Radiation type brazier

Abstract

The invention discloses a radiation type brazier. The brazier comprises a radiation opening, a combustion chamber and a fuel grating. The combustion chamber is defined by an inwardly facing surface of the inner wall and the bottom. A fuel grille is positioned within the combustion chamber and supports combustible fuel for burnout. A radiation opening is positioned within the outer wall of the brazier and exposes a portion of the outwardly facing surface of the inner wall near the radiation opening to the environment such that the exposed portion of the inner wall may cause radiation energy to be emitted laterally through the radiation opening to the environment. The inner wall may include a high emissivity coating that promotes emission of radiant energy. The radiation opening may include a safety screen to prevent a user of the brazier from contacting the hot inner wall.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority and filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 582,608, filed on September 14, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The subject matter described herein is directed to a combustible fuel burning fire bowl having a radiant heat opening. The fire bowl has particular, but not exclusive, use as a portable backyard fire bowl. Background Art

[0003] Portable wood-burning fire pits can be used in a variety of applications and environments, including for camping and for residential backyard recreation. Fire pits can be used to provide outdoor heating, support cooking, create ambiance, or for other desired purposes.

[0004] Large fire bowls are often fueled by piles of logs or other combustible materials. Heat from the fire bowl rises primarily upward, with relatively minimal lateral heat radiation. As a result, surfaces near the ground around the fire bowl (including the lower extremities of people sitting around the fire bowl) receive less or no heat. One solution known in the art is to place a heat deflector above the fire bowl to increase the lateral heat radiation from the fire bowl so that people sitting around the fire bowl can receive some heat. However, conventional heat deflectors can be large, heavy, difficult to move, and reduce the efficiency of the fire bowl.

[0005] Therefore, it will be appreciated that systems and methods for lateral heat distribution from a fire bowl may be improved.Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods that improve the performance and efficiency of a fire bowl in terms of lateral heat distribution. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a burning fire bowl is provided with a radiant heat opening including novel structural features to promote safe lateral emission of radiant energy. The disclosed radiant heat opening also includes air flow features that facilitate the supply of air to the burning fire bowl for burning out fuel.

[0007] For the purpose of promoting understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and specific language will be used to describe these embodiments. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any changes and further modifications to the described devices, systems and methods and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated and included in the present disclosure, as would be generally expected by a technician in the field involved by the present disclosure. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components and / or steps described with respect to one embodiment can be combined with the features, components and / or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. However, for the sake of brevity, many iterations of these combinations will not be described separately.

[0008] These descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the radiant heat opening or fire bowl. Certain features may be added, deleted, or modified without departing from the spirit of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example burning fire bowl including a radiant opening according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 A device including a radiation opening according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A side view of an example burning brazier; Figure 3 Flow through a heat exchanger including a radiant heat opening according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A cutaway side view of air flow for an example burning fire pit; Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a heat sink including a radiant heat opening according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 Example of a cutaway perspective view of a burning brazier; Figure 5 Showing one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 1 an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a radiant heat opening of an example fire pit; Figure 6 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 1 An example of a lateral distribution of radiant energy from a radiant heat opening of a burning brazier to a user's lower extremities; Figure 7 a cut-away side view showing air flow through a second example combustion fire bowl including radiant heat openings and a plurality of external vents according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 8A schematic diagram showing a heat radiant heat opening and a plurality of external vents according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 7 A cutaway perspective view of a second example burning brazier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a fire pit 100 is shown including a radiation opening 105 (or "radiation window"). In one or more embodiments, the fire pit 100 can include some similarities and some features of the fire pit described in U.S. Application No. 17 / 169,269, filed on February 5, 2021, entitled "Combustible Fuel Burning Fire Pit with Removable Fire Grate and Ash Pan," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, but the modifications described herein include, for example, a radiation opening 105.

[0011] Reference Figure 3 , and continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a cross-sectional side view of a fire bowl 100 including a radiant opening 105 is shown, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the fire bowl 100 includes a top portion 110, a bottom portion 115, and a middle portion 120. The fire bowl 100 also includes an inner body 125 (or "inner wall") and an outer body 130 (or "outer wall"). The radiant opening 105 is formed in the middle portion 120 of the outer body 130. A connecting ring 135 is positioned in the top portion 110 of the fire bowl 100 and is attached to the inner body 125 and the outer body 130, or is integrally formed with the inner body 125 and the outer body 130 as a single piece.

