System and method for building ornamental flame displays

Abstract

A system for creating a flow of gas for use in creating relatively low-temperature ornamental flame uses a support connector with a vertical inlet adapted for accepting a flow of gas and a pair of generally horizontal outlets. Nipples are attached to the support connector. The nipples carry gas from the support connector to jets that mix the gas with air and deliver the mixture to be burned. The nipples include at least one landing of integral, one-piece construction with each of the nipples. The landings are adapted for accepting the mating surface of the wrench. The nipples include a plurality of apertures for accepting gas jets that include a side aperture for creating a gas-air mixture. The attachment of the nipples is achieved with a mating wrench, which allows assembly of the system to proper torque settings without marring of the surfaces of the system.

Claims

1. A modular burner system comprising: a plurality of burners, at least two of the burners including a nipple that is brass and a jet that is brass; in each of the at least two of the burners: the nipple has a first end that is threaded and a second end that is closed; the nipple has a side wall between the first end and the second end, the side wall defining a bore, the bore extends through the first end to the second end; the first end, second end, and side wall of the nipple are of integral, one piece, construction free of joints; the nipple has a threaded hole extending through the side wall of the nipple to the bore; and the jet has a threaded end threadedly engaged with the threaded hole.

2. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the nipples include landings on the second end, the landings being arranged circumferentially about the second end.

3. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the jets include a free end spaced from the threaded end, a wall extending from the threaded end to the free end and defining a bore through the threaded end and the free end, and a port extending through the wall to the bore between the threaded end and the free end.

4. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the jets are aimed in converging paths.

5. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 1, wherein nipples are parallel to each other, and the jets are aimed inboard relative to the nipples.

6. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the two nipples are coaxial.

7. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 6, wherein the plurality of burners includes at least four burners, wherein two of the nipples are coaxial along a first axis, and two of the nipples are coaxial along a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis.

8. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 7, wherein one of the jets on one of the nipples along the first axis and one of the jets on one of the nipples along the second axis are aimed in converging paths.

9. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the jet on the other of the nipples along the first axis and the jet on the other of the nipples along the second axis are aimed in converging paths.

10. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of burners includes at least four burners arranged in an H-shape.

11. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a middle T-shaped support connector with one pair of the four burners on one side of the middle T-shaped support connector, and the other pair of the four burners on another side of the middle T-shaped support connector.

12. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 11, further comprising two side T-shaped support connectors, wherein one of the side T-shaped support connectors is between the middle T-shaped support connector and one pair of the four burners, and wherein the other T-shaped support connector is between the middle T-shaped support connector and the other pair of the four burners.

13. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first end of each nipple is beveled.

14. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 1, wherein each jet includes a free end longitudinally spaced from the threaded end and a bore extending through the threaded end and the free end, a diameter of the bore at the threaded end being less than a diameter of the bore at the free end.

15. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 14, wherein each jet includes a chamfered exit at the free end.

16. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 15, wherein the bore is cylindrical from the threaded end to the chamfered exit.

17. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 14, wherein the bore is cylindrical from the threaded end toward the free end.

18. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 15, wherein each jet includes a wall extending from the threaded end to the free end and a port spaced from the threaded end and extending through the wall to the bore.

19. The modular burner system as set forth in claim 1, wherein each jet includes a free end longitudinally spaced from the threaded end and a bore extending through the threaded end and the free end, wherein each jet includes a wall extending from the threaded end to the free end and a port extending through the wall to the bore, and wherein the port of one of the jets is smaller than the port of another of the jets so as to vary a flame effect of the respective jets.

Description

DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best mode presently devised for making and using the instant invention, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly used for creating ornamental flames, the assembly using components and principles of disclosed here. The view also illustrates that the locations of the apertures for supporting jets along the nipples may be varied, and that nipples without jets may be used where the nipple is being used merely as a spacer or conduit.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another arrangement for creating ornamental flames, the arrangement using components and

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the disclosed system to create a larger arrangement than the arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view of a nipple used with the disclosed system.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a nipple with a blind, closed end and potential aperture locations for accepting jets or jets disclosed here.

(7) FIG. 5A is an end view of the threaded end of to the blind nipple shown in FIG. 5.

(8) FIG. 5B is an end view of the blind end portion of to the blind nipple shown in FIG. 5, the view also illustrating the integral hex surfaces that may be engaged with a suitable tool, such as a wrench.

(9) FIG. 5C is sectional view taken along the arrows marked 5C in FIG. 5.

(10) FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a nipple with a blind, closed end and potential aperture locations for accepting jets or nozzles as disclosed here.

(11) FIG. 6A is an end view of the threaded end of the blind nipple shown in FIG. 6, the view also illustrating the integral hex surfaces that may be engaged with a wrench to create a secure transmission of torque to the nipple during assembly.

(12) FIG. 6B is an end view of the blind end portion of to the blind nipple shown in FIG. 6, the view also illustrating the integral hex surfaces that may be engaged with a torque wrench.

(13) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of preferred examples of the jets used with the disclosed system.

(14) FIG. 7A is an end view looking towards the threaded end of the example shown in FIG. 7.

(15) FIG. 7B is an end view looking towards the hexed end of the example shown in FIG. 7.

(16) FIG. 7C is a sectional view taken along the arrows marked 7C in FIG. 7.

(17) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example of the jets used with the disclosed system.

(18) FIG. 8A is an end view looking towards one of the threaded ends of the example shown in FIG. 8.

(19) FIG. 8B is a sectional view taken along the arrows marked 8B in FIG. 8A.

(20) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a jet.

(21) FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the jet of FIG. 9.

(22) FIG. 11 shows an example of an arrangement that creates a single line of flames, the figure also showing examples of features that may be incorporated to facilitate turning the nipples during installation or assembly.

(23) FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a tool that facilitates engaging and turning the nipples of the disclosed system during assembly and installation.

(24) FIG. 13 shows a cross section of a socket that may be used in the manner illustrated in FIG. 12. The example of the socket shows stepped internal sections of progressively smaller diameters. However, it is also contemplated that the internal surface may be of a single, continuous shape or cross section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXEMPLAR EMBODIMENTS

(25) While the invention will be described and disclosed here in connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention.

(26) Turning now to FIG. 1, where an example of the disclosed system 10 for creating an ornamental flame. The system 10 being particularly well suited for creating a swirling flow of gas 12 to create a controlled flame 14. It will be understood from the accompanying drawings that the system 10 uses jets 28 that are mounted from jet support sections 16. A preferred example of the system 10 is made primarily of brass sections, which allows the system to be exposed to the elements and resist corrosion.

(27) FIG. 1, illustrates that the disclosed system 10 uses the jet support sections 16 and jet support connections 18 to allow the user to create a gas and air mixture delivery pattern that produces swirling of the gas mixture being delivered. Ignition of the gas mixture results in a flame that produces a wide dispersion of heat and light. The wide dispersion of the heat results in lower flame temperatures, which makes the disclosed system particularly well suited for creating ornamental flames.

(28) The accompanying figures, including FIGS. 1 and 5, show that the system 10 uses pipe nipples 16 of different lengths as building blocks for the system. The pipe nipples may have gas-flow passages that extend through the entire nipple, or they may be blind nipples 17 that include a first end 19 that is threaded and a second end 21 that is closed off, and thus blind. The term blind is commonly used in mechanical arts to refer to a hole or bore that does not extend through the base material, and thus it is not possible to see through the hole. An example of a blind nipple 17 is shown on FIG. 5. It is preferred that the nipples be of integral, one-piece, construction. The one-piece, integral, construction not only eliminates joints that may leak from improper assembly or from weathering, but as discussed below also aids in ensuring that the entire assembly is tightened to a proper torque level.

(29) The nipples used with the disclosed system incorporate landings 23 that allow engagement of the nipple with a wrench. This allows the use of a single threaded connection the nipple and any connectors that cooperate with the nipple. Since hexagonal sockets are commonly used with torque wrenches, illustrated examples show the use of landings that create a generally hexagonal shape. However, it should be noted that any suitable shape for engagement with a wrench or suitable toolmay be used, for example a square, star, or slotted shapes may also be integrated on the blind end.

(30) Having a single threaded connection associated with a particular nipple allows the technician assembling the system to achieving the proper torque level for the connection. Known systems that use galvanized pipe, for example, require the threading and tightening the pipe against a supporting connection, and then a separate cap to the pipe in order to create a branch for the system. These two connections in series make it difficult for the installer to verify that both joints have reached proper torque, or tightness.

(31) Thus, preferred examples of the pipe nipples 16 used with the disclosed system include a passage 22 that extends from the first end 18 towards the second end 20, and where required, a bore 24 is made through the sidewalls 26 of the nipples are drilled and tapped so as to accept a jet or jet 28. As discussed above, the jets 28 serve to create a suitable air/fuel mixture and mixture flow velocity for creating the desired size and dancing aspects of the flames.

(32) As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, a preferred example of the jets 28 includes a restricted inlet 30, a side opening 32 and a chamfered exit 34. The restricted inlet 30 has external threads 36 that are adapted for engaging mating threads in the bore 24, which allows the bore 24 to serve as a jet support connection 38. Thus, attaching one of the jets 28 to the bore 24 will allow pressurized gas within the nipple 16 to flow and expand through the jet 28. This, in turn, will allow the jet to mix the flow of flammable gas with air drawn through the side opening 32 by means of the well-known Venturi effect. Thus, a nipple will function as a jet support section 40, when bored and fitted with at least one jet 28.

