow of gas to the gas outlet  14  and when turned in the opposite direction reduces the flow of gas to the gas outlet  14 . In one embodiment, the regulator  26  is fixed with an output flow adjustment valve and knob  28  that is provided on the exterior of the gas canister housing for ease of use. 
     In another embodiment an ignition electrode is provided near the gas outlet for igniting the gas. The ignition electrode may be a push button ignition switch and may be provided separately or as part of the knob  28  used for regulating the gas flow. In one embodiment, the adjustable output flow valve knob  28  when turned regulates the gas flow and when depressed issues a spark from the ignition electrode to ignite the gas. The ignition electrode may be secured in any number of locations best fitting gas ignition on the cover-tray and for/on each second burning device. 
     3. Cover-Tray 
     The cover-tray  30  fits over the opening of the gas canister housing enclosing the housing during use and directs gas from the gas outlet  14  to desired locations within the tray  30 . If flames are desired throughout the tray  30 , say for example in a ring, then the gas is directed to openings about the middle of the tray  30  in a pattern that follows the perimeter edge of the gas canister housing. For example, if the gas canister housing is cylindrical or round the gas is directed to about the middle of the cover-tray  30  in a circular ring. Correspondingly, if the gas canister housing is in the shape of a square the gas may be directed to about the middle of the tray  30  producing flames in a square pattern. If the gas canister is in the shape of an elongated rectangle the gas may be directed to about the middle in a single line about the center of the tray  30 . 
     The cover-tray comprises a central tubular shaft  32  that fits within the tubular filter screen, or central adapter  32 , of the central body  12  of the frame  10 . It has a base with sides prepared in the shape and size sufficient to be received by the opening of a desired gas canister housing. For example, if the gas canister housing were a large round clay pot with an opening of about 20 inches in diameter, then the tray would have a base  31  circumference of about 18 to 19 inches with sides  33  of about 1.5 to 2 inches and an outwardly extending lip  34  increasing the overall diameter to about 21 to 24 inches. In one embodiment, vents  36  may be provided that direct the gas to openings in the base of the tray  30  to release the gas for burning in the desired pattern. This may be accomplished by a variety of methods known to those skilled in the art. In one example, the central tubular shaft  32  is affixed to a circular cover-tray  30  on one end that is affixed to a flat circular disk  35  about one-half the diameter of the cover-tray  30  leaving spaced openings between the tray  30  and the disk  35  to allow gas to be released and burned on the other end. The central tubular shaft adapter  32  remains open to receive the gas outlet  14  on its lower end and a gas burning element on its upper end. When a second gas burning element is absent, a plug or cap  38  is used to cover the upper end of the central tubular shaft adapter  32  directing the gas to the spaced openings between the tray  30  and the flat circular disk  35  for burning. 
     In one embodiment, the tray  30  has a depth sufficient to hold non-flammable materials such as pebbles, small stones, glass beads and the like that cover the base of the tray  30  for esthetic purposes and a slightly concave base that facilitates drainage from rain and or other sources of water that may contact the outdoor multipurpose fire place. 
     4. Second Gas Burning Element 
     A variety of gas burning elements specifically designed to be received by the central tubular shaft  32 , or central adapter, of the cover-tray  30  may be utilized with the present invention such as a gas burning element for heat  100 , light  110 , cooking food such as a barbeque  120  or ambiance such as a tiki torch  130 . In each case, the components that direct the gas to the burning element are similar. Each comprises a gas conduit  102  that directs gas from the gas canister to the burning element  103 . This conduit  102  may be made of a variety of materials known to those skilled in the art for this purpose. In one embodiment, the conduit  102  is made of aluminum. 
     The bottom end of the conduit  102  is provided with a pressure fit connector  104  to receive the gas outlet  14  and an outer cylindrical housing, or sleeve  105 , about the connector  104  for fitting snugly within the central adapter  32  of the cover-tray  30 . The top end of the conduit  102  is provided with an adjustable gas release nozzle venturi gas burning element  108 . These ends may be secured on the conduit  102  by a variety of methods known to those skilled in the art such as an adhesive, a pin or screw threads and the like. In one embodiment, the conduit  102  has threads on the exterior surface of the ends to receive the pressure fit connector  104  and the gas burning element  108 . 
     A variety of pressure fit connectors  104  known to those skilled in the art may be utilized for receiving the gas outlet  14 . In one example, the pressure fit connector  104  is a brass compression coupling wherein the compression ring within the coupling is replaced with a polymer washer. The internal diameter of the polymer washer is reduced when the coupling is tightened. This provides a gas tight seal when the gas outlet  14  is fitted through the polymer washer in the coupling. 
