Patent Publication Number: US-2023151961-A1

Title: Fixture to support fire

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Typically, fires are contained within a boundary to prevent the flames from spreading. The boundary most commonly used is bricks in a circular pattern or a manufactured fire pit. 
     For most fires, firewood is used to provide the fuel. To increase the height of the fire, firewood is stacked or arranged in such a manner that provides a taller flame. Firewood is sometimes cut at longer lengths to increase the height at which the flame will burn. 
     The limitation of these fires is that they&#39;re built on one level or “primary” level. 
     INVENTION SUMMARY 
     This invention provides a method to support multiple fires above a primary fire level, using a Fire Fixture. The Fire Fixture provides fuel support levels for fuel to burn above the primary level. The Fire Fixture consists of a base, a main support, and fuel support. The main support extends vertically above the primary fire and is supported by the base. The main support is designed to support a single level fire or multiple level fires. 
     Fuel supports support the fuel to be burned by attaching to the main support. Per fire level, there may be singular or multiple fuel supports. The fuel support(s) and level(s) may be designed to be rotated. Fuel support designs for one level can consist of 1 or more. Different fuel support designs may also be used. 
     Two Fire Fixture prototypes have been built and operated to show the advantages of using this invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    represents an illustration to explain fire levels, fuel supports, main support, and base. This will help in understanding the description of each Fire Fixture concept. 
         FIG.  2    shows base concepts for the Fire Fixture. 
         FIG.  3    shows main support concepts for the Fire Fixture. 
         FIG.  4    shows fuel support concepts for the Fire Fixture. 
         FIG.  5    is an example of a one fire level design with 3 fuel supports. 
         FIG.  6    is an example of a Fire Fixture with one level and 4 fuel supports. 
         FIG.  7    is an example of a Fire Fixture with a base that inserts into the ground with 3 silhouette cradles. 
         FIG.  8    is an example of a Fire Fixture design that is one assembly. 
         FIG.  9    is an example of a Fire Fixture design showing 3 fire levels with 4 fuel supports per each level. 
         FIG.  10    is an example of a Fire Fixture design showing 1 fire level with 1 fuel support. 
         FIG.  11    is an example of a Fire Fixture design showing 1 fire level with 6 fuel supports. 
         FIG.  12    is an example of a Fire Fixture design showing 3 fire levels with 25 fuel supports on level 1, 20 fire supports on level 2. and 15 fire supports on level 3. 
         FIG.  13    is a Fire Fixture prototype showing 4 fire levels with 2 fuel supports on levels 1 and 2, and 1 fuel support on levels 3 and 4. 
         FIG.  14    is a Fire Fixture prototype shown in  FIG.  13    in operation. 
         FIG.  15    is a Fire Fixture prototype showing 1 fire level with 6 fuel supports in operation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION: 
       FIG.  1    shows that Fire Fixtures have the following primary design features: base ( 1 ), main support ( 2 ), additional fire levels ( 3 ,  4 ,  5 ), and fuel supports ( 6 ) at each fire level. The number of fire levels can be 1, 2, 3, or more. The number of fuel supports at each fire level can be 1, 2, 3, or more based on the fuel selected, the size of the Fire Fixture, and the imagination of the designer. Fire Fixtures are also scalable. A Fire Fixture could be designed for a small area for personal use such as a back patio or it could designed large enough to be viewed during the gathering of a large crowd. 
     Fire Fixtures will operate at very high temperatures. The material for the base ( 1 ), main support ( 2 ), and fuel supports ( 6 ) must be capable to withstand these very high temperatures without any issues. The base ( 1 ) represents the location for the primary fire and the main support ( 2 ). The function of the base ( 1 ) is to allow for a fuel to burn, withstand the temperatures of the fuel burning while maintaining integrity, hold the main support or main supports ( 2 ), and to support the desired number of fuel supports ( 6 ) per fire level. 
       FIG.  2    shows base ( 1 ) concepts. Examples ( FIGS.  2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c , and  2   d   ) are shown. There are several other designs that could serve the function of the base. However, it is not the intent of this invention to list all the possible base ( 1 ) concepts. The purpose of  FIG.  2    is to show possible base concepts for a Fire Fixture. 
       FIG.  2   a    shows a base concept ( 15 ). The main support ( 13 ) would allow the user to directly insert into the ground due to the pointed geometry at one end ( 14 ). The geometry shown is circular ( 12 ), but other geometries could be used based on manufacturing and assembly requirements. A simple design feature ( 11 ) could be added to allow for an additional fire level to be added. This feature ( 11 ) could be simple as insertion by another main support with similar features or it could be mechanical (bolted, welded, hinged, etc.). The length of this main support ( 13 ) is dependent of the market selected for this type of base. It is imagined that a kit for camping could use this type of base ( 1 ), but other applications could be considered. 
       FIG.  2   b    shows a base concept ( 16 ) for a Fire Fixture with many levels due to the added supports ( 17 ). The main support ( 18 ) has supports ( 17 ) to provide the strength and stability needed for larger Fire Fixtures. The attachment of the leg ( 17 ) to the main support ( 18 ) could be permanent (welded) or designed to be removed or folded. The length of the main support ( 18 ) is dependent of the market selected for this type of base. It is imagined that Fire Fixtures with multiple fire levels use this type of base ( 1 ). However, other applications could be considered. A simple design feature ( 19 ) could be added to allow for an additional fire level to be added as described in  FIG.  2   a    ( 11 ). This base concept ( 16 ) is intended to be portable. 
       FIG.  2   c    shows a base concept ( 22 ) that allows for better visibility and addition of fuel to the primary fire. The geometry ( 20 ) is scalable for all Fire Fixture designs. A simple design feature ( 21 ) could be added to allow for an additional fire level to be added as described in  FIG.  2   a    ( 11 ). This base concept ( 22 ) is intended to be portable. 
       FIG.  2   d    is a base concept ( 23 ) that shows how a fire pit ( 24 ), an existing product on the market, could be modified for a main support ( 2 ). The modifications needed would be a reinforced base ( 25 ) to the fire pit ( 24 ) to support a main support and fire levels. The second modification is a mechanical feature needed for a main support ( 2 ) to attach to the reinforced base ( 25 ). Concepts for this mechanical feature are listed in  FIG.  2   a    ( 11 ). 
       FIG.  3    shows concepts for a main support ( 2 ) in addition to the concept that was shown in  FIG.  2   a    ( 15 ). 
     Main support concept examples ( 40 ,  44 , and  49 ) are shown. The function of the main support is to withstand the temperatures of the fuel burning while maintaining integrity, to support the desired number of fire levels ( FIG.  1    ( 3 , 4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  . . . )), and to support the fuel and fuel support at each level. It is not the intent of this invention to list all the possible main support ( 2 ) concepts. The purpose of  FIG.  3    is to show possible main support concepts ( 40 , 44 , and  49 ) for a Fire Fixture. 
       FIG.  3   a    shows a main support concept ( 40 ) that represents a solid support. The geometry ( 41 ) is shown to be circular, but other geometries could be used based on manufacturing and assembly requirements. A design feature ( 43 ) shown is the mechanical interface to the base ( 2 ). For this main support concept ( 40 ), the design feature ( 43 ) is a circular slip fit into a base ( 1 ). The length ( 42 ) is dependent on the number of fire levels and fuel to be used. 
       FIG.  3   b    shows a main support concept ( 44 ) that represents a hollow support. The design feature ( 45 ) on one end allows for additional of another main support ( 2 ) and the design feature ( 48 ) on the other end allows for installation into a base ( 1 ) or main support ( 2 ). The main support concept ( 44 ) is modified with a design feature ( 46 ) for a fuel support. The design feature ( 44 ) can be in a circumference around the main support concept ( 44 ). This main support concept ( 44 ) is designed to hold one fire level at the same circumference. 
       FIG.  3   c    shows a main support concept ( 49 ) intended to show addition of a second main support ( 2 ). The lower main support ( 57 ) has a design feature ( 54 ) that accepts a second main support ( 53 ). This design feature ( 54 ) could be a simple slip fit, bolted joint, weld, etc. Also shown in  FIG.  3   c    are multiple design features ( 51 ,  52 ,  55 , and  56 ) to allow for multiple fuel supports to the main supports ( 53 ,  57 ) at different vertical levels and circumference locations. The fuel support design features ( 51 ,  52 ,  55 , and  56 ) could be a circular hole, welded boss, hinged joint, etc. depending on the preferred method for manufacturing and assembly. The main support concepts ( 53 ,  57 ) should be able to rotate independently before assembly. This would provide a benefit to the location of the fuel supports ( 6 ) of the Fire Fixture. 
       FIG.  4    shows fuel support concepts that support the fuel. Examples ( 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  4   d ) are shown. For these concepts, fuel is placed on top of the fuel support for burning. The function of this design concept is to provide support for the fuel above the primary fire and above any lower fire level, withstand the temperatures of the fire, easy to add additional fuel during a fire, and prohibit rotation after connection to the main support ( 2 ). It may also be desired to allow ashes from the fuel to drop into the base ( 1 ) area. The number of fuel supports per fire level are dependent on the size of the Firs Fixture and the size of the fuel support. The number of fuel support designs are infinite which is the purpose of  FIG.  4    which provides fuel support design concepts ( 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  4   d ). It is not the intent of this invention to list all the possible fuel support ( 6 ) concepts. The purpose of  FIG.  4    is to show possible fuel support ( 6 ) concepts for a Fire Fixture. 
       FIG.  4   a    is a fuel support design concept ( 70 ). Specific features of this design concept include a design feature ( 74 ) to connect to the main support ( 2 ), design features to support the fuel ( 71 ), a method to attach the the design features ( 71 ) to the fuel support design feature ( 74 ) by using an attachment method ( 73 ), and an angle ( 72 ) to prevent the fuel from falling off the fuel support design concept ( 70 ) into the base ( 1 ). An example would be using ½ inch rebar cut to lengths and welded together to make this fuel support design concept ( 70 ). The number of rebar pieces needed for this design is 8 ( 71 ) and 1 ( 74 ). Alternative designs could use fewer or more design features ( 74 ) based on the fuel size, type, geometry, and weight. 
       FIG.  4   b    is a fuel support design concept ( 75 ). Specific features of this design concept include a design feature ( 80 ) to connect to the main support ( 2 ), a design feature ( 79 ) to prevent the fuel support design concept ( 75 ) from rotating, a design feature ( 78 ) to support the fuel, design features ( 77 ) to allow for ashes from the fuel to drop into the base, and a design feature ( 76 ) to prevent the fuel from falling off the fuel support design concept ( 75 ) into the base ( 1 ). The design feature ( 77 ) would also provide a method for the flames/heat from the fires below to pass into the fuel. An example would be casting a one piece fuel support design ( 75 ) concept for connection to the main support ( 2 ). The thickness of the casting should be designed to support the weight of the fuel during the high operating temperatures of the Fire Fixture. 
       FIG.  4   c    is a fuel support design concept ( 81 ). Specific features of this design include a design feature ( 85 ) to connect to the main support ( 2 ), a design feature ( 84 ) to provide visual appearance, a design feature ( 83 ) which allows for ashes from the fuel to drop into the base ( 1 ) and to allow flames/heat from the fire below to pass into the fuel, and a design feature ( 82 ) to prevent the fuel from falling off the fuel support design concept ( 81 ). An example would be a sheet of metal modified with design features ( 83 ), cut to design feature ( 84 ), bent to design feature ( 82 ), and attached to a design feature ( 85 ). The thickness of the sheet metal should be designed to support the weight of the fuel during the high operating temperatures of the Fire Fixture. 
       FIG.  4   d    is a fuel support design concept ( 86 ). Specific features of this design is a design feature ( 90 ) to connect to the main support ( 2 ), a design feature ( 89 ) that supports the fuel, a design feature ( 88 ) that allows for ashes from the fuel to drop into the base ( 1 ) and to allow flames/heat from the fire below to pass into the fuel, and a silhouette to prevent the fuel from falling off the fuel support design concept ( 86 ). The silhouette shown in  FIG.  4   d    is flames, but other silhouette designs could include cars, trucks, words, letters, symbols, or any object that could be manufactured. The only limit to the actual silhouette design is the imagination of the designer. Silhouette fuel support design concepts ( 86 ) will enhance a Fire Fixture appearance. 
       FIG.  5    is a fire level design concept ( 100 ) example. This example provides a pre-arrangement of fuel supports ( 103 ), design features ( 102 ) which allows for fuel ash to drop into the base and heat/flames to pass into the fuel on the fire support ( 103 ), and a design feature ( 104 ) that attaches the 3 fire supports ( 103 ) together as one assembly and allows for easy assembly onto a main support ( 2 ). Three fuel support concepts ( 102 ) are shown in this example. However, any number and designs of fuel supports ( 6 ) could be arranged and connected into one piece if this would benefit manufacturing, shipping, or packaging. This would enable quick assembly onto the main support ( 2 ). 
