Patent ID: 12259127

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS ON

The present invention, as well as features and aspects thereof, is directed towards providing a fire chamber that can be inserted into a fire pit or other enclosure, and/or a fire pit that creates a controlled tornadic column of fire (aka firenado).

In general, the various embodiments create a firenado by providing a fire or flame source, along with the provision of air moving in eddy currents or turbulent wind. Combined, the two elements artificially create or form a firenado. Thus, the various embodiments include a flame source and an air-flow controlling element. The flame source is used to provide a typical, gas fed (such as propane or natural gas) flame within the confines of a fire chamber, such as a fire pit. The air-flow controlling element consists of a structure to force air at a sufficient velocity to create wind turbulence, such as a rotating air-flow or eddy current. The various embodiments, along with specific features, elements, aspects and components are presented in more detail with reference to the various drawings in which like labels represent like elements throughout the various views. The various embodiments are referred to as a firenado pit or a firenado insert that can be installed in a pit or other receptor.

FIG.1is a top plan view of an exemplary arrangement of a fire source and blowers suitable for embodiments of the firenado. In the illustrated embodiment, the fire source comprises a two-ring flame element104, which includes a first ring106of a first diameter d1. The first ring106is concentric with a second ring108with a second and larger diameter d2. The first ring and second ring may be secured into position relative to each other with one or more cross-members110.

Around the periphery of the fire source104, the illustrated arrangement includes a plurality of blowers120-1,120-2,120-3,120-4,120-5, and120-6(collectively referred to as120). Each of the blowers120include nozzle122that is fed from one or more air sources (not illustrated inFIG.1). Once fluidity is established between the air sources and nozzles122, air is forced out of a directed opening124(best seen inFIG.2) in a direction that the nozzle120is aiming.

FIG.2is a functional diagram of a single nozzle and an air source suitable for various embodiments of the firenado. In the illustrated embodiment, a nozzle122with a directed output124is connected to an air source240through a conduit230, such as a pipe, hose, tube, etc. Once the air source240is enabled or turned on, air begins to flow through the conduit230and into the interior of the nozzle122. The air is then forced out of the narrow opening124into the firenado flame area.

FIG.3is a top plan view of an exemplary arrangement of a fire source and blowers suitable for embodiments of the firenado showing the positioning of the nozzles. The nozzles120-1through120-6are set direct the air-flow around the fire source104in such a manner to induce the fire tornado. Focusing on nozzle120-5, a pivot point126-5is positioned at some point along the lateral length of the nozzle120-5. This point may coincide with the connect of the conduit230interfacing the nozzle120-5to the air source240or, the point may be in addition to the conduit230connection. In either case, the pivot point126-5defines a point that the nozzle120-5can be pivoted around in direction the air-flow out of the nozzle120-5towards the fire source104.

The pivot point126-5is positioned a distance L2from a central point340of the fire source104. The nozzle120-5is then pivoted about the pivot point126-5such that the air flow out of the nozzle120-5is directed tangentially towards the fire source104. Once positioned the line from the central point340to the pivot point126-5of nozzle120-5and the line of distance L1from the central point126-5to the tangential point of the air flow from the nozzle120-5for an angle a relative to each other. The angle of the air flow from nozzle120-5and the line from the central point340to the pivot point126-5of nozzle120-5form an angle b.

In an exemplary embodiment, L2equals approximately 4/3*L1. As the line L3and L1form a right angle c, the angles a and b can be calculated using simple geometry for a right triangle. For instance, the angle b can be calculated as:
b=sin−1(L1/L2)=sin−1(L1/(4/3*L1)=sin−110.75=48.5 degrees

Similarly, the angle a can be calculated as follows:
a=sin−1(L3/L2)=sin−1(L3/(4/3*L1)=sin−1(0.75*L3/L1)

We also know that if b=48.5 degrees for a right triangle, then a=90−48.5 degrees or 41.5 degrees.

In the non-limiting example presented in the illustration, using the above solution for the angle b=48.5 degrees and a=41.5 degrees, the value of L1, L2and L3can be determined as follows:
L2=sin(b)/L1=sin(48.5 degrees)*L1=0.75/L1
L3=L1/tan(b)=L1/tan(48.5)=L1/0.885

Thus, for one non-limiting example, if the fire element104has a diameter of 10 inches, the L1will be 5 inches and the configuration of the nozzles120will be as follows:L2=6.667 inchesL3=5.65 inches

It should be appreciated that other configurations may also be useful and operative to create a firenado and the provided measurements are just one non-limiting example. Comparing the configuration inFIG.3to the configuration inFIG.4, it is evident that if the PSI is increased for the system, the nozzles120can be moved such that b′<b, a′<a and L3′>L3and L2′>L2.

If the angle b was zero, the nozzle would be pointing directly at the flame element104. This would not result in creating the eddy currents that are desired to induce the fire tornado. As such, the nozzle is angled outward from directly pointing at the flame element104, such that the air flow is directed more parallel to the flame element, or pushed around the edge of the flame element, thus creating a circular air flow or eddy currents. If the nozzle is turned to 90 degrees relative to the line L2, and with L2being greater than L1, the air flow would be directed to the side of the flame element104and as such, to be effective at generating the eddy currents around the flame element104, more air pressure would be required. In addition, the large the value of L2, the more air pressure will be required to generate the eddy currents necessary to induce the fire tornado. If b is greater than 90 degrees, the ability to generate the eddy currents would be greatly reduced. Thus, optimally, the angle of b will be greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees.