     A variety of gas release nozzle-venturi  108  may be utilized with the present invention. The size of the nozzle venturi will depend on the amount of gas desired to be released for burning and the type of element used. For example, a gas nozzle venturi selected  108  for a heating element  100  may be larger than that selected for a barbeque  120 . 
     The housing of each of the gas burning elements will vary depending on their purpose. For example, the gas burning heater  100 , light  110  and tiki torch  130  may all have cylindrical housings  105  that elevate the gas burning element  108  a few feet above the ground. A variety of heater elements known in the art may be provided on the end of the cylindrical housing  105  and in communication with the gas conduit  102 . These types of heaters generally radiate heat in a 360° circumference about the heating element. Correspondingly, a variety of gas burning lights  110  known in the art may be utilized at the end of the cylindrical housing  105  and in communication with the gas conduit  102 . A tiki torch element  130  may provide the well-recognized flammable liquid storage canister at its top for aesthetic reasons even though gas is being provided directly from the gas conduit  102 . 
     When the gas burning element is a barbeque  120 , a variety of barbeques sold commercially may be easily adapted for use with the present invention. For example, the end of the burner element may be connected to a flexible gas line  103  having a pressure fit connector  104  to receive the gas outlet  14  with an outer cylindrical housing about the connector  104  for fitting snugly within the central tubular shaft adapter  32  of the cover-tray  30 . In one embodiment, the base of the barbeque  120  is provided with legs of the same or smaller diameter than the cover-tray  30 . During use the flexible gas line  103  connected to a short gas conduit  102  having a connector  104  to receive the gas outlet  14  and central tubular shaft adapter  32  is affixed to the gas burner. The other end is connected to the gas outlet  14  and the barbeque is rested within/on the cover-tray  30 . The legs are provided with sufficient height so that the base of the barbeque  120  does not interfere with the gas outlet  14  connection. 
     Use 
     The device may be provided separately or with a gas canister housing. If provided separately, the purchaser installs the necessary elements on the interior of the desired gas canister housing for receiving the device. In one embodiment, these elements are affixed within the gas canister housing by the use of screws. These include the arm connection elements, gas output adjustment control valve and ignition switch if provided. Once in place the radius arms of the device are connected to these arm connection elements to secure the frame within the gas canister housing. A variety of connectors such as brackets or eye loops may be utilized with the present invention. In addition, they may be provided with bushings so that when they are secured in the sides of the gas canister housing they do not crush the material used to make the canister. For example, if the gas canister housing is made of pottery, the bushings prevent the head and nut of the element from compressing the ceramic and causing it to fracture. 
     Depending on the size and shape of the gas canister housing, the frame of the device may be provided with pivoting adjustable radius arms. This allows for the arms to be rotated from side to side to the appropriate radial symmetry and the telescoping arms may be adjusted to reach the elements mounted in the gas canister housing. Further, the frame is provided with one or two arms that are affixed to the interior of the gas canister housing by pivotal elements. These pivotal elements allow the frame to be pivoted upward away from the opening of the gas canister housing to permit the insertion or replacement of a gas canister within. Further, at least one of the remaining arms is a releasable connector having an open position allowing the frame to be pivoted upward for inserting a gas canister and a closed position securing the frame in place during use. 
     Prior to use the cover-tray is removed from the top of the gas canister housing, the user disengages the releasable connector and the frame pivoted upward away from the opening of the gas canister housing on the pivotal connectors. A gas canister is placed in the housing, connected to the gas line/regulator and the frame pivoted downward over the gas canister and secured in place by closing the releasable connector. The cover-tray is then replaced on the top of the gas canister housing making sure that the central tubular shaft adapter-venturi receives within the tubular guide and filter screen of the central body of the frame. If a fire pit function is desired, a cap or plug is placed over the central tubular shaft adapter to divert the gas to the directing vent of the cover-tray. The gas flow is activated by turning the gas output adjustment control valve and lighting the gas near the opening of the gas directing vent on the cover-tray. Alternatively, if another burning element is used, the plug/cap is removed, the end of the element is inserted into the central tubular shaft adapter thereby diverting the gas to the second burning element. The gas flow is activated by turning the gas output adjustment control valve and lighting the gas near the opening where gas is released from the burning element. For example, the gas may be lighted at the top of the tiki torch, the heating radiator element, the lighting element or the barbeque burner element. 
     In another embodiment, the device may also comprise an ignition electrode. The electrode may be activated by a separate push button or may be integrated into the gas output adjustment control valve. For example, turning the gas output adjustment control valve button will regulate the gas flow while pressing the valve button activates the ignition electrode igniting the gas. 
     When a particular element is desired the plug or cap on the central tubular shaft adapter is removed and the gas burning element of interest is inserted into the tubular shaft. The gas is then released and ignited. 
     It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof.