FIREPIT WITH PLENUM SURROUNDING COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND A SUBTERRANEAN AIR INTAKE PORT IN AN OUTER SHELL

Abstract

A firepit, having an outer shell having a first base and a first sidewall extending upwardly from the first base to a first top to define a first cavity; an inner shell disposed within the first cavity, defining a second base and a second sidewall extending upwardly from the second base to a second top of the inner shell that is level with the first top to define a second cavity, the second cavity defines a combustion chamber; a base spacer disposed between the first and second bases, a sidewall spacer between the first and second sidewalls, to define a plenum between the outer shell and the inner shell; a first air inlet port defined in the first sidewall; second air inlet ports defined in the second base so that an airflow through the first air inlet port flows through the second air inlet ports and into the combustion chamber.

Claims

1. A firepit, comprising: an outer shell having a first base and a first sidewall extending upwardly from the first base to a first top to define a first cavity; an inner shell disposed within the first cavity, defining a second base and a second sidewall extending upwardly from the second base to a second top of the inner shell that is level with the first top to define a second cavity, wherein the second cavity defines a combustion chamber; a base spacer disposed between the first base and the second base, and a sidewall spacer between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, to define a plenum between the outer shell and the inner shell; a first air inlet port defined in the first sidewall; and second air inlet ports defined in the second base so that an airflow, through the first air inlet port, flows through the second air inlet ports and into the combustion chamber.

2. The firepit of claim 1, including an extension conduit connected to the first air inlet port, the extension conduit extending to a cleanout end spaced apart from the first air inlet port.

3. The firepit of claim 2, wherein the inner shell defines chamber air-holes through which an airflow flows into the combustion chamber from the first air inlet port.

4. The firepit of claim 3, wherein the chamber air-holes include rows of sidewall air-holes spaced apart from each other along the second sidewall.

5. The firepit of claim 3, wherein the chamber air-holes include bottom air-holes distributed along the second base and a debris cover within the combustion chamber, against the second base, that covers the bottom air-holes.

6. The firepit of claim 5, wherein the debris cover is an elongate member.

7. The firepit of claim 5, wherein the debris cover includes legs configured in an X-shape.

8. The firepit of claim 5, wherein the debris cover is cylindrically shaped.

9. The firepit of claim 5, wherein the debris cover includes cover air-holes.

10. The firepit of claim 9, wherein the debris cover includes a cover sidewall having a sidewall bottom and a sidewall top spaced apart from each other by a cover height, and the cover air-holes are distributed in an array arranged along the cover sidewall, at an array height from the sidewall bottom that is at or less than half the cover height.

11. The firepit of claim 2, including a center cover that has a T-shaped cross section with a center section and an outer section, wherein the center cover is sized so that when the center cover is against the top of the firepit: the outer section of the center cover sits atop the inner shell; and the center section of the center cover extends into the second cavity to prevent shifting of the center cover against the firepit.

12. The firepit of claim 11, including a top plate that sits against the top of the inner shell, wherein the top plate defines a plate center aperture for access to the combustion chamber, and the outer section of the center cover sits against the top plate.

13. The firepit of claim 2, including a cover tray that sits against the top of the inner shell, wherein the cover tray defines a tray center aperture for access to the combustion chamber.

14. The firepit of claim 13, including cover pans that are supported by the cover tray to enclose the firepit.

15. The firepit of claim 14, wherein the cover pans define pockets for seating decorative stone, wherein the pockets extend into the combustion chamber so that the stone is level with the second top of the inner shell.

16. The firepit of claim 15, wherein the cover tray defines notches distributed about a center aperture and the firepit includes a lifting-tool with an arm that is sized to fit within one of the notches, to thereby engage one of the cover pans and lift the one of the cover pans out of the cover tray.

17. The firepit of claim 3, wherein the outer shell has a square shape defined by a plurality of sidewalls including the first sidewall, and the sidewall spacer has bracket ends located on adjacent ones of the sidewalls of the outer shell, and a baffle plate extending between the bracket ends, to guide an airflow in a path around the plenum and into the chamber air-holes.

18. The firepit of claim 2, including a safety chain supported by support rods distributed around the outer shell.

19. The firepit of claim 2, including a gas-fueled firepit insert supported by the inner shell, between the second base and the second top of the inner shell.

20. A method of installing the firepit of claim 1, comprising: positioning the firepit in ground so that the first top is at ground level and the first base is subterranean; connecting a first end of an extension conduit to the first air inlet port that is level with the first base; and positioning the extension conduit so that a second end of the extension conduit is level with or lower than the first end, relative to the ground level at the firepit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a firepit according to an embodiment with a bottom cleanout and air-inlet conduit arrangement, configured to receive wood or the like, where an outer shell is cylindrical;

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the firepit of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3A shows a port shield for the firepit of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of an inner shell of the firepit of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a top view of another firepit according to an embodiment, which includes a gas-fueled firepit insert, where an outer shell is cylindrical;

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the firepit of FIG. 4;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an inner shell of the firepit of FIG. 4;

[0032] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a firepit according to an embodiment with a bottom cleanout and air-inlet conduit arrangement, configured to receive wood or the like, where an outer shell has a square cross section, and the firepit includes a safety chain and related support rods;

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the firepit of FIG. 7, showing support brackets that support an inner shell of the firepit;

[0034] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view top view of the firepit of FIG. 7, where the lid, cover and inner shell are removed;

[0035] FIG. 10 shows a sideview of the outer shell of the firepit of FIG. 7, showing details of the safety chain and related support rods;

[0036] FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of the inner shell of the firepit of FIG. 7, showing a configuration of air-holes;

[0037] FIG. 11B shows a top view of the inner shell of the firepit of FIG. 7;

[0038] FIG. 12A shows an end view of a portion of a debris cover disposed against the base of the inner shell;

[0039] FIG. 12B shows a detail of a side view of a portion of the debris cover disposed against the base of the inner shell;

[0040] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a firepit according to an embodiment with a bottom cleanout and air-inlet conduit arrangement, configured to receive wood or the like, where an outer shell has a square cross section, and a top tray and block holding pans are configured to cover the firepit;

[0041] FIG. 14 shows a top view of the firepit of FIG. 13, showing support brackets that support an inner shell of the firepit;

[0042] FIG. 15 shows a cover tray and pans arrangement for covering the firepit;

[0043] FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of an inner shell of the firepit, having a cylindrical debris cover;

[0044] FIG. 17 shows a side perspective view of the inner shell;

[0045] FIG. 18 shows the firepit in ground such that an end of the extension conduit breaches ground;

[0046] FIG. 19 shows the firepit in ground such that an end of the extension conduit is subterranean; and

[0047] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a method if installing the firepit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

[0049] Turning to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B, an embodiment of a firepit 100 is shown. The firepit 100 includes an outer shell 110 that is intended for at least partial burying in ground. The outer shell 110 may be formed of metal and more specifically of stainless steel. The outer shell 110 extends from a bottom 110A to a top 110B (otherwise referred to as a first top, outer mouth, or first cavity mouth). The outer shell 110 is shown as being cylindrical as a non-limiting embodiment, and has a sidewall 112 (or first sidewall) and a bottom wall 114 (otherwise referred to as an outer base or first base). The sidewall 112 extends from the bottom 110A to the top 110B of the outer shell 110 and defines an outer surface 112A, an inner surface 112B, a bottom end 112C and a top edge 112D. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sidewall has a height H1 of one to two feet.

[0050] The bottom wall 114, located at the bottom 110A of the outer shell 110, is integral with the bottom end 112C of the sidewall 112, and has an outer surface 114A and an inner surface 114B. The sidewall 112 and the bottom wall 114 of the outer shell 110 defines an outer cavity 150 (or first cavity).

[0051] A top lip 120 of the firepit 100, surrounding the top edge 112D of the sidewall 112, may be formed of the same material as the outer shell 110 or of decorative block. That is, the outer shell 110 and top lip 120 form an inverted hat-shape when inserted in ground.

[0052] An insert 160 is placed within the outer cavity 150. The insert 160 may be formed of the same material as the outer shell 110. The insert 160 may be removable for cleanout of the firepit 100. The insert 160 defines an inner shell 170 (or second shell). The inner shell 170 extends from a bottom 170A to a top 170B (otherwise referred to as a second top, inner mouth, or second cavity mouth). The inner shell 170 has a sidewall 172 (or second sidewall) and a bottom wall 174 (otherwise referred to as a second base or inner base). The sidewall 172 extends from the bottom 170A to the top 170B of the inner shell 170 and defines an outer surface 172A and an inner surface 172B, a bottom end 172C and a top edge 172D. The bottom wall 174, located at the bottom 170A of the inner shell 170, is integral with the bottom end 172C of the sidewall 172 and has an outer surface 174A and an inner surface 174B. The sidewall 172 and the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 defines an inner cavity 180 (otherwise referred to as a second cavity or combustion chamber).

[0053] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 170 may be cylindrical, e.g., respectively defining a first U-shaped profile and a second U-shaped profile. The inner shell 170 may have a diameter D1 of about two to four feet, optionally three feet. The outer shell 110 may have a diameter D2 that is between three inches and a foot larger than the diameter D1 of the inner shell 170, optionally six inches larger than the diameter D1 of the inner shell 170. The inner shell 170 may have a height H2 that is between one and six inches shorter than the outer shell 110, optionally three inches shorter than the outer shell 110.

[0054] Spacers (or supports) 190 may be placed between the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 170. The spacers 190 may be integral with, or attachable to, either the outer shell 110 or the inner shell 170. The spacers 190 include a bottom spacer 190A (or base spacer), having a height H.sub.BS, along the inner surface 114B of the bottom wall 114 of the outer shell 110, and sidewall spacers 190B along the inner surface 112B of the sidewall 112 of the outer shell 110. The inner shell 170 is sized so that the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 is supported by the bottom spacer 190A, the sidewall 172 of the inner shell 170 is supported by the sidewall spacers 190B and the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170 is level with the top edge 112D of the outer shell 110.

[0055] The inner shell 170 may define air-holes 200 (or air ports). More specifically, the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 may define bottom air-holes 200A and the sidewall 172 of the inner shell 170 may define sidewall air-holes 200B. The sidewall air-holes 200B may be distributed as rings or rows of air-holes that are parallel to each other. A top ring of air-holes 200B1 is located near, e.g., within a few inches of, the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170 and a bottom ring of air-holes 200B2 is located near, e.g., within a few inches of, the bottom end 172C of the inner shell 170.

[0056] In one embodiment, at least one debris cover 208 (otherwise referred to as a shield or tent) (FIG. 3A) covers the bottom air-holes 200A. The debris cover 208 may extend to opposite elongate ends 208A, 208B and have a triangular cross section, to lift the combustibles, such as wood, off the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170. The debris cover 208 may have one or more side gaps 208C to allow airflow from the bottom air-holes 200A into the inner cavity 180, i.e., the combustion chamber.

[0057] The bottom air-holes 200A are shown as an array of three linear clusters of air-holes (FIG. 1), each covered by a debris cover 208, but this is not intended on limiting the scope of the embodiments. It is to be appreciated that airflow may also flow around opposite elongate ends 208A, 208B of the debris cover 208.

[0058] An air cavity 215 (or plenum) is defined in the volume between the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 170. As the combustibles burn within the inner cavity 180, air is drawn into the inner cavity 180, through the bottom air-holes 200A and the sidewall air-holes 200B, from the air cavity 215. This dynamic increases combustion of the combustibles, e.g., via cold air suction.

[0059] A removable cover 230 may be positioned over the firepit 100 and extend over the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170 and the top edge 112D of the outer shell 110. The cover 230 may have a center section 230A and an outer section 230B with a differential thickness such that it has a first thickness T1 within the inner cavity 180 that is thicker than a second thickness T2 that extends over the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170, the top edge 112D of the outer shell 110, and the lip 120. The thickness differential, defining a T-shaped cross section, provides for centering the cover 230 over the firepit 100 and preventing unwanted sliding of the cover 230 relative to the firepit 100. The second thickness T2 may be between an eighth and half an inch, optionally three-sixteenth of an inch. The first thickness T1 may be double the second thickness T2. A top surface 235 of the cover 230 may be planar. The cover 230 may have channels 240 extending through its thickness to enable the insertion of a lifting tool, similar to a crow-bar type tool, that may be inserted and utilized to angle or lift the cover 230 away from the firepit 100.

[0060] In one embodiment, the cover 230 is made of metal that has an ornamental configuration such that it has the appearance of stone. In one embodiment (discussed below) the cover 230 forms a cover pan or cover tray that is configured to seat actual stone, i.e., matching stone that may be utilized for the lip 120 or a surrounding hardscaped surface.

[0061] According to the embodiment, an inlet port 220 is formed along the outer shell 110. The inlet port 220 may be considered a first inlet port 220 and the chamber air-holes 200 may be considered second inlet ports 200. These ports 220, 200, and the respective first and second cavity mouths 110B, 170B may be the only openings in the respective shells 110, 170, enhancing the draw of air through the chamber air-holes 200.

[0062] The inlet port 220 may have a diameter Di that is the same as the height of the bottom spacer 191A, which may be between three and four inches as non-limiting embodiments. The inlet port 220 may be located near the bottom end 112C of the outer shell 110. An extension conduit 265, for drainage and airflow, may be connected to the inlet port 220. When the firepit 100C is installed in ground, the extension conduit 265 leads away from the firepit 100C and is open to air from a first end 265A (or firepit end) to a second end 265B (or cleanout end). For example, the second end 265B of the extension conduit 265 may terminate at a drywell or rock garden, or along a ground slope such that the extension conduit 265 is pitched down enough for water to drain out from the firepit 100C. In operation, to clean out the firepit 100C, water from a garden hose, as a non-limiting example, may be sprayed directly into the inner cavity 180 and air cavity 215, or into the outer cavity 150 if the inner shell 170 is removed, to wash debris into the inlet port 220, which will then travel through, and out of, the extension conduit 265. Further, when the firepit 100C is being utilized to burn combustibles, such as wood, heated air will rise, drawing cool air through the extension conduit 265 and into the inner cavity 180 via the chamber air-holes 200, enhancing the combustion.

[0063] Turning to FIGS. 4-6, a firepit 100A is shown according to another embodiment. Element numbers or identifiers for FIGS. 4-6 that are the same as those in in the previous figures should be similarly construed except as otherwise indicated.

[0064] The firepit 100A has an outer shell 110 that is intended for at least partial burying into the ground. The outer shell 110 may be formed of metal and more specifically may be formed of stainless steel. The outer shell 110 extends from a bottom 110A to a top 110B (otherwise referred to as a first top, outer mouth, or first cavity mouth). The outer shell 110 is shown as being cylindrical as a non-limiting embodiment, and has a sidewall 112 (or first sidewall) and a bottom wall 114 (otherwise referred to as an outer base or first base). The sidewall 112 extends from the bottom 110A to the top 110B of the outer shell 110 and defines an outer surface 112A, an inner surface 112B, a bottom end 112C and a top edge 112D. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sidewall has a height H1 of one to two feet.

[0065] The bottom wall 114, located at the bottom 110A of the outer shell 110, is integral with the bottom end 112C of the sidewall 112, also has an outer surface 114A and an inner surface 114B. The sidewall 112 and the bottom wall 114 of the outer shell 110 define an outer cavity 150 (or first cavity).

[0066] A top lip 120 of the firepit 100A, surrounding the top edge 112D of the sidewall 112, may be formed of the same material as the outer shell 110 or of decorative block. That is, the outer shell 110 and top lip 120 form an inverted hat-shape when inserted in ground.

[0067] An insert 160 is placed within the outer cavity 150. The insert 160 may be formed of the same material as the outer shell 110. The insert 160 may be removable for cleanout of the firepit 100A. The insert 160 defines an inner shell 170 (or second shell). The inner shell 170 extends from a bottom 170A to a top 170B (otherwise referred to as a second top, inner mouth, or second cavity mouth). The inner shell 170 has a sidewall 172 (or second sidewall) and a bottom wall 174 (otherwise referred to as a second base or inner base). The sidewall 172 extends from the bottom 170A to the top 170B of the inner shell 170 and defines an outer surface 172A and an inner surface 172B, a bottom end 172C and a top edge 172D. The bottom wall 174, located at the bottom 170A of the inner shell 170, is integral with the bottom end 172C of the sidewall 172 and has an outer surface 174A and an inner surface 174B. The sidewall 172 and the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 define an inner cavity 180 (otherwise referred to as a second cavity or combustion chamber).

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the outer shell 110 and inner shell 170 may be cylindrical, e.g., respectively defining a first U-shaped profile and a second U-shaped profile. The inner shell 170 may have a diameter D1 of about two to four feet, optionally three feet. The outer shell 110 may have a diameter D2 that is between three inches and a foot larger than the diameter D1 of the inner shell 170, optionally six inches larger than the diameter D1 of the inner shell 170. The inner shell 170 may have a height H2 that is between one and six inches shorter than the outer shell 110, optionally three inches shorter than the outer shell 110.

[0069] Spacers (or supports) 190 may be placed between the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 170. The spacers 190 may be integral with or attachable to either the outer shell 110 or the inner shell 160. The spacers 190 include a bottom spacer (or base spacer) 190A, having a height H.sub.BS, along the inner surface 114B of the bottom wall 114 of the outer shell 110 and sidewall spacers 190B along inner surface 112B of the sidewall 112 of the outer shell 110. The inner shell 170 is sized so that the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 is supported by the bottom spacer 190A, the sidewall 172 of the inner shell 170 is supported by the sidewall spacers 190B and the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170 is level with the top edge 112D of the outer shell 110.

[0070] The inner shell 170 may define air-holes 200 (or air ports). The bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 may define bottom air-holes 200A and the sidewall 172 of the inner shell 170 may define sidewall air-holes 200B. The sidewall air-holes 200B may be distributed as rings or rows of air-holes that are parallel to each other. A top ring of air-holes 200B1 is located near, e.g., within a few inches of, the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170 and a bottom ring of air-holes 200B2 is located near, e.g., within a few inches of, the bottom end 172C of the inner shell 170.

[0071] In one embodiment, at least one debris cover 208 (or tent), which is the same as the debris cover of FIG. 3A, covers the bottom air-holes 200A. The bottom air-holes 200A are shown as an array of three linear clusters of air-holes (FIG. 4), each covered by a debris cover 208, but this is not intended on limiting the scope of the embodiments. It is to be appreciated that airflow may also flow around opposite elongate ends 208A, 208B of the debris cover 208.

[0072] An air cavity (or plenum) 215 is defined in the volume between the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 170. As the combustibles burn within the inner cavity 180, air is drawn into the inner cavity 180, through the bottom air-holes 200A and the sidewall air-holes 200B, from the air cavity 215. This dynamic increases combustion of the combustibles, e.g., via cold air suction.

[0073] A removable cover 230 may be positioned over the firepit 100A and extend over the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170 and the top edge 112D of the outer shell 110. The cover 230 may have a center section 230A and an outer section 230B with a differential thickness such that it has a first thickness T1 within the inner cavity 180 that is thicker than a second thickness T2 that extends over the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170, the top edge 112D of the outer shell 110, and the lip 120. The thickness differential, defining a T-shaped cross section, provides for centering the cover 230 over the firepit 100A and preventing unwanted sliding of the cover 230 relative to the firepit 100A. The second thickness T2 may be between an eighth and half an inch, optionally three sixteenth of an inch. The first thickness T1 may be double the second thickness T2. A top surface 235 of the cover 230 may be planar. The cover 230 may have channels 240 extending through its thickness to enable the insertion of a lifting tool, similar to a crow-bar type tool, that may be inserted and utilized to angle or lift the cover 230 away from the firepit 100A.

