Assemblable fire pit and outdoor grill from concrete based artificiall stone

Abstract

A modular outdoor barbeque grill and firepit is constructed of artificial stone-like slab members, which permit a uniform construction method by utilizing only a single block with a universal joint configuration to create an easily assembled, disassembled, re-assembled, and inexpensively manufactured product. Simple variation in the slab members' length, as well as relocation of the joint permits tremendous versatility of product design without increasing complexity of assembly. Slab members are cast of air-entrained concrete in elastomeric molds for reduced density and lighter weight members, which have advantageous thermal properties, exhibit greater longevity in adverse weath conditions, and may be so formed with pigments to resemble stone, brick, or decorative mosaic tile. The ease of construction by the design of this invention also permits quick transition between a backyard fire pit and a barbeque grill with a sophisticated appearance.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority on Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 128,531, filed May 22, 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to products made from artificial stone, and particularly to a modular firepit and outdoor grill constructed of artificial stone slab members, and more particularly, one which has a uniform construction method utilizing a single block to be easily assembled, disassembled, re-assembled, and inexpensively manufactured.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Stone firepits and barbeque grills are frequently found in outdoor locations where their durability and aesthetics permit containment of a fire for recreational purposes, such as for campers at campsites and parks, as well as public and private outdoor entertainment areas. Most of such firepits or grills are made from real stone and many are consolidated into a structural object by adhering the stone elements wi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]A fire barbeque pit is assembled from a series of artificial stone slabs formed from concrete which has been surface pigmented with particles of a metal oxide to mimic the appearance of stone. The slabs have interlocking male and female grooves which allow for perpendicular inter-locking placement of the slabs. The indentations allow for the slabs to overlap at their extremities creating a stable structure which can be assembled and disassembled without the use of cement or binding concrete to consolidate the structure. This allows for easy on-site assembly, subsequent disassembly and transportation from the site after use.

[0011]It is another object of this invention to provide an interlocking block design which permits construction utilizing a minimum number of different shaped and sized blocks to reduce complexity of the assembly process, disassembly, and re-assembly.

[0012]It is another object of this invention to provide a block which is constructed of a lightweight material.

[0016]It is another object of this invention to provide a design which permits easy adjustment of the height of the fire area.

[0017]It is another object of this invention to provide a design which permits easy adjustment of the height of the grilling area.

[0018]It is another object of this invention to provide a design which permits easy adjustment of the height of a block fume hood.

Problems solved by technology

Both the weight of such assembled firepits and grills and the complexity of the necessary assembly process do not lend them to be relocated either through disassembly or by transporting while fully assembled.

While the modular nature of the Shumock invention permits transportability, the ease of relocation is severely hampered by the complexity of the various different joints utilized for the blocks, and by the multitude of various shaped and sized blocks required to construct the Shumock fireplace.

In addition, there is no versatility in the end-product, in that only one unique fireplace configuration is attainable, and furthermore, it has limited adaptability to alternatively serve as an outdoor grill.

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