       FIG.  6    is a Fire Fixture concept ( 111 ) with one fire level and  4  fuel support concepts ( 6 ). The intention of  FIG.  6    is to show a quick assembly process.  FIG.  6   a    is step 1 where fuel supports ( 6 ) are inserted into the main base concept ( 44 ) to form assembly ( 110 ).  FIG.  6   b    is step 2 where the assembly ( 110 ) is inserted into the base ( 16 ) to form Fire Fixture concept ( 111 ). Then fuel would be placed at the base ( 16 ) at location ( 113 ) for ignition. Fuel would also be place in each fuel support ( 6 ) concept. 
       FIG.  7    is an isometric view of Fire Fixture concept ( 120 ) intended to be portable and easy to package.  FIG.  7   a    shows three fire support concepts ( 86 ) are easy inserted into main support ( 13 ) to form assembly ( 120 ). One of many applications for this assembly ( 120 ) would be camping. 
       FIG.  8    is an isometric view of a Fire Fixture concept ( 130 ) intended to show a assembly concept process. Fire Fixture concept ( 130 ) shown is 2 fire levels with 3 fuel supports ( 70 ) per level.  FIG.  8   a    shows the fuel support concepts ( 70 ) to main support ( 40 ) and then assembly is inserted into a base ( 22 ). This concept requires a permanent attachment of the fuel support concepts ( 70 ) to the main support ( 22 ). One of manufacturing assembly processes that could be used is welding, but there are many other ways to attach the fuel support concepts ( 70 ) to the main support ( 22 ). One of the applications for this Fire Fixture concept ( 130 ) would be packaging and selling as a kit for the buyer to assemble at home with guidance on fuel support concept ( 70 ) locations.  FIG.  8   b    and  FIG.  8   c    are isometric views which highlight that fire supports ( 6 ) can be arranged towards one side of the Fire Fixture. This would be more desirable for space constraints or when the Fire Fixture view is intended for a targeted area. 
       FIG.  9    is an isometric view of a Fire Fixture concept ( 140 ) with 3 fire levels with 4 fuel supports ( 75 ) per level.  FIG.  9   a    shows 12 fuel support concepts ( 75 ) with assembled into  3  main support concepts ( 44 ). The main support concepts ( 44 ) would enable rotation of the fuel support concepts ( 75 ) for alignment to the primary fire. The base concept ( 23 ) is shown to support the main support concepts ( 44 ) and all 12 fuel support concepts ( 75 ).  FIG.  9   b    shows the assembly ready for use once fuel is placed in the base concept ( 23 ) and each fuel support concept ( 75 ). 
       FIG.  10    is a Fire Fixture concept ( 156 ) with one fire level and one fuel support concept ( 154 ).  FIG.  10   a    shows the fuel support concept ( 154 ) is designed with solid metal rods ( 150 ,  151 ,  152 , and  153 ) assembled by welding, but other assembly processes could be used. The center rod ( 150 ) is the design feature that inserts into the main support ( 44 ) by a design feature ( 46 ) to accept design feature ( 150 ) on the fuel support concept ( 154 ). The main support concept ( 44 ) is shown to be circular ( 45 ), but other geometries could be used. To prevent the fuel support concept ( 154 ) from rotating, metal rods ( 153 ) are attached to use the main support ( 44 ) for rotation prevention. Design features ( 151 ) are intended to support fuel by arranging the fuel in a vertical arrangement. For example, stacking firewood pieces vertical to create a burning wall. 
       FIG.  10   b   is a top view of the fuel support concept ( 154 ) after insertion into the main support concept ( 44 ) by using design feature ( 46 ). The design features ( 153 ) to prevent fuel support concept ( 154 ) rotation are shown. 
       FIG.  10   c   is an isometric view of a Fire Fixture concept ( 156 ). The base concept ( 23 ) is shown using a main support concept ( 44 ) and fuel support concept ( 156 ). For operation, fuel would be placed in 2 locations ( 155 ). 
       FIG.  11    is a Fire Fixture concept ( 160 ) that provides a method to “hang” fuel. The Fire Fixture concept ( 160 ) shown is one level with  6  fuel support concepts ( 163 ). This Fire Fixture concept ( 160 ) could have multiple levels and an assortment of fuel support concepts ( 163 ). 
       FIG.  11   a    represents the assembly of the Fire Fixture concept ( 160 ). The base concept ( 16 ) is used to support the Fire Fixture concept ( 160 ). The main support concept ( 44 ) is inserted into the base concept ( 16 ). The fuel support concept ( 163 ) uses design rods ( 164 ). The design rods ( 164 ) are inserted into the main support concept ( 44 ) until contact ( 167 ).  FIG.  11   b    shows the Fire Fixture concept ( 160 ) after final assembly of the Fuel Support concept ( 163 ), main support concept ( 44 ), and base concept ( 16 ) have been assembled. This Fire Fixture concept ( 160 ) is shown to be portable and easy to assemble. Other methods to construct this Fix Fixture concept ( 160 ) could used (weld, bolted, etc.). 
       FIG.  11   c    shows a front view of the Fire Fixture concept ( 160 ) with the fuel ( 161 ) that is ready for operation as a complete Fire Fixture design ( 168 ).  FIG.  11   d    is an isometric view of the complete Fire Fixture concept ( 168 ) showing base concept ( 16 ), main support concept ( 44 ), fuel support concept ( 163 ), and fuel ( 161 ). The fuel ( 161 ) is required to have a design feature ( 165 ) to enable assembly of the fuel support concept ( 163 ). The length ( 162 ) and the width ( 166 ) is dependent on the main support ( 44 ) design details selected for a specific Fire Fixture concept ( 160 ). The fuel ( 161 ) could be manufactured to support this Fire Fixture design ( 160 ). For example, wood chips could be molded into a fuel ( 162 ) design with the design feature ( 165 ) molded into the fuel ( 162 ) design. Other materials could be selected that would burn during operation. For enhancing the flames during operation, an additive could be added to the fuel ( 161 ) that would burn with different colors. 
       FIG.  12    shows a Fire Fixture concept ( 173 ) consisting of a base concept ( 23 ), main support concept ( 40 ), and 3 fuel support concepts ( 170 ,  171 , and  172 ). Fuel support concept ( 170 ) shown has 25 design rods to support fuel. Fuel support concept ( 171 ) shown has 20 design rods to support fuel. Fuel support concept ( 172 ) shown has 15 design rods to support fuel. These fuel support concepts ( 170 ,  171 , and  72 ) are intended to show another Fire Fixture concept variation. The fuel support concepts ( 170 ,  171 , and  172 ) could be assembled by a method shown in  FIG.  5    ( 100 ). For operation of this Fire Fixture concept ( 173 ), fuel would be added to the locations shown ( 174 ). 
       FIG.  13    is a Fire Fixture prototype built to demonstrate the invention operation. This prototype has 4 fire levels with 2 fire supports on level 1, 2 fire supports on level 2, 1 fire support on level 3, and 1 fire support on level 4. The height of  FIG.  13    is 5 feet. Material to construct this prototype was purchased at a local hardware store and then assembled in a garage using a welder to build the structure. 
       FIG.  14    is the Fire Fixture prototype shown in  FIG.  13    during operation. Firewood was used as the fuel for this demonstration. Observations made during operation indicated that the fuel supports at each level should be placed in a linear order vertically to ensure heat beginning from the primary fire is sustained through each level. Secondly, a large of wood was used throughout the course of the demonstration. This Fire Fixture configuration was capable of sustaining 4 regular size fires. Thirdly, the amount of radiant heat around the circumference of the fire pit enabled outdoor fires to be built throughout the winter in a Midwest area. It was also observed to load more firewood during operation was easy. 
       FIG.  15    is a Fire Fixture prototype as shown in  FIG.  11   . For demonstration, firewood was used as the fuel and a drill was used to enable the firewood to be hung on the fire supports. Each piece of firewood that was hung on the fuel support required a hole to be drilled. Material used for this prototype was purchased at a local hardware store and assembled in a garage using a welder. The height of  FIG.  15    is 4.5 feet. During operation, it was observed the radiant heat around the circumference of the fire enable comfortable viewing outdoors during freezing temperatures. It was also observed adding fuel during operation required a tool to hold the wood while installing on the fuel support due to the heat from the primary fire level.