[0074] In one embodiment, the cover 230 is made of metal that has an ornamental configuration such that it has the appearance of stone. In one embodiment (discussed below) the cover 230 forms a pan or tray that is configured to seat actual stone, i.e., matching stone that may be utilized for the lip 120 or a surrounding hardscaped surface.

[0075] According to the embodiments, the firepit 100A includes a combustion insert 250, i.e., a burner that may utilize fuel such as natural gas, propane or the like. The combustion insert 250 may sit on brackets 260 mounted to the inner surface 172B of the inner shell 170. The combustion insert 250 may be located at a height Hi of between two inches and ten inches, optionally eight inches, below the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170. A fuel supply 270 may optionally engage the firepit 100A via a fuel supply port 280 defined along the sidewall 112 of outer shell 110, near the bottom end 112C of the sidewall 112. The fuel supply port 280 may be level with, and spaced apart from, the inlet port 220 (discussed below).

[0076] A supply line 290 may extend through a port 295 in the bottom 170A of the inner shell 170, which may have a run 309 that extends to the combustion insert 250. Decorative rock 315 atop of a tray 324 of the combustion insert 250 may absorb heat from burners 340 of the combustion insert 250 and provide for ongoing heating after the fuel is disengaged. The configuration of the burner 340 is shown as a star configuration as one non-limiting option.

[0077] According to the embodiment, an inlet port 220 is formed in the outer shell 110. The inlet port 220 may be considered a first inlet port 220 and the chamber air-holes 200 may be considered second inlet ports. These ports 220, 200, and the respective first and second cavity mouths 110B, 170B, and the fuel inlet ports, may be the only openings in the respective shells 110, 170, enhancing the draw of air through the chamber air-holes 200.

[0078] The inlet port 220 may have a diameter Di that is the same as the height of the bottom spacer 191A, which may be between three and four inches as non-limiting embodiments. The inlet port 220 may be located near the bottom end 112C of the outer shell 110. An extension conduit 265, for drainage and airflow, may be connected to the inlet port 220. When the firepit 100C is installed in ground, the extension conduit 265 leads away from the firepit 100C and is open to air from a first end 265A (or firepit end) to a second end 265B (or cleanout end). For example, the second end 265B of the extension conduit 265 may terminate at a drywell or rock garden, or along a ground slope such that the extension conduit 265 is pitched down enough for water to drain out from the firepit 100C. In operation, to clean out the firepit 100C, water from a garden hose, as a non-limiting example, may be sprayed directly into the inner cavity 180 and air cavity 215, or into the outer cavity 150 if the inner shell 170 is removed, to wash debris into the inlet port 220, which will then travel through, and out of, the extension conduit 265. Further, when the firepit 100C is being utilized to burn combustibles, such as wood, heated air will rise, drawing cool air through the extension conduit 265 and into the inner cavity 180 via the chamber air-holes 200, enhancing the combustion.

[0079] Turning to FIGS. 7-10, 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B, the figures show another embodiment of the firepit 100B. Element numbers or identifiers for FIGS. 7-10, 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B that are the same as those in the previous figures should be similarly construed except as otherwise indicated.

[0080] The firepit 100B has an outer shell 110 that is intended for at least partial burying into the ground. The outer shell 110 may be formed of metal and more specifically may be formed of stainless steel. The outer shell 110 extends from a bottom 110A to a top 110B (otherwise referred to as a first top, outer mouth, or first cavity mouth). The outer shell 110 is shown as having a rectangular and more specifically a square (box) shape, in a top view, as a non-limiting embodiment. The outer shell 110 has sidewalls, generally 112, including first through fourth sidewalls 113A-113D, and a bottom wall 114 (otherwise referred to as an outer base or first base). The sidewalls 112 extend from the bottom 110A to the top 110B of the outer shell 110 and define an outer surface 112A, an inner surface 112B, a bottom end 112C and a top edge 112D. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sidewalls 112 have a height H1 of one to two feet.

[0081] The top edge 112D has an edge lip 112E extending inwardly, parallel to the bottom wall 114, along each of the sidewalls 112. The edge lip 112E extends in an elongate direction for the lip 112E, from a first end 112E1 to a second end 112E2 to define an edge length EL. The sidewalls 112 have a width (parallel to the elongate direction for the lip 112E) of W1 that is greater than EL, leaving an edge gap EG on either end of the edge lip 112E.

[0082] The bottom wall 114, located at the bottom 110A of the outer shell 110, is integral with the bottom end 112C of the sidewalls 112, has an outer surface 114A and an inner surface 114B. The sidewalls 112 and the bottom wall 114 of the outer shell 110 define an outer cavity 150 (or first cavity).

[0083] A removable top plate 119 of the firepit 100B, is a plate extending inwardly, parallel to the bottom wall 114, from the top edge 112D of the sidewalls 112, held in place as discussed below. The top plate 119 may be formed of the same material as the outer shell 110. The top plate 119 defines a plate center aperture 119A for receiving, or providing access to, the insert 160, discussed below. The top plate 119 has a top side 119B and a bottom side 119C. The bottom side 119C has corner L-brackets 119D that are sized to fit within the edge gap EG defined by the edge lip 112E of the sidewalls 112. The brackets 119D, which may be a few inches deep, securely seat the top plate 119 against the outer shell 110, which is vertically supported by each edge lip 112E.

[0084] An insert 160 (FIGS. 11A and 11B) is placed within the outer cavity 150. The insert 160 may be formed of the same material as the outer shell 110. The insert 160 may be removable for cleanout of the firepit 100B. The insert 160 defines an inner shell 170 (or second shell). The inner shell 170 extends from a bottom 170A to a top 170B (otherwise referred to as a second top, inner mouth, or second cavity mouth). The inner shell 170 has a sidewall 172 (or second sidewall) and a bottom wall 174 (otherwise referred to as a second base or inner base). The sidewall 172 extends from the bottom 170A to the top 170B of the inner shell 170 and defines an outer surface 172A, an inner surface 172B, a bottom end 172C and a top edge 172D. The bottom wall 174, located at the bottom 170A of the inner shell 170, is integral with the bottom end 172C of the sidewall 172 and has an outer surface 174A and an inner surface 174B. The sidewall 172 and the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 defines an inner cavity 180 (otherwise referred to as a second cavity or combustion chamber). The top edge 172D defines an insert top lip 177 extending outwardly, parallel to the bottom wall 174, which can overlap with, and rest on, the top plate 119, for additional support of the insert 160.

