Firepit assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a firepit assembly comprising a firepit compartment, a heating surface located above the firepit compartment, and a cooking chamber located below the firepit compartment. The present firepit assembly addresses some of the issues associated with presently available firepit assemblies.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heating and / or cooking. Particularly, the present invention relates to a firepit assembly. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] A firepit or firebowl is a structure that is utilized to generate heat by burning a fuel source (such as coal or wood). A defining feature of a firepit is that they are designed to contain fire and prevent it from spreading.

[0004] Typically, a firepit or firebowl is utilized to provide a natural source of light and heat. A problem with a firepit or firebowl is that they are typically heavy and difficult to transport. Furthermore, cooking with a firepit can be inefficient and / or ineffective.

[0005] It would be advantageous to address one or more of the above issues and / or to provide the consumer with a commercial alternative to the presently available solutions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a firepit assembly comprising a firepit compartment, a heating surface located above the firepit compartment; and a cooking chamber located below the firepit compartment.

[0007] In an embodiment, the cooking chamber is located directly below the firepit compartment.

[0008] In embodiments, the heating surface is located directly above the firepit compartment.

[0009] In one embodiment, the firepit assembly is configurable between an operational configuration and a transport configuration.

[0010] In an embodiment, the firepit assembly comprises a pair of side walls, a base, a firepit rear wall, a firepit front wall, a rear cooking wall, a cooking base, a front cooking wall, and a heating surface.

[0011] In embodiments, the firepit compartment is defined by the pair of side walls, the base, the firepit rear wall and the firepit front wall.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the cooking chamber is defined by the pair of side walls, the base, the cooking base, the rear cooking wall and the front cooking wall.

[0013] In embodiments, the side wall comprises apertures to facilitate airflow into the firepit compartment. In some embodiments, the firepit front wall comprises apertures to facilitate airflow into the firepit compartment. In embodiments, the firepit rear wall comprises apertures to facilitate airflow into the firepit compartment.

[0014] In an embodiment, the side wall comprises a channel. In one embodiment, a pair of channels cooperate to receive and retain a slidable tray.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the base is securable to the side walls.

[0016] In one embodiment, the firepit rear wall and firepit front wall are securable to the side walls and the base.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cooking base is securable to the side walls.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the rear cooking wall and the front cooking wall are securable to the base and the cooking base.

[0019] In embodiments, the firepit rear wall is adapted to secure the heating surface.

[0020] In an embodiment, the heating surface is or comprises a grill plate.

[0021] In a second aspect, the invention resides in a method of providing a firepit assembly comprising: providing a pair of side walls, a heating surface, a base, a firepit rear wall, a firepit front wall, a cooking base, a front cooking wall and a rear cooking wall; and assembling the firepit assembly such that the heating surface is located above a firepit compartment and a cooking chamber is located below the firepit compartment; to thereby assembly the firepit assembly.

[0022] The firepit assembly and components thereof may be as substantially described hereinabove for the first aspect.

[0023] The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG 1 shows an embodiment of the present firepit assembly in an operational configuration; FIG 1a shows the firepit assembly of FIG 1 with several features shown slightly transparent; FIG 2 shows the firepit assembly in a disassembled configuration; FIG 3 shows an embodiment of a side wall; FIG 4 shows an embodiment of a firepit base; FIG 5 shows an embodiment of a firepit rear wall; FIG 6 shows an embodiment of a firepit front wall; and FIG 7 shows an embodiment of a heating surface; FIG 8 shows an embodiment of a cooking base; FIG 9 shows an embodiment of a front cooking wall; FIG 10 shows an embodiment of a rear cooking wall; and FIG 11 shows an embodiment of a slidable tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in a firepit assembly. Accordingly, the assembly, device, apparatus or method steps have been illustrated in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

[0027] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

[0028] Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a nonexclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such an assembly, method, article, or apparatus.

[0029] As used herein, the term ‘about’ means the amount is nominally the number following the term ‘about’ but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

[0030] The present invention has been described in relation to a firepit for ease of description. However, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the term ‘firepit’ used herein can be used interchangeably with the term ‘firebowl’.

[0031] The present invention is predicated on the finding that, at least, the present firepit assembly can be utilized for cooking and heating. In this regard, the present invention comprises a heating surface above the firepit compartment and a cooking chamber below the firepit compartment. This allows for cooking above and below the firepit compartment, allows for effective use of heat and efficient cooking. Furthermore, the present invention also alleviates some issues associated with the transportability of firepits.

[0032] Shown in FIGs 1 and 1a are an embodiment of the present firepit assembly in an operational configuration. FIG 2 shows the components of the firepit assembly of FIG 1. The firepit assembly 100 comprises a firepit compartment 110, a heating surface 130 located above the firepit compartment; and a cooking chamber 120 located below the firepit compartment. In one embodiment, the cooking chamber is located directly below a base of the firepit compartment. The firepit compartment 110 is suitably defined by a pair of side walls 1010, a firepit compartment base 1020, a firepit rear wall 1050 and a firepit front wall 1090. In one embodiment, the firepit compartment is open at an upper end thereof. The firepit compartment is adapted to receive a fuel source and facilitate combustion or burning thereof.

[0033] An embodiment of the side wall 1010 is shown in FIG 3. The side wall 1010 comprises one or more air flow apertures 1011 adapted to provide airflow to the firepit compartment 110. The air flow apertures 1011 are adapted to align with the firepit compartment 110 to allow air flow therethrough to facilitate burning of a heat source / fuel therein. In a particular embodiment, the base 1020 is securable to the side walls 1010. The side walls 1010 further comprise one or more firepit base apertures 1012 adapted to receive a firepit extension 1021 of base 1020.

[0034] The side wall 1010 further comprises a cooking base aperture 1013 adapted to receive a cooking base extension 1061 of the cooking base 1060.

[0035] The side wall 1010 further comprises one or more channels 1014. The channels 1014 are sized and dimensioned to receive a slidable tray 1100. In this regard, the channels 1014 cooperate to retain the slidable tray 1100. In the embodiment shown, the side wall 1010 comprises a pair of channels. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the side wall can include any number of channels to allow for adjustability of the slidable tray 1100.

[0036] The side wall 1010 may further comprise a firepit base support aperture 1015. The firepit base support aperture 1015 is adapted to receive a portion of the base 1020 to further provide support thereto or alignment therewith. Each firepit base support aperture 1015 may comprise an extension 1015a extending therein. The extension 1015a is suitably received in aperture 1023a of tab 1023 of the base 1020 when inserted therein. This provides a further engagement that alleviates the issue of components coming apart.

[0037] The side wall 1010 may further comprise a cooking support aperture 1016. The cooking support aperture 1016 is adapted to receive a portion of the cooking base 1060 to further provide support thereto or alignment therewith. Each cooking support aperture 1016 may comprise an extension 1016a extending therein. The extension 1016a is suitably received in aperture 1063a of tab 1063 of the cooking base 1060 when inserted therein. This provides a further engagement that alleviates the issue of components coming apart.

[0038] The side wall 1010 further comprises slots 1017 adapted to cooperate the slots 1091 of front firepit wall 1090 or the slots 1051 of the rear firepit wall 1050. The slots 1051, 1091 of either the front firepit wall 1090 or the rear firepit wall 1050 are arranged to cooperate with the slots 1017 of the side walls 1010 to form the walls of the firepit compartment 110. In the embodiment shown, the slots 1017 are formed in an upper extent or upper end of the side wall 1010.

[0039] The side wall 1010 may further comprise a handle in the form of an aperture 1018. The handle allows the user to easily grasp the side wall.

[0040] It will be appreciated that the other side wall of the pair of the side wall is suitably the mirror image of the side wall 1010 described herein.

[0041] The base 1020 is shown in FIG 4. In an embodiment, the base 1020 is a complete base. The base 1020 suitably acts as the main heating plate for the cooking chamber below. That is, as material is burnt in the firepit compartment and heat is generated, the base 1020 absorbs said heat and conducts it towards the cooking chamber. As mentioned above, the base 1020 comprises the firepit extension 1021. The extension 1021 is adapted to be received in a respective firepit base aperture 1012. As shown, the firepit extension 1021 comprises an aperture 1022 therethrough.

[0042] The base 1020 further comprises tabs 1023. The tab 1023 is adapted to be received in a respective firepit base support aperture 1015. This arrangement provides support and alignment between the base 1020 and the side wall 1010. Each tab 1023 may comprises an aperture 1023a therethrough. The aperture 1023a is adapted to receive an extension 1015a of a respective firepit base aperture 1015.

[0043] The base 1020 further comprises apertures 1025 adapted to receive a tab 1041 of the front cooking wall 1040. The base 1020 further comprises apertures 1024 adapted to receive a tab 1071 of the rear cooking wall 1070.

[0044] The base 1010 may further comprise feet 1019 extending from a lower end thereof. In use, the feet 1019 engage the ground or surface. The feet 1019 prevent the cooking chamber, particularly the cooking base 1060, from contacting the ground and transferring heat to the ground.

[0045] Shown in FIG 5 is an embodiment of the firepit rear wall 1050. In one embodiment, the firepit rear wall 1050 is securable to the side walls 1010. As mentioned above, the firepit rear wall 1050 comprises the slots 1051. The slots 1051 are located at a lower end of the firepit rear wall 1050. The firepit rear wall 1050 comprises one or more air flow apertures 1052 adapted to provide airflow to the firepit compartment 110. The air flow apertures 1052 are adapted to align with the firepit compartment 110 to allow air flow therethrough to facilitate burning of a heat source / fuel.

[0046] The firepit rear wall 1050 further comprises heating surface engagement apertures 1053. The heating surface engagement apertures 1053 are adapted to secure and / or retain the heating surface 1030 to the firepit rear wall 1050. In the embodiment shown, the firepit rear wall 1050 comprises one or more apertures arranged and located to change the height of the heating surface relative to the firepit compartment. This allows for the amount of heat the heating surface receives and allows the consumer to adjust the amount of cooking / heat required. In the embodiment shown, the firepit rear wall 1050 comprises there (3) heating surface engagement apertures 1053a, 1053b, 1053c. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the firepit rear wall may comprise any number of heating surface engagement apertures for adjustment of the height thereof. A lower end of the firepit rear wall 1050 is provided with an angled extension.

[0047] Shown in FIG 6 is an embodiment of the firepit front wall 1090. In one embodiment, the firepit rear wall is securable to the side walls 1010 As mentioned above, the firepit front wall 1090 comprises the slots 1091. The slots 1091 are located at a lower end of the firepit front wall 1090. The firepit front wall 1090 comprises one or more air flow apertures 1092 adapted to provide airflow to the firepit compartment 110. The air flow apertures 1092 are adapted to align with the firepit compartment 110 to allow air flow therethrough to facilitate burning of a heat source / fuel. A lower end of the firepit front wall 1050 is provided with an angled extension.

[0048] FIG 7 shows an embodiment of the heating surface 1030. In one embodiment, the heating surface 1030 is securable to the firepit rear wall 1050. The heating surface suitably comprises tabs 1031 adapted to be received in apertures 1053 of the rear firepit wall 1050.

[0049] The heating surface 1030 may suitably comprise or is a grill plate.

[0050] The cooking chamber 120 suitably defined by the pair of side walls 1010, the base 1020, a front cooking wall 1040, a rear cooking wall 1070 and cooking base 1060.

[0051] The firepit assembly 100 comprises a cooking base 1060. In an embodiment, the cooking base 1060 is securable to the side walls 1010. The cooking base 1060 is shown in FIG 8. The cooking base 1060 is a complete base. As mentioned above, the cooking base 1060 comprises the cooking extension 1061. The extension 1061 is adapted to be received in a respective cooking base aperture 1013. As shown, the cooking extension 1061 comprises an aperture 1062 therethrough.

[0052] The cooking base 1060 further comprises tab 1063. The tab 1063 is adapted to be received in a respective cooking support aperture 1016. This arrangement provides support and alignment between the base and the side wall. Each tab 1063 may comprises an aperture 1063a therethrough. The aperture 1063a is adapted to receive an extension 1016a of a respective firepit base aperture 1016.

[0053] The cooking base 1060 further comprises apertures 1065 adapted to receive a tab 1042 of the front cooking wall 1040. The cooking base further comprises apertures 1064 adapted to receive a tab 1072 of the rear cooking wall 1040.

[0054] The firepit assembly 100 comprises a front cooking wall 1040 (shown in FIG 9). In an embodiment, the front cooking wall is a front cooking door. In this regard, the front cooking door is removable to allow access to the cooking chamber. In certain embodiments, the front cooking wall 1040 is securable to the cooking base 1060 and base 1020. The front cooking wall 1040 comprises tab 1041 adapted to be inserted into aperture 1025 of the base 1020. The tab 1041 are located at an upper extent or upper end of the front cooking wall 1040.

[0055] The front cooking wall 1040 further comprises tabs 1042. The tabs 1042 are adapted to be inserted into apertures 1065 of cooking base 1060. The tabs 1042 are located at a lower extend or lower end of the front cooking wall 1040. In one embodiment, the front cooking wall is a complete wall.

[0056] The front cooking wall 1040 may further comprise a handle in the form of an aperture 1043. The handle allows the user to easily grasp the front cooking wall. This also assists with allowing access to the cooking chamber.

[0057] The firepit assembly 100 comprises a rear cooking wall 1070 (shown in FIG 10). In an embodiment, the rear cooking wall is a rear cooking door. In this regard, the rear cooking door is removable to allow access to the cooking chamber. In certain embodiments, the rear cooking wall 1070 is securable to and the cooking base 1060 and base 1020. The rear heating or cooking wall 1070 comprises tab 1071 adapted to be inserted into aperture 1024 of the base 1020. The tabs 1071 are located at an upper extent or upper end of the rear cooking wall 1070.

[0058] The rear cooking wall 1070 further comprises tab 1072. The tabs 1072 are adapted to be inserted into apertures 1064 of cooking base 1060. The tables 1072 are located at a lower extent or lower end of the rear cooking wall 1070. In one embodiment, the rear cooking wall is a complete wall.

[0059] The rear cooking wall 1070 may further comprise a handle in the form of an aperture 1073. The handle allows the user to easily grasp the rear cooking wall. This also assists with allowing access to the cooking chamber.

[0060] Shown in FIG 11 is an embodiment of the slidable tray 1100. The slidable tray is sized and dimensioned to be slidable in the cooking chamber 120. In this regard, the slidable tray 1100 is sized and dimensioned such that they are retained and supported in the channels 1014 of the side wall 1010.

[0061] The slidable tray 1100 may further comprise a handle in the form of an aperture 1101. The handle allows the user to easily grasp the slidable tray 1100. This assists the user in sliding, removing or adding the slidably tray 1100 in a pair of channels (as mentioned hereinabove).

[0062] It will be appreciated that the front cooking wall and rear cooking wall can be suitably removed to allow access to the cooking chamber from both the front and / or the rear of the firepit assembly. This advantageously allows for ease of access thereto.

[0063] In use, the rear cooking wall and front cooking wall can simply be lifted up so that the tabs thereof can be disengaged from the respective slots. This allows for the rear cooking wall and front cooking wall to be removed to allow access to the cooking chamber and slidable tray.

[0064] In one embodiment, the present firepit is configurable between an operational configuration and a transport configuration.

[0065] The present invention further resides in a method of providing a firepit assembly comprising: providing a pair of side walls, a heating surface, a base, a firepit rear wall, a firepit front wall, a cooking base, a front cooking wall and a rear cooking wall; and assembling the firepit assembly such that the heating surface is located above a firepit compartment and a cooking chamber is located below the firepit compartment; to thereby assembly the firepit assembly.

[0066] The firepit assembly and components thereof are as substantially described hereinabove.

[0067] The present firepit assembly provides an easily to store firepit, provides additional cooking ability with efficient and effective cooking ability. In this regard, both the heating surface located directly above the open end of the firepit compartment and the cooking chamber directly below the firepit compartment allows for effective transfer of heat from the firepit compartment thereto. This allows for a single burning heat source to both provide heat to the users whilst also being utilized for cooking. It will be appreciated that the present invention also allows for effective heat transfer due to heat transfer above and below being used for cooking whilst any heat lost to the sides or elsewhere can be utilized as a firepit. Furthermore, the enclosed cooking chamber allows for heat to be contained therein and allow for effective and efficient cooking.

[0068] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment.

[0069] As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been 12 discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

1. A firepit assembly comprising a firepit compartment, a heating surface located above the firepit compartment; and a cooking chamber located below the firepit compartment.

2. A method of providing a firepit assembly comprising:providing a pair of side walls, a heating surface, a base, a firepit rear wall, a firepit front wall, a cooking base, a front cooking wall and a rear cooking wall; andassembling the firepit assembly such that the heating surface is located above a firepit compartment and a cooking chamber is located below the firepit compartment;to thereby assembly the firepit assembly.

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