Airflow Device

Abstract

An airflow device for use with a fireplace fire. The airflow device comprises a blower component having a motor driven fan. A tubular element of an air delivery component connects to an outlet of the blower component for supplying additional air to the fireplace fire. The tubular element also connects to a directional element directing the airflow toward a base of the fireplace fire. The airflow is adjustable and positional as needed to enhance the combustion process of the fire.

Claims

1. An airflow device for improving airflow to a fire, the airflow device comprising: a blower component; and an air delivery component in fluid communication with the blower component, the air delivery component comprising a tubular element attachable to the blower component and a directional element extending from the tubular element for directing airflow.

2. The airflow device of claim 1, wherein the blower component comprises a fan.

3. The airflow device of claim 2, wherein the fan is a variable speed fan.

4. The airflow device of claim 1 further comprising a support component for elevating the air delivery component.

5. The airflow device of claim 1, wherein the tubular element is rigid, and the directional element is flexible.

6. The airflow device of claim 1, wherein the directional element comprises an outlet.

7. The airflow device of claim 6, wherein the outlet comprises a plurality of orifices.

8. An airflow device comprising: a blower component comprising an inlet and an outlet; and an air delivery component in fluid communication with the blower component, the air delivery component comprising a tubular element attachable to the outlet and a directional element extending from the tubular element; and wherein the blower component and the air delivery component are configured such that air entering the inlet of the blower component passes through the blower component and the air delivery component.

9. The airflow device of claim 8, wherein the directional element comprises a flexible body and an outlet.

10. The airflow device of claim 9, wherein the outlet comprises a plurality of orifices.

11. The airflow device of claim 10, wherein the outlet comprises an airflow adjusting element.

12. The airflow device of claim 11, wherein the airflow adjusting element is an adjusting plate that rotates to obstruct some of the orifices.

13. The airflow device of claim 8, wherein the tubular element is flexible.

14. The airflow device of claim 8 further comprising a support component for elevating the air delivery component.

15. An airflow device for improving airflow to a fire, the airflow device comprising: a blower component comprising a variable speed fan, an inlet and an outlet; and an air delivery component in fluid communication with the blower component, the air delivery component comprising an adjustable tubular element attachable to the outlet and a directional element extending from the tubular element; and wherein the blower component and the air delivery component are configured such that air entering the inlet of the blower component is accelerated through the blower component and the air delivery component.

16. The airflow device of claim 15, wherein the adjustable tubular element adjusts in length.

17. The airflow device of claim 15, wherein the adjustable tubular element is telescoping.

18. The airflow device of claim 15 further comprising a support component for elevating the air delivery component.

19. The airflow device of claim 15, wherein the airflow device is battery powered.

20. The airflow device of claim 15, wherein the airflow device is solar powered.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an airflow device for improving airflow to a fireplace fire of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a blower component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0021] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of one embodiment of an outlet of a directional element of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of another embodiment of an outlet of a directional element of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 6C illustrates a front view of another embodiment of an outlet of a directional element of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 6D illustrates a front view of another embodiment of an outlet of a directional element of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the airflow device for improving airflow to a firepit fire of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0027] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a fan system designed to improve airflow and increase heat output of a wood or charcoal burning fire. The electric billow features adjustable tubing connected to a fan unit. The adjustable length tube is capable of directing and delivering air under the grate to improve heat production and offers a more effective method of tending to a wood-burning fireplace. One end of the tube is attached to the fan while the second end is attached to the fireproof direction tip. Users can activate the fan to constantly blow air under the fireplace grate to keep and increase heat production. The system offers a way to properly maintain a fire without having to constantly manipulate and adjust the wood. The system can be powered with an electrical outlet plug, a battery, and/or solar power.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 5 illustrate an airflow device 100 for improving airflow to a fire. The airflow device 100 is usable to more easily start and maintain a fire in a fireplace, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, or a firepit as illustrated in FIG. 7. The airflow device 100 comprises a blower component 102 and an air delivery component 130. The air delivery component 130 is in fluid communication with the blower component 102. The blower component 102 and the air delivery component 130 are configured such that air entering the blower component 102 passes through the blower component 102 and the air delivery component 130.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the blower component 102 comprises a housing 104 and a fan 114. The housing is typically constructed from metal or plastic and comprises an outlet end 106 and an inlet end 110. An outlet 108 is disposed within the outlet end 106 and an inlet 112 is disposed within the inlet end 110. Both the outlet 108 and the inlet 112 may be covered with screening, mesh or louvers for protection as desired.

[0030] The fan 114 is an electric fan and may be a variable speed fan. The fan 114 draws air in through the inlet 112, accelerates the air, and discharges the air through the outlet 106. The fan 114 is driven by an electric motor 116 which is in electrical communication with a power source 118. The power source 118 may be a wall plug 122 for connecting to a home electrical grid as illustrated in FIG. 3, a solar power cell 124 as illustrated in FIG. 7, or a battery 120 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The motor 116 is operable via an on/off switch 126. The blower component 102 may further comprise a variable speed switch 128 in electrical communication with the motor 116 for increasing and decreasing the fan speed to control airflow as desired. Air entering the inlet 112 of the blower component 102 passes through the blower component 102 into the air delivery component 130 where it is directed towards the fire as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the air delivery component 130 comprises a tubular element 132 and a directional element 142 for directing airflow. The tubular element 132 is attachable to or permanently affixed around the outlet 108 of the blower component 102 via a blower connecting portion 134. The tubular element 132 may be rigid or flexible. The tubular element 132 may be adjustable in length. The tubular element 132 and may be manufactured from corrugated or stretchable metal tubing to be stretchable and bendable, or from rigid tubing. Alternatively, the tubular element 132 may comprise a first portion 136 and a second portion 138 that telescopes from the first portion 136 to extend the length of the tubular element 132. The tubular element 132 terminates in a directional element connecting portion 140. The airflow device 100 may further comprise a support component 154. The support component 154 is used to elevate the air delivery component 130 or the tubular element 132 downstream of the blower component 102. The support component 154 is a stand, block, or other support that may be attachable or permanently affixed.

[0032] The directional element 142 is attachable to or permanently affixed to and extends from the tubular element 132 opposite the blower component 102 for directing airflow. The directional element 142 may be rigid, flexible or bendable. The directional element 142 comprises a tubular element connecting portion 144, a body 146, and an outlet 148. The connection between the tubular element connecting portion 144 and the directional element connecting portion 140 may be a permanent connection or may be detachable for storage. The body 146 may be manufactured from corrugated or stretchable metal tubing to be stretchable and bendable, or rigid tubing pre-bent in a preferred position.

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, the outlet 148A-D comprises a plurality of orifices 150. The plurality of orifices 150 may be nozzles or other openings of any configuration. The outlet 148B may further comprise an airflow adjusting element 152, such as a plate that rotates to obstruct some of the orifices 150 thereby controlling how much air is expelled through the outlet 148B. The airflow adjusting element 152 may be used as an alternative airflow control or in addition to the variable speed fan 114. Typically, the outlet 148 is directed at the base of the fire, such as under the grate of a fireplace fire.

[0034] It is contemplated that the airflow device 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

[0035] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.