[0085] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the outer shell 110 may have a square cross section and the inner shell 170 may be cylindrical, e.g., respectively defining a first U-shaped profile and a second U-shaped profile. The inner shell 170 may have a diameter D1 of about two feet. The outer shell 110 may have a height H1 that is between one and two feet, optionally about a foot and a half, and a square top and bottom having a width W1, with a dimension that is greater than the diameter D1, e.g., about two and a half feet on-edge as a non-limiting example. The inner shell 170 may have a height H2 that is between one and six inches shorter than the outer shell 110, optionally three inches shorter than the outer shell 110.

[0086] Spacers 191 (otherwise referred to as support brackets or support ribs) may be placed between the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 170. The spacers 191 may be integral with, or attachable to, either the outer shell 110 or the inner shell 160. The spacers 191 include a bottom spacer 191A along the inner surface 114B of the bottom wall 114 of the outer shell 110. The bottom spacer 191A is an L-shaped bracket configured to raise the insert 160 by a same distance as the bottom spacer 190A, having a height H.sub.BS, in the above embodiments. The spacers 191 include a sidewall spacer 191B. The sidewall spacer 191B may have bracket ends 191C1, 191C2 located on adjacent sidewalls 112 of the outer shell 110, and a baffle plate 191C3 extending between the bracket ends 191C1, 191C2. The baffle plate 191C3 is configured to change the course of airflow as it travels between the inner shell 170 and outer shell 110 in the air cavity 215 (discussed below), so that the air is biased into the air-holes 200 (discussed below). For example, the baffle plate 191C3 prevents airflow from being trapped corners of the outer shell 110. The sidewall spacer 191B may be a thin-walled structure, such as fabricated metal plates. One sidewall spacer 191B may be located at each of corners of the outer shell 110.

[0087] Each of the bracket ends 191C1, 191C2 may have a bottom leg 191D1 (FIG. 9) that runs against the bottom wall 114, and a side leg 191D2 that runs against the respective sidewall 112. The bottom leg 191D1 may be configured to raise the insert 160 by a same distance as the bottom spacer 190A in the above embodiments. The side leg 191D2, a plurality of which are distributed about the perimeter of the outer shell 110, with the placement of first through fourth sidewall spacers 191B, are sized to center the insert 160 within the outer shell 110. As indicated, the baffle plate 191C3 causes airflow to circulate smoothly around the air cavity 215 formed between the inner shell 170 and the outer shell 110, such that the airflow travels a path that is effectively cylindrical despite the square cross section of the outer shell 110. With the configuration of the spacers 191 and the inner shell 170, the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 is supported by the bottom spacers 191A, the sidewall 172 of the inner shell 170 is supported by the sidewall spacers 191B and the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170 is level with the top edge 112D of the outer shell 110.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the inner shell 170 may define air-holes 200 (or air ports). The bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 may define bottom air-holes 200A and the sidewall 172 of the inner shell 170 may define sidewall air-holes 200B. The sidewall air-holes 200B may be distributed as rings or rows of air-holes that are parallel to each other, including a top ring of air-holes 200B1 located near, e.g., within a few inches of, the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170. A bottom ring of air-holes 200B2 may be located near, e.g., within a few inches of, the bottom end 172C of the inner shell 170.

[0089] The bottom air-holes 200A may be arranged in an X-pattern. The pattern may include a first leg 200A1, and a second leg 200A2 that is perpendicular to and bisects the first leg 200A1. The legs 200A1, 200A2 may be the same size as each other and extend to the sidewall 172 of the inner shell 170.

[0090] In one embodiment, a debris cover (or tent) 209 (FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B) covers the bottom air-holes 200A. The debris cover 209 may be secured to the inner surface 174B of the bottom wall 174. The debris cover 209 may be generally shaped to cover the bottom air-holes 200A and therefore define legs 213A-213D, generally 213, that intersect at a center junction 213D to form an X-shape. The legs 213 may have a rectangular cross section with opposite sidewalls 212A, 212B, generally 212, and a top wall 212C.

[0091] Cover air-holes 210, arranged in a linear array, may be located on the sidewalls 212A, 212B of the legs 213 of the debris cover 209 and may be distributed along an elongate (end to end) direction of the legs 213A-213D of the debris cover 209. The sidewalls 212 of the debris cover 209 may have a sidewall height H.sub.S, between a sidewall bottom 212A1 and a sidewall top 212A2, and the cover air-holes 210 may be located at an array height H.sub.A from the bottom wall 174 that is approximately half, or less than half, of the sidewall height H.sub.S. This configuration helps to keep debris out of the cover air-holes 210. This configuration may also provide for a greater pressure differential between the cover air-holes 210 and the combustibles resting atop the debris cover 209, compared with air-holes 210 at or near the top of the debris cover 209, due to the upward thermal convection originating above the top of the debris cover 209. That is, this configuration may result in a greater draw of air from the bottom air-holes 200A in the bottom wall 174, enhancing combustion.

[0092] The air cavity (or plenum) 215 is defined in the volume between the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 170. As the combustibles burn within the inner cavity 180, air is drawn into the inner cavity 180, through the bottom air-holes 200A and the sidewall air-holes 200B, from the air cavity 215. This dynamic increases combustion of the combustibles, e.g., via cold air suction.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, a removable cover 230 may be positioned over the firepit 100B and extend over the insert top lip 177 of the inner shell 170. As shown in FIG. 10, the cover 230 may have a center section 230A and an outer section 230B with a differential thickness such that it has a first thickness T1 within the inner cavity 180 that is thicker than a second thickness T2 that extends over the insert top lip 177 of the inner shell 170. The thickness differential, defining a T-shaped cross section, may provide for centering the cover 230 over the firepit 100B and preventing unwanted sliding of the cover 230 relative to the firepit 100B. The second thickness T2 may be between an eighth and half an inch, optionally three sixteenth of an inch. The first thickness T1 may be double the second thickness T2. A top surface 235 of the cover 230 may be planar. The cover 230 may have channels (holes) 240 extending through its thickness to enable the insertion of a lifting tool, similar to a crow-bar type tool, that may be inserted and utilized to angle or lift the cover 230 away from the firepit 100B.