It should be appreciated that rather than the nozzles120being able to swivel or rotate about the pivot point126, the nozzles120may be fixed in an optimal position. It should also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the length L1is typically fixed based on the fire source104. As such, the position of the nozzles120can be adjusted based on the size of the fire source104, the PSI of air pressure provided by the air source, the compression or air flow direction of the nozzles120and other environmental attributes. Ideally, from a manufacturing perspective, a value of L1, L2and L3and the angles a and b can be selected to induce the fire tornado most reliable, even though a range of each of these lengths and angles may result in a functional firenado. For instance, if the PSI of the air-flow delivered by the air source240(FIG.2) then the lengths L2and L3can be lengthened as illustrated inFIG.4.

FIG.4is a top plan view of an exemplary arrangement of a fire source and blowers suitable for embodiments of the firenado showing the positioning of the nozzles for a higher PSI air source. With the increased PSI, each of the nozzles120-1′ to120-6′ are shown as being moved back from the fire source104such that the pivot point126-5′ (as an example) is further away from the central point340so that it is a distance L2′. Similarly, the distance from the pivot point126-5′ to the tangential touching point of the fire source104is increased to L3′. With the new values of L2′ and L3′, the angles a′ and b′ can be calculated.

FIG.5is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a firenado insert. The insert is designed to be slid into an existing fire pit to convert the fire pit into a firenado fire pit. The insert500includes a shell504. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell504defines a recessed area508for housing the nozzles120, flame element104and a walled-in area in which the air-flow can create eddy currents.

A conduit532is shown as feeding the flame element104on one end, while the other end can be connected to a gas source (not illustrated) such as a propane tank or a natural gas line, etc. Another conduit230is connected to the nozzles120on one end and to the air source (such as air source240inFIG.2).

The shell504also defines a lip510around the perimeter of the recessed area508. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip510can be used so set the insert on the surface of a fire pit or a void in a receptor (such as a cabinet with countertop, a void defined in a deck or patio, etc.). It should be appreciated that the insert500may take on a variety of forms such as the illustrated square, or a rectangular shape, triangular shape, round shape, oval shape, etc. Further, the insert may include a lip510as illustrated, or may also be mounted without requiring a lip. The depth of the recessed area508may vary between embodiments but generally, should be deep enough to ensure that the nozzles120are below the top edge of the recessed area508, although it is anticipated that in some embodiments the nozzles120may extend above the top edge of the recessed area508. Even in further embodiments, the insert500may not include a recessed area but rather, simply be a flat surface. In other embodiments, the recessed area may be bowl-shaped.

FIG.6is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inter-connectivity of the nozzles120and the flame element104. In the illustrated embodiment, a ring tube602is utilized to interconnect each of the nozzles120with an air source (240inFIG.2) with conduit230. Each nozzle120includes a base620and an extension622. The base620of each nozzle120is hollow and connects to the ring tube602. The extensions622are also hollow and as such, a path for the air-flow from air source240extends from the air source, through conduit230, through the ring tube602and through the base620and extension622of each nozzle.

Further, the fire element104includes one or more tube rings that are fluidly connected to a fuel source through conduit532.

It should be appreciated that the embodiment presented inFIG.6is a non-limiting example of one configuration. Other configurations may include a square tube, a split tube with air input in the middle or on one end, a single multiple T or Y connector or multiple T or Y connectors. In some embodiments, the conduit230and/or the ring tube602or equivalent may include a valve, such as a ball valve, that can be adjusted increase or decrease the air-flow and PSI of the air delivered. Similarly, a valve, such as a ball valve may be used to control the fuel supply to the fire element104.

FIG.7A. is a perspective diagram of firenado pit embodiment with a round recessed area. The firenado pit700is illustrated as including a round fire element704with two concentric circular tubes, inner tube742and outer tube744joined together with two cross members746and748. A plurality of nozzles720are spaced round the fire element704, similar to what is presented inFIGS.1,3,4,5, and6, with the exception that nozzles720are embedded within a wall752of the firenado pit700, with just a tip of the nozzles720protruding from the wall752.

FIG.7Bis a perspective diagram of the embodiment ofFIG.7Awith the walls of the firenado pit700transparent to reveal further details. The bottom of the firenado pit includes an aperture754through which a conduit from the air source and or fire element704fuels source can pass. However, in some embodiments, the air source may reside within the firenado700lower chamber756. In such an embodiment, a power line may pass through the aperture754to power the air source. In some embodiments, a fuel tank may be located within the lower chamber756to feed the flame element.

FIG.7Cis a perspective diagram of the embodiment ofFIG.7Awith the walls of the firenado pit transparent and from a different angle.

FIG.8Ais a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the firenado of utilizing the insert ofFIG.5. The firenado fire pit800includes a bed of pumas or stones860in the recess of the insert500such that the fire element104is fully covered but the air nozzles120are above the surface of the pumas or stone bed to freely direct air towards an open flame and thus induce the fire tornado. A tube or conduit532connects the fuel source870to the flame element104.

FIG.8Bis an alternative view of the embodiment ofFIG.8A.

FIG.8Cillustrates the embodiment ofFIG.8Ain operation.

One specific embodiment includes a method for inducing a flame into a fire tornado. The method includes setting a flame element within a recessed void of a shell or insert. The claim element is coupled to a fuel source and thus receives a fuel, such as propane, natural gas, etc., to be burned. The flame element is then ignited. The embodiment also includes setting a plurality of air nozzles around the periphery of the flame element and insuring that each of the plurality of air nozzles is pointing towards an edge of the flame element at an angle that is not 0 degrees, or that is greater than 0 degrees relative to a line running from the nozzle to the center of the flame element. Thus, the nozzle is not pointing directly at the edge of the flame element, but rather is at an angle that is directed towards the edge, so that the air flow is pushed around the flame element. For instance, in some embodiments the angle can range from greater than 0 to 90 degrees relative to a line passing through the nozzle to the center of the flame element. At the particular angle, the method comprises delivering air to each of the plurality of air nozzles from an air source. As a result, the air flow of air from each of the plurality of air nozzles creates eddy currents within the recessed void to induce the fire tornado.

In some embodiments, the flame element is circular, and the angle of the air flow from a particular nozzle towards the flame element is along or proximate to a tangential line. For instance, the air flow may be tangential to the edge of the flame element, plus or minus 5 degrees, or in some embodiments plus or minus 10 degrees, or in other embodiments, plus or minus 20 degrees or more.

In some embodiments, the plurality of air nozzles around the periphery of the flame element includes 2 or more nozzles, or in some embodiments 4-8 nozzles, or in some embodiments 6 nozzles.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of air nozzles can be individually adjusted to change the particular angle of that particular nozzle. However, in some embodiments, the plurality of air nozzles are interconnected such that adjusting the angle of one of the air nozzles results in adjusting each of the remaining air nozzles.

In higher-end embodiments, the firenado may include a level of intelligence. As such, the firenado may be able to monitor the height of the fire tornado, the velocity of the currents, the turbulence of the fire tornado, etc. and then make adjustments automatically to maximize the effectiveness. For instance, light sensor can be used to determine how high the flames are reaching from the flame element. Further, sensors may be used to measure the turbulence in the flame and or the air flow within the recessed void. The system may then automatically make adjustments to the nozzles, air flow, air pressure and flame size to optimize the firenado. Further, the firenado may include a user interface that allows the user to dial in a specific desire on the height and turbulence of the firenado. In such a system, adjustments can be made to maintain operation within the selected parameters.

As such, the firenado may include a processor running a software program to control a valve to regulate air flow and fuel flow, to adjust the angles of the nozzles, to adjust the size of the flame, to adjust the aperture size of the hole in the nozzle providing air flow etc.

FIG.9is a functional block diagram of the components of an exemplary embodiment of system or sub-system operating as a controller or processor900that could be used in various embodiments of the disclosure for controlling aspects of the various embodiments.FIG.9could server as the backbone or platform for any of the components, systems or devices presented herein, including but not limited to servers, mobile devices, computers, subscriber devices, networked devices, etc. It will be appreciated that not all of the components illustrated inFIG.9are required in all embodiments of the activity monitor but, each of the components are presented and described in conjunction withFIG.9to provide a complete and overall understanding of the components. The controller can include a general computing platform900illustrated as including a processor/memory device902/904that may be integrated with each other or, communicatively connected over a bus or similar interface906. The processor902can be a variety of processor types including microprocessors, micro-controllers, programmable arrays, custom IC's etc. and may also include single or multiple processors with or without accelerators or the like. The memory element of904may include a variety of structures, including but not limited to RAM, ROM, magnetic media, optical media, bubble memory, FLASH memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc. The processor902, or other components in the controller may also provide components such as a real-time clock, analog to digital convertors, digital to analog convertors, etc. The processor902also interfaces to a variety of elements including a control interface912, a display adapter908, an audio adapter910, and network/device interface914. The control interface912provides an interface to external controls, such as sensors, actuators, drawing heads, nozzles, cartridges, pressure actuators, leading mechanism, drums, step motors, a keyboard, a mouse, a pin pad, an audio activated device, as well as a variety of the many other available input and output devices or, another computer or processing device or the like. The display adapter908can be used to drive a variety of alert elements916, such as display devices including an LED display, LCD display, one or more LEDs or other display devices. The audio adapter910interfaces to and drives another alert element918, such as a speaker or speaker system, buzzer, bell, etc. The network/interface914may interface to a network920which may be any type of network including, but not limited to the Internet, a global network, a wide area network, a local area network, a wired network, a wireless network or any other network type including hybrids. Through the network920, or even directly, the controller900can interface to other devices or computing platforms such as one or more servers922and/or third party systems924. A battery or power source provides power for the controller900.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise”, “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow.