Fire Pit Flame Wind Protection Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fire pit wind screen device for protecting or shielding flames of a fire pit from the wind. The wind screen device can be used with any fire pit to block a portion of the fire pit from wind. The device includes vertical bolted stakes, a lower circular ring bolted to the inner surfaces of the stakes proximal to the bottom of the stakes, and an upper circular ring bolted to the inner surfaces of the stakes. The rings can move vertically along the longitudinal axis of the stakes to adjust the effective height of the device. The wind screen is a convex shaped guard or shield that can block the wind and shield the flames of the fire pit. The shield is configured to rotate to a position and direction wherein the convex surface faces into the wind.

Claims

1. A wind protection device for a fire pit, the wind protection device comprising: an upper ring; a lower ring; a plurality of vertical supports between said upper ring and said lower ring; said upper ring is selectively mounted at a height spaced from said lower ring; said height is adjustable; a shield mounted to said upper ring; and said shield rotatable about an inner perimeter of said upper ring.

2. The wind protection device of claim 1 further comprising a handle mounted to an exterior surface of said shield for grasping and rotating said shield about said inner perimeter of said upper ring.

3. The wind protection device of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of brackets extending outward from said lower ring, wherein said brackets comprise at least three brackets proximal to a ground surface.

4. The wind protection device of claim 3, wherein said exterior surface of said shield is convex.

5. The wind protection device of claim 4, wherein an interior surface of said shield is concave.

6. The wind protection device of claim 5, wherein said upper ring comprises a groove circumscribing said inner perimeter, and said shield is mounted to said groove for rotational movement about said upper ring.

7. The wind protection device of claim 6, wherein said plurality of vertical supports comprises at least three vertical supports, and further wherein each one of said plurality of vertical supports comprises a channel for sliding said upper ring up and down and a locking pin for securing said upper ring at said height.

8. The wind protection device of claim 7, wherein said shield is rotated about said upper ring and positioned where said exterior surface of said shield faces into the wind to shield the fire pit from the wind.

9. A wind protection device for a fire pit, the wind protection device comprising: an upper ring; a lower ring; a plurality of vertical supports between said upper ring and said lower ring; said upper ring is selectively mounted at a height spaced from said lower ring; said height is adjustable; a shield mounted to said upper ring; said shield rotatable about an inner perimeter of said upper ring and positioned where an exterior surface of said shield faces into the wind to shield the fire pit from the wind; and said exterior surface of said shield is convex.

10. The wind protection device of claim 9 further comprising a handle mounted to said exterior surface of said shield for grasping and rotating said shield about said inner perimeter of said upper ring.

11. The wind protection device of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of brackets extending outward from said lower ring, and further wherein said plurality of brackets comprise at least three brackets proximal to a ground surface.

12. The wind protection device of claim 11, wherein an interior surface of said shield is concave.

13. The wind protection device of claim 12, wherein said upper ring comprises a groove circumscribing said inner perimeter, and said shield is mounted to said groove for rotational movement about said upper ring.

14. The wind protection device of claim 13, wherein said plurality of vertical supports comprises at least three vertical supports, and further wherein each one of said plurality of vertical supports comprises a channel for sliding said upper ring up and down and a locking pin for securing said upper ring at said height.

15. A wind shield device for a fire, the wind shield device comprising: an upper ring; a lower ring; a plurality of vertical supports between said upper ring and said lower ring; said upper ring is selectively mounted at a height spaced from said lower ring; a shield mounted to said upper ring; said shield rotatable about said upper ring and positioned where an exterior surface of said shield faces into the wind to shield the fire from the wind; and said exterior surface of said shield is convex.

16. The device of claim 15 further comprising a handle mounted to said exterior surface of said shield for grasping and rotating said shield about said inner perimeter of said upper ring.

17. The device of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of brackets extending outward from said lower ring, wherein said plurality of brackets comprise at least three brackets proximal to a ground surface.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein an interior surface of said shield is concave.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein said upper ring comprises a groove circumscribing said inner perimeter, and further wherein said shield is mounted to said groove for rotational movement about said upper ring.

20. The device of claim 15, wherein said plurality of vertical supports comprises at least three vertical supports, and further wherein each one of said plurality of vertical supports comprises a channel for sliding said upper ring up and down, and a locking pin for securing said upper ring at said height.

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 potential embodiment of a fire pit wind screen device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the fire pit wind shield of the present invention shielding a fire pit to block wind from affecting the flame in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view showing the wind screen of the fire pit shield of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing the fire pit wind screen device of the present invention placed within a fire pit in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing locking pins in a stake of the fire pit shield device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 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 are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and 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.