[0094] As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, a removable safety chain 300 may be supported on removable support rods 310 extending upright from openings 320 in the top plate 119. Interior locating-posts 325, within the outer shell 110, secured to opposite corners 150A-150D of the outer shell 110, are provided to receive and securely seat ends of the rods 310. A hanging marker 330 may be coupled to the safety chain 300 to alert persons of a raised temperature condition surrounding the firepit 100B.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 7, the top plate 119 includes lip air-holes 341 in the form of customizable indicia. The lip air-holes 341 provide for additional air circulation within the air cavity 215.

[0096] According to the embodiment, an inlet port 220 is formed in the outer shell 110. The inlet port 220 may be considered a first inlet port (or first air inlet port) 220 and the chamber air-holes 200 may be considered second inlet ports (or second air inlet ports). These ports 220, 200, and the respective first and second cavity mouths 110B, 170B may be the only openings in the respective shells 110, 170, enhancing the draw of air through the chamber air-holes 200.

[0097] The inlet port 220 may have a diameter Di that is the same as the height of the bottom spacer 191A, which may be between three and four inches as non-limiting embodiments. The inlet port 220 may be located near the bottom end 112C of the outer shell 110. An extension conduit 265, for drainage and airflow, may be connected to the inlet port 220. When the firepit 100C is installed in ground, the extension conduit 265 leads away from the firepit 100C and is open to air from a first end 265A (or firepit end) to a second end 265B (or cleanout end). For example, the second end 265B of the extension conduit 265 may terminate at a drywell or rock garden, or along a ground slope such that the extension conduit 265 is pitched down enough for water to drain out from the firepit 100C. In operation, to clean out the firepit 100C, water from a garden hose, as a non-limiting example, may be sprayed directly into the inner cavity 180 and air cavity 215, or into the outer cavity 150 if the inner shell 170 is removed, to wash debris into the inlet port 220, which will then travel through, and out of, the extension conduit 265. Further, when the firepit 100C is being utilized to burn combustibles, such as wood, heated air will rise, drawing cool air through the extension conduit 265 and into the inner cavity 180 via the chamber air-holes 200, enhancing the combustion.

[0098] Turning to FIGS. 13-17, the figures show another embodiment of the firepit 100C. Element numbers or identifiers for FIGS. 13-17 that are the same as those in the previous figures should be similarly construed except as otherwise indicated.

[0099] The firepit 100C has an outer shell 110 that is intended for at least partial burying into the ground. The outer shell 110 may be formed of metal and more specifically may be formed of stainless steel. The outer shell 110 extends from a bottom 110A to a top 110B (otherwise referred to as a first top, outer mouth, or first cavity mouth). The outer shell 110 is shown as having a rectangular and more specifically a square (box) shape, in a top view, as a non-limiting embodiment. The outer shell 110 has sidewalls, generally 112, including first through fourth sidewalls 113A-113D, and a bottom wall 114 (otherwise referred to as an outer base or first base). The sidewalls 112 extend from the bottom 110A to the top 110B of the outer shell 110 and define an outer surface 112A, an inner surface 112B, a bottom end 112C and a top edge 112D. In a non-limiting embodiment the sidewall has a height H1 of one to two feet.

[0100] The top edge 112D has an edge lip 112E extending inwardly, parallel to the bottom wall 114, along each of the sidewalls 112. The edge lip 112E extends in an elongate direction for the lip 112E, from a first end 112E1 to a second end 112E2 to define an edge length EL. The sidewalls 112 have a width (parallel to the elongate direction for the lip 112E) of W1 that is greater than EL, leaving an edge gap EG on either end of the edge lip 112E. The bottom wall 114, located at the bottom 110A of the outer shell 110, is integral with the bottom end 112C of the sidewalls 112, has an outer surface 114A and an inner surface 114B. The sidewalls 112 and the bottom wall 114 of the outer shell 110 define an outer cavity 150 (or first cavity).

[0101] A removable tray 121 (FIG. 15) of the firepit 100C has sidewalls 121A defining a top 121A1 and a bottom 121A2 and a base 121A3 extending inwardly from the bottom 121A2 of the sidewalls 121A. The base 121A3 is a plate extending parallel to the bottom wall 114. The top 121A1 of the sidewalls 121A may be level with the top edge 112D of the outer shell 110, or may extend above it by a height of the tray sidewalls 121A. The tray 121 is held in place at the top 110B of the outer shell 110 as discussed below. The tray 121 may be formed of the same material as the outer shell 110. The tray 121 defines a center aperture 121B for receiving, or providing access to, the insert 160, discussed below. The base 121A3 of the tray 121 has a top side 121C1 and a bottom side 121C2. The bottom side 121C2 has corner L-brackets 121D that are sized to fit within the edge gap EG defined by the edge lip 112E of the sidewalls 112. The brackets 121D, which may be a few inches deep, securely seat the tray against the outer shell 110, which is vertically supported by each edge lip 112E.

[0102] An insert 160 (FIGS. 16 and 17) is placed within the outer cavity 150. The insert 160 may be formed of the same material as the outer shell 110. The insert 160 may be removable for cleanout of the firepit 100C.

[0103] The insert 160 defines an inner shell 170 (or second shell). The inner shell 170 extends from a bottom 170A to a top 170B (otherwise referred to as a second top, inner mouth, or second cavity mouth). The inner shell 170 has a sidewall 172 (or second sidewall) and a bottom wall 174 (otherwise referred to as a second base or inner base). The sidewall 172 extends from the bottom 170A to the top 170B of the inner shell 170 and defines an outer surface 172A and an inner surface 172B, a bottom end 172C and a top edge 172D. The bottom wall 174, located at the bottom 170A of the inner shell 170, is integral with the bottom end 172C of the sidewall 172 and has an outer surface 174A and an inner surface 174B. The sidewall 172 and the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 defines an inner cavity 180 (otherwise referred to as a second cavity or combustion chamber). The top edge 172D optionally defines an insert top lip 177 (shown in FIG. 16) extending parallel to the bottom wall 174. Insert top lip 177 provides extra rigidity to the insert sidewall 172.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13, the outer shell 110 may have a square cross section and the inner shell 170 may be cylindrical, e.g., respectively defining a first U-shaped profile and a second U-shaped profile. The inner shell 170 may have a diameter D1 of about two feet. The outer shell 110 may have a height H1 that is between one and two feet, optionally about a foot and a half, and a square top and bottom having a width dimension W1 that is greater than the diameter D1, e.g., about two and a half feet on-edge as a non-limiting example. The inner shell 170 may have a height H2 that is between one and six inches shorter than the outer shell 110, optionally three inches shorter than the outer shell 110.