(33) The use of the disclosed jets 28, or jets, provides important results over the prior art, which typically simply provided apertures along a manifold, and did not use the Venturi effect as carried out by the disclosed system. The jets disclosed here use the Venturi effect to mix gas and air at a ratio that will produce flames of a desired color, temperature, and flame size. The precise size and location of the side openings 32 are controlled by the size of the jet 28 and the flame effect desired from that particular jet. Thus, the use of multiple jets 28 in an assembly will allow the manufacturer or installer to customize the overall flame display through the arrangement of different jets 28 along a nipple 16. Typically, the variation is accomplished by varying the location and/or size of the side opening 32 so as to vary the fuel-air mixture by a specific jet. Accordingly, it will be understood that the disclosed system provides the installer or manufacturer with the ability to vary the appearance of the overall flame arrangement to achieve configurations that were not achievable with the prior art.

(34) Turning once again to FIG. 1, it will also be understood that the disclosed system will also use I-shaped support connectors 42. One of the I-shaped support connectors, the central I-shaped support connector 52, will include a vertical inlet 44 and preferably also have a top aperture 46 for accepting or creating a vertical gas jet 28 that is coaxially positioned with the vertical inlet 44.

(35) It is further contemplated that the entire system disclosed here will preferably be made from brass, although stainless steel is also suitable as both of these metals can resist the elements encountered by outdoor fire pits. However, brass is a preferred material due to its ease of machining and the aesthetically pleasing finish achieved in the end product.

(36) The central I-shaped support connector 52 will have a pair of generally horizontal outlets 54. The horizontal outlets being adapted for accepting the jet support connectors 38. Like the central I-shaped support connector 52, other I-shaped support connectors use with the system will include an inlet 56 and a pair of outlets 58. Thus, nipples 16 will extend from the outlets 54 of the central I-shaped support connector 52.

(37) FIGS. 1 and 2 also show that it is preferred that the gas jets 28 mounted from parallel jet support connectors 38 will preferably mounted at an acute angle to the jets 28 that extend from the parallel jet support connectors 38. This acute angle will result in the air and gas mixtures delivered from these opposing jets will be in generally converging paths, leading to swirling of the air and gas mixtures. Additionally, the flow delivered from the vertical jet 60 mounted from the central I-shaped support connector 52 will flow up, intersecting the flows from the parallel jet support connectors 38. This convergence of flows has been found to produce surprisingly bright and efficient burning of the gas. Additionally, since the gas flows, and therefore the flames, are well separated from one another, the dispersion of the heat created by the flames prevents focused, intense heat, and thus results in a safer arrangement than those of the prior art.

(38) Turing now to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be understood that the principles used to make the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be used to create an expanded system. The expanded system connecting a pair of H-shaped arrangements 62, the arrangements being supported from a central I-shaped support connector 52, which also uses vertical gas jet 28. Also, the larger system of FIG. 3 uses a pair of jet support connectors 38 which extend from the central I-shaped support connector 52.

(39) Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be understood that the disclosed system can be used to create larger, more complex, burner arrangement. Also, these figures illustrate that elbow sections 64 can also be used to connect additional of jet support connectors 38 to better cover larger areas.

(40) Turning now to FIG. 11, which shows an arrangement that creates a single line of flames, it will be understood a nipple 16 with a blind end 66 may include an aperture 68 across the end 70 of the nipple 16. It is also contemplated that instead of an aperture 68, the end 70 may instead, or also, include a slot of a desired shape that cooperates with a turning socket 72, illustrated in FIG. 12.

(41) Turning now to FIG. 12, which shows the turning socket 72 will cooperate with a wrench handle 74 to turn the nipple 16 in order to tighten or loosen the nipple 16. The blind end 66 of the nipple 12 is referred to as being blind, meaning that the bore 24 does not extend through the entire length of the nipple 16. The turning socket 72 includes an internal bore 78, and also includes an aperture 74 that extends through the side 76 of the turning socket 72 and into the internal bore 78. The aperture 74 is positioned such that a pin 80 may be inserted through the aperture 74 in the side 76, and thus allowing the pin 80 to engage the aperture 68 when the blind end 66 has been accepted within the internal bore 78.

(42) FIG. 13 is a sectional view along the length of the turning socket 72, and illustrates that the internal bore 78 of the turning socket 72 may incorporate stepped internal portions 82 that better accommodate different diameters of nipples.

(43) As discussed above, instead of using the aperture 68 at the blind end 66, a slot that cooperates with the pin 80 may be used. Alternatively, the turning socket 72 may include protrusions that extend into the internal bore 78 and cooperate with the slot or other mating surface incorporated in the blind end 66. Also, it is contemplated that handle with a pin that extends into the aperture 68 may also be used to turn the nipple. However, the use of a socket such as the turning socket 72 offers the advantage that the turning socket 72 may be attached to a torque wrench 82, allowing the torque wrench 82 to be used to ensure proper tightening of the nipple.

(44) Thus it can be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of just a few of the numerous variations of arrangements of the disclosed elements used to carry out the disclosed invention. Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood that the foregoing and other modifications are exemplary only, and that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by the prior art.