[0022] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a fire pit flame protection device that protects or shields the flames of a fire pit or campfire from wind. There is also a long felt need in the art for a fire pit flame protection device that protects people around a fire pit or fireplace from smoke, ash, sparks and other debris blowing into people sitting or standing around the fire. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a fire pit flame protection device that can easily adapt to changing directions of wind. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a fire pit flame protection device that can be used with fire pits and campfires of various sizes and configurations. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a fire pit flame protection device that is portable and can be used in different outdoor settings. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a fire pit flame protection device that keeps the flame centered, thereby allowing people to enjoy the fire pit in windy conditions. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a fire pit flame protection device that improves safety around an open fire while ensuring people can utilize the flame as needed without smoke, sparks, or ashes blowing on them.

[0023] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel fire pit flame wind screen device for a fire pit or campfire. The fire pit flame wind screen device can enclose a fire pit or can be placed inside a fire pit. More specifically, the device includes four separate longitudinal stakes, a pair of circular rings attached to the inner surface of the stakes, the pair of rings includes an upper ring and a lower ring that are configured to move vertically along the stakes. The upper ring includes a rotating, disc-like wind screen or shield configured to move along a channel within the upper ring surface. The wind screen can be selectively positioned for blocking wind from any direction and helps in maintaining a consistent flame. The height of the wind screen can be adjusted using channel means to accommodate different sizes and configurations of fire pits.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a fire pit wind screen device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The fire pit wind screen device 100 of the present invention is configured to be positioned around a fire pit or inside the fire pit for blocking wind from any direction and thus prohibiting the flame, smoke and sparks from being blown towards the people sitting around the fire pit.

[0025] The fire pit wind screen or shield device 100 is a single-unit device made up of a heatproof material and is designed to be fully adjustable to surround and shield fire pits and campfires of different heights. The wind protection device 100 includes four vertical bolted-on stakes or vertical supports 102, 104, 106, 108. A pair of rings comprising an upper ring 110 and a lower ring 112 are bolted to the inner surfaces of the vertical bolted-on stakes 102, 104, 106, 108. The upper ring 110 is configured to move vertically along the channels present on the inner surface of the bolted-on stakes 102, 104, 106, 108. The channels, such as channel 1060, present on the inner surface of the stake 106 provides a mechanism to vertically move the upper ring 110 up and down. The lower ring 112 can be bolted proximal to the bottom of the stakes 102, 104, 106, 108 and provides a support at the base of the stakes.

[0026] The upper ring 110 includes a groove 1100 around a circumferential interior periphery. The groove 1100 receives a wind screen 114 which includes a similar radial curvature as the groove 1100 of the ring 110. The wind screen 114 can be moved along, i.e. rotated around, the groove 1100 which acts as a retention channel for the movement of the wind screen 114. The wind screen 114, when positioned in a desired position on the upper ring 110, blocks or shields the wind coming from a particular direction, and thereby prevents the flame from being blown out. A user can easily move the wind screen 114 along or around the groove 1100 with a minimal force. The wind screen 114 can be made from a heatproof material allowing the user to move the screen 114 and adjust the height of the upper ring 110 easily without the fear of being burned by a hot surface of the wind protection device 100.

[0027] To provide support to the device 100, a plurality of equally-spaced brackets 116, 118, 120 (the fourth is not shown in the present embodiment) extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the bottom ring 112. The brackets may be permanently or removably attached to the bottom ring 112 and are designed into two pairs of opposing brackets. In one potential embodiment, the brackets are equally-spaced about the circumference of the bottom ring at generally 90-degree increments. The brackets 116, 118, 120 can be placed under the metal lip or bricks of a fire pit or staked into the ground via mechanical fasteners.

[0028] The fire pit wind shield 100 assists to block breezes that can compromise a fire, thereby allowing the users to enjoy a steady flame without the worry of smoke, ashes, sparks and other debris blowing out from the fire. The wind screen 114 allows the flame to rise up straight and protects the flame from the wind coming from any direction (i.e. blowing laterally) by placing the screen 114 in a selected position to block the wind.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the fire pit wind shield of the present invention shielding or screening a fire pit to block wind from affecting the flame in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the fire pit wind shield or cover 100 is set up around a fire pit 200. The fire pit wind shield 100 can be placed on the floor or ground 206 using brackets or feet 116, 118, 120 extending outward from the lower ring 112 proximal to the ground surface. Mechanical fasteners can also be used with the brackets to secure the shield 100 to the ground. To shield the fire pit 200 and align the wind screen 114 to protect the flame 202, the upper ring 110 is vertically raised along the channels of the bolted stakes 102, 104, 106, 108. In the present embodiment, the upper ring 110 is bolted or attached at the top of the bolted stakes 102, 104, 106, 108. The lower ring 112 can be bolted or attached at the bottom of the bolted stakes 102, 104, 106, 108.

[0030] The fire pit 200 is generally cylindrical in shape and the rings 110, 112 of the fire pit shield 100 include a diameter large enough to enclose the fire pit 200. The wind screen 114 is positioned to block or shield the wind 204 to protect the flame 202. As stated earlier, the wind screen 114 is positioned in the desired position by a user using the handle 1140 and moving (i.e. rotating) the wind screen 114 along the groove of the upper ring 110. It should be noted that the handle 1140 may be removably attached to the exterior surface of the wind screen 114. The wind screen 114 redirects the wind 204 and protects the flame 202 from the wind. The wind screen 114 includes an exterior surface or outer perimeter 125 that is convex in shape and receives the axial flow of wind 204 across the outer perimeter 125 of the screen 114. The screen 114 can include an interior surface or inner perimeter 127 that is concave. Accordingly, the wind screen 114 blocks and also redirects the wind flow to protect and shield the flame 202 of an enclosed fire pit 200. An open region of the upper ring 110 allows escape of generated heat of the flame 202. The wind screen 114 inhibits the escape of burning embers or other smaller portions in a particular direction due to the shielding of the wind and lateral air flow across the flame 202. The wind screen 114 can also be raised a bit to protect the flame 202. It should be noted that the screen 114 can be selectively fastened once it is positioned in the desired direction and height.

[0031] Advantageously, the fire pit wind shield 100 of the present invention can be used with any fire pit in such a manner so as to close off, block or shield a side of the fire pit in the event wind 204 is predominantly attacking the fireplace in a particular direction. The shield allows users to enjoy fires and prohibits the wind from directing smoke, ashes and possibly sparks toward the users.

[0032] The fire pit wind shield 100 of the present invention is portable and can be removed when the fire pit 200 is not used. The height of the rings can be adjusted and the wind screen 114 can be rotated as per the preferences of the user. The shield 100 is used for any type of campfire and open fire pits. The wind screen 114 can be elevated by pushing within the groove and locking the screen 114. The groove stabilizes the screen 114 at any elevation.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view showing the wind screen of the fire pit shield of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The wind screen 114 is convex in shape and receives the axial flow of wind across the outer perimeter 125. The wind screen 114 is movable along and around the groove 1100 of the upper ring 110 to be selectively positioned in the direction from where the wind is blowing. The handle 1140 is used for moving the wind screen 114 along the groove 1100 and can be made up of a heat-resistant material such as stone, wood or other material.

[0034] The wind screen 114 is integrated to the upper ring 110 and moves along with the upper ring 110 when the upper ring 110 is adjusted vertically along the channels of the stakes of the shield 100. The handle 1140 can be affixed to the exterior surface of the wind screen 114 using any means known in the art including, but not limited to: screwing, bolting, pinning, nailing, riveting and combinations thereof.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing the fire pit wind screen device of the present invention placed within a fire pit in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the fire pit wind screen device 100 is placed within a fire pit 400. In cases where the diameter of the fire pit 400 is large, the device 100 can be easily placed inside the walls of the fire pit 400. The brackets (not illustrated) of the device 100 can be placed under the walls or bricks of the fire pit 400 for stable and secure placement of the device 100 around a flame 402. The wind screen 114 is used in a similar manner as of the other embodiments of the present invention wherein the wind screen 114 is positioned to block the wind flowing towards the flame 402.

[0036] The wind screen 114 can be easily rotated along the groove 1100 of the upper ring 110 without removing the fire pit 400 or any other component. The wind screen 114 can be elevated by pushing within the groove and locking the screen 114. The groove stabilizes the screen 114 at any elevation. It should be appreciated that a grill grate can be placed over the top ring 110 to enable increased utility of the fire pit.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing locking pins in a stake of the fire pit shield device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The present embodiment is explained considering an exemplary vertical stake 106. However, it should be appreciated that other stakes of the fire pit shield device of the present invention can have similar characteristics. The stake 106 includes a channel 1060 present along the longitudinal length of the stake 106. A plurality of locking pins 502 are present along the channel 1060 to lock the upper ring 110 at a desired height. The upper ring 110 can have a latch locking member to engage with one of the vertically oriented locking pins 502 to lock the upper ring 110. All stakes of the fire pit shield of the present invention are symmetric and similar in construction. The locking pins are aligned allowing the upper ring 110 to remain in a horizontal orientation.

[0038] The present invention provides for an easily installed fire pit shield that mount around a fireplace with a wind screen or guard blocking wind attacking the flame enabling a consistent flame on the fire without worry of smoke, ash, and other debris from blowing onto people standing around the fire.

[0039] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “fire pit wind screen device”, “fire pit shield”, “flame protection device”, “fire pit wind cover”, “device” and “shield” are interchangeable and refer to the fire pit wind screen device 100 of the present invention.

[0040] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the fire pit wind screen device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the fire pit wind screen device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the fire pit wind screen device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the fire pit wind screen device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the fire pit wind screen device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0041] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0042] 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.