[0105] Spacers 191 (otherwise referred to as support brackets or support ribs) may be placed between the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 170. The spacers 191 may be integral with, or attachable to, either the outer shell 110 or the inner shell 160. The spacers 191 include a bottom spacer 191A along the inner surface 114B of the bottom wall 114 of the outer shell 110. The bottom spacer 191A is an L-shaped bracket configured to raise the insert 160 by a same distance as the bottom spacer 190A, having a height H.sub.BS, in the above embodiments. The spacers 191 include a sidewall spacer 191B. The sidewall spacer 191B may have bracket ends 191C1, 191C2 located on adjacent sidewalls 112 of the outer shell 110, and a baffle plate 191C3 extending between the bracket ends 191C1, 191C2. The baffle plate 191C3 is configured to change the course of airflow as it travels between the inner shell 170 and outer shell 110 in the air cavity 215 (discussed below), so that the air is biased into the air-holes 200 (discussed below). For example, the baffle plate 191C3 prevents airflow from being trapped corners of the outer shell 110. The sidewall spacer 191B may be a thin-walled structure, such as fabricated metal plates. One sidewall spacer 191B may be located at each of corners of the outer shell 110.

[0106] Each of the bracket ends 191C1, 191C2 may have a bottom leg 191D1 (FIG. 13) that runs against the bottom wall 114, and a side leg 191D2 that runs against the respective sidewall 112. The bottom leg 191D1 may be configured to raise the insert 160 by a same distance as the bottom spacer 190A in the above embodiments. The side leg 191D2, a plurality of which are distributed about the perimeter of the outer shell 110, with the placement of first through fourth sidewall spacers 191B, are sized to center the insert 160 within the outer shell 110. As indicated, the baffle plate 191C3 causes airflow to circulate smoothly around the air cavity 215 formed between the inner shell 170 and the outer shell 110, such that the airflow travels a path that is effectively cylindrical despite the square cross section of the outer shell 110. With the configuration of the spacers 191 and the inner shell 170, the bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 is supported by the bottom spacers 191A, the sidewall 172 of the inner shell 170 is supported by the sidewall spacers 191B and the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170 is level with the top edge 112D of the outer shell 110.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the inner shell 170 may define air-holes (or air ports) 200. The bottom wall 174 of the inner shell 170 may define bottom air-holes 200A and the sidewall 172 of the inner shell 170 may define sidewall air-holes 200B. The sidewall air-holes 200B may be distributed as rings or rows of air-holes that are parallel to each other, including a top ring of sidewall air-holes 200B1 located near, e.g., within a few inches of, the top edge 172D of the inner shell 170 and a bottom ring of sidewall air-holes 200B2 located near, e.g., within a few inches of, the bottom end 172C of the inner shell 170. The bottom air-holes 200A may be arranged in an X-pattern, a circular pattern, or other geometric or linear pattern.

[0108] In one embodiment, a debris cover 209 (otherwise referred to as a shield or tent) (FIGS. 16 and 17) covers the bottom air-holes 200A. The debris cover 209 may be secured to the inner surface 174B of the bottom wall 174. The debris cover 209 may have a planar top wall 209A and a cylindrical sidewall 209B. The debris cover 209 may be disk shaped and sized to cover the bottom air-holes 200A. That is, the debris cover 209 may have a cover diameter D3 that is smaller than the diameter D1 of the inner shell 170. The cover diameter D3 may be between 25% and 60% of the diameter D1 of the inner shell 170.

[0109] Cover air-holes 210, arranged in a circumferential array, may be located on the sidewall 209B of the debris cover 209. The cover air-holes 210 may be spaced apart from the top wall 209A of the debris cover. This configuration helps to keep debris out of the cover air-holes 210. This configuration may also provide for a greater pressure differential between the cover air-holes 210 and the combustibles resting atop the debris cover 209, compared with cover air-holes 210 at or near the top of the debris cover 209, due to the upward thermal convection originating above the top of the debris cover 209. This configuration may result in a greater draw of air from the bottom air-holes 200A in the bottom wall 174.

[0110] The sidewall 209B of the debris cover 209 may have a sidewall height H.sub.S, between a sidewall bottom 209B1 and a sidewall top 209B2. Optionally, the cover air-holes 210 may be located at an array height H.sub.A from the bottom wall 174 that is approximately half, or less than half, of the sidewall height H.sub.S. This configuration may help to keep debris out of the cover air-holes 210 and provide for a greater pressure differential between the cover air-holes 210 and the combustibles resting atop the debris cover 209, compared with air-holes 210 at or near the top of the debris cover 209, due to the upward thermal convection originating above the top of the debris cover 209. That is, this configuration may result in a greater draw of air from the bottom air-holes 200A in the bottom wall 174, enhancing combustion.

[0111] The air cavity (or plenum) 215 is defined in the volume between the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 170. As the combustibles burn within the inner cavity 180, air is drawn into the inner cavity 180, through the bottom air-holes 200A and the sidewall air-holes 200B, from the air cavity 215. This dynamic increases combustion of the combustibles, e.g., via cold air suction.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 15, removable cover pans 245A, 245B (generally 245) may be positioned over the firepit 100C, supported by the tray 121. The cover pans 245 may be the same shape as each other in a non-limiting embodiment. Each cover pan 245 may have sidewalls 246 defining a top 246A1 and a bottom 246A2 and a base 246B extending inwardly from the bottom 246A2 of the sidewalls 246. The base 246B is a plate extending parallel to the bottom wall 114. The top 246A1 of the sidewalls 246 is level with the top 121A1 of the tray 121. Few or more pans seated within the tray are within the scope of the disclosure, as are pans having a different shape compared with each other.

[0113] With this configuration, the cover pans 245 define first and second pockets 247A, 247B to receive paver blocks. When the firepit 100C is installed along a hardscape surface such as a paver block patio or the like, placement of paver blocks in the pockets 247A, 247B enables visually blending of the firepit 100C with the rest of the hardscape surface. The base 246B of the cover pans 245 has holes 248 for insertion of a lifting tool 255, having a holding arm 255A and a prying arm 255B that is normal to the holding arm 255A, similar to a crow-bar type tool, that may be inserted and utilized to angle or lift the cover pans 245 away from the tray 121.

[0114] The center aperture 121B of the tray 121 may have notches 121B1, e.g., first through fourth notches 121B1, distributed circumferentially about an edge 121B2 defining the aperture 121B. Upon insertion of the lifting tool 255 into the holes 248 of one of the cover pans 245, the prying arm 255B may fit within the notches 121B1, enabling direct contact with the one of the cover pans 245, to lift it rather than the tray 121.

[0115] According to the embodiment, an inlet port 220 is formed in the outer shell 110. The inlet port 220 may be considered a first inlet port 220 (or first air inlet port) and the chamber air-holes 200 may be considered second inlet ports (or second air inlet ports). These ports 220, 200, and the respective first and second cavity mouths 110B, 170B may be the only openings in the respective shells 110, 170, enhancing the draw of air through the chamber air-holes 200.

[0116] The inlet port 220 may have a diameter Di that is the same as the height of the bottom spacer 191A, which may be between three and four inches as non-limiting embodiments. The inlet port 220 may be located near the bottom end 112C of the outer shell 110. An extension conduit 265, for drainage and airflow, may be connected to the inlet port 220. When the firepit 100C is installed in ground, the extension conduit 265 leads away from the firepit 100C and is open to air from a first end 265A (or firepit end) to a second end 265B (or cleanout end). For example, the second end 265B of the extension conduit 265 may terminate at a drywell or rock garden, or along a ground slope such that the extension conduit 265 is pitched down enough for water to drain out from the firepit 100C. In operation, to clean out the firepit 100C, water from a garden hose, as a non-limiting example, may be sprayed directly into the inner cavity 180 and air cavity 215, or into the outer cavity 150 if the inner shell 170 is removed, to wash debris into the inlet port 220, which will then travel through, and out of, the extension conduit 265. Further, when the firepit 100C is being utilized to burn combustibles, such as wood, heated air will rise, drawing cool air through the extension conduit 265 and into the inner cavity 180 via the chamber air-holes 200, enhancing the combustion.

[0117] FIG. 18 shows one configuration of the firepit 100, as a non-limiting example of the firepits disclosed herein, in ground 500. The top 110B of the firepit 100 is at ground level 510 and the bottom 110A of the firepit 100 is subterranean, along with the rest of the firepit 100 to the lip 120. As utilized herein, subterranean means a location in ground that is lower than an average ground level at the location of the firepit 100, though actual burial is not required. The extension conduit 265 is connected to the inlet port 220 at a first end 265A of the extension conduit 265. The extension conduit 265 is laid in ground 500 so that a second end (cleanout end) 265B of the extension conduit 265 is level with or below the inlet port 220 relative to the ground level 510 at the firepit 100. The ground level 510 slopes downward such that the second end 265B of the extension conduit 265 may breach the ground. Combustibles 520 such as firewood are in the combustion chamber 180. As the combustibles 520 burn, air rises out of the combustion chamber 180, drawing an airflow 530 through the extension conduit 265, the inlet port 220, the air cavity 215 and the air combustion chamber 180 via the chamber air-holes 200, enhancing combustion. To clean the firepit 100, a flow of water may be delivered into the combustion chamber 180 and air cavity 215, which then flows out of the firepit 100 via the inlet port 220 and extension conduit 265.

[0118] FIG. 19 shows another configuration of the firepit 100, as a non-limiting example of the firepits disclosed herein, in ground 500. The top 110B of the firepit 100 is at ground level 510 and the bottom 110A of the firepit 100 is subterranean, along with the rest of the firepit 100 to the lip 120. The extension conduit 265 is connected to the inlet port 220 at a first end 265A of the extension conduit 265. The extension conduit 265 is laid in ground 500 so that a second end (cleanout end) 265B of the extension conduit 265 is level with or below the inlet port 220 relative to the ground level 510 at the firepit 100. The second end 265B of the extension conduit 265 is subterranean and terminates at a drywell 515 (e.g., a subterranean drain, as a non-limiting example) and vertical conduit 518 (or secondary conduit). The vertical conduit 518 may terminate and breach ground via a trench drain 519 located at ground level 510. Combustibles 520 such as firewood are in the combustion chamber 180. As the combustibles 520 burn, air rises out of the combustion chamber 180, drawing an airflow 530 into the trench drain 519, the vertical conduit 518, through the extension conduit 265, the inlet port 220, the air cavity 215 and the air combustion chamber 180 via the chamber air-holes 200, enhancing combustion. To clean the firepit 100, a flow of water may be delivered into the combustion chamber 180 and air cavity 215, which then flows out of the firepit 100 via the inlet port 220 and extension conduit 265, where it drains in the drywell 515. A cleanout filter 550 may be located at one or more of the inlet port 220, i.e., as a port filter 550A, which may be accessible from the firepit 100 by removing the insert 160, or the opening 515A of the drywell 515, i.e., as a conduit filter 550B, which may be accessed via the secondary conduit 518. The cleanout filter 550 may be cleaned periodically to remove a buildup of soot from cleaning out the firepit 100. It is to be appreciated that the cleanout filter 550 may be installed regardless of whether a subterranean drain 515 is utilized.

[0119] Turning to FIG. 20, a flowchart shows a method of installing the firepit 100 in ground 500. As shown in block 1010, the method includes positioning the firepit 100 in ground 500 so that the first top 110B is at ground level 510 and the first base 114 is subterranean. As shown in block 1020 the method includes connecting the first end 265A of the extension conduit 265 to the first air inlet port 220 that is level with the first base 114. As shown in block 1030 the method includes positioning the extension conduit 265 so that the second end 265B of the extension conduit 265 is level with or lower than the first end 265A, relative to the ground level 510 at the firepit 100. As indicated, reference to the firepit 100 is non-limiting as the method is applicable to each firepit disclosed herein. As shown in block 1040 the method may include fluidly coupling the second end 265B of the extension conduit 265 with one or more of a secondary air conduit 518 that breaches ground and a subterranean drain 515. As shown in block 1050 the method may include fluidly coupling the second end 265B of the extension conduit 265 with the subterranean drain 515 and positioning a cleanout filter 550 at one or more of the inlet port 220, i.e., as a port filter 550A, which may be accessible from the firepit 100 by removing the insert 160, or the opening 515A of the subterranean drain 515, i.e., as a conduit filter 550B, which may be accessible via the secondary conduit 518.

[0120] Dimensions shown in the figure are for example only and not intended on limiting the scope of the embodiments. Aspects from each of the embodiments may be combined within the scope of the disclosure. Each inlet port identified herein may also be considered and referred to as an inlet-cleanout port, as each may be utilized for water flow-through during cleanout of the firepit.

[0121] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The term about is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity and/or manufacturing tolerances based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

[0122] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in the particular embodiments, but the present disclosure is not thus limited. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.