[0012] A combustion chamber 140 (or "cavity") is defined by an inner surface 142 of the inner body 125. A removable fuel grid 145 and a removable ash pan 150 are adapted to be received and positioned within the combustion chamber 140. In one or more embodiments, the bottom of the combustion chamber 140 is defined by the fuel grid 145. The fire bowl 100 also includes a top lip 155 that is attached to the inner body 125 or the outer body 130 or is integrally formed as a single piece therewith.

[0013] The fire bowl 100 also includes a plurality of internal ventilation holes 160 located in the top portion 110 of the inner body 125. In the middle portion 120 of the fire bowl 100, the inner body 125 terminates in an upward facing flip 165 (or "support lip") into which the fuel grate 145 fits or on which it rests. The fire bowl 100 also includes a base plate 170 attached to the outer body 130, a support tray 175 supported by brackets 180 projecting upward from the base plate 170, and a removable ash tray 150 supported by brackets or feet projecting downward from the ash tray 150 into receiving features of the support tray 175.

[0014] When assembled as described above, the support tray 175 is separated from the outer body 130 by an air gap 185, the ash tray 150 is separated from the outer body 130 and the support tray 175 by an air gap 190, and the inner body 125 is separated from the outer body 130 by an air gap 195. In an exemplary embodiment, both the air gap 190 and the air gap 195 are about 50 mm, and the air gap 185 is about 100 mm, but other air gaps with the advantageous effects disclosed herein may also be used. The support tray 175 has a circular air gap 200 at the center of the support tray 175. The air gap 190 and the air gap 185 are fluidly connected via the air gap 200. In one or more embodiments, the air gap may refer to a gap, a channel, a passage, or a chamber. In one or more embodiments, the fuel grid 145 may define an air chamber axially below the fuel grid 145. In one or more embodiments, the air chamber may be defined between the fuel grid 145 and the support tray 175.

[0015] The cavity or combustion chamber 140 is in fluid communication with the air gap 195 via the internal vents 160, and is in fluid communication with the air gaps 185, 190, and 200 via the fuel grid 145. The air gaps 185, 190, 195, and 200 are in fluid communication with ambient air via the radiation openings 105, so that ambient air (or "ambient air flow") can be drawn through the radiation openings 105 and heated by the combustion of the fuel 205 as the ambient air travels through the various air gaps described above. The heated ambient air is then communicated to the combustion chamber 140 via the various air gaps and the internal vents 160 to promote improved combustion of the fuel 205.

[0016] like Figure 3 As shown, and as will be referred to below Figure 4 and Figure 5Described in more detail, the radiant opening 105 is a gap, opening, cutout, or window formed in the middle portion 120 of the outer body 130 of the fire bowl 100 between the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 115 of the fire bowl 100. The radiant opening 105 communicates ambient air into the fire bowl 100. The radiant opening 105 also facilitates lateral emission of radiant energy (i.e., heat) from the outer surface 208 of the inner body 125 proximate the radiant opening 105. The radiant energy is emitted away from the fire bowl 100 through the radiant opening 105.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer body 130 and the inner body 125 extend vertically upward substantially perpendicularly to the surface on which the fire bowl 100 rests and parallel to each other. The vertical orientation of the outer body 130 and the inner body 125 promotes lateral emission of radiant energy. If the fire bowl 100 is a bowl-shaped fire bowl of the prior art, the radiant energy will be emitted downwardly into the ground, rather than laterally outwardly toward objects surrounding the fire bowl 100.

[0018] Because the purpose of the radiant openings 105 is not only to facilitate the inlet of air, but also to facilitate lateral heat distribution to surrounding targets, the size of the radiant openings 105 can be set to be larger than the size of conventional air intake openings. In one or more embodiments, the size of the radiant openings is set in the range of about 4 square inches to about 2500 square inches, but other sizes are also contemplated. In addition, when multiple adjacent openings are used for radiant heat, the size of any single opening will be smaller, but the aggregate should allow for sufficient radiant heat transfer on the outside of the fire bowl to, for example, improve user comfort. In one or more embodiments, the radiant openings 105 can also promote additional heat transfer to users and objects around the fire bowl 100 via convection heating by heating the ambient air areas on the lateral sides of the fire bowl 100.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the fuel grid 145, ash pan 150, and one or more other structures of the fire bowl 100 are made of stainless steel sheet having a thickness ranging between about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. In one or more embodiments, the fuel grid 145, ash pan 150, and fire bowl 100 are formed of stainless steel having a thickness of 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and in some embodiments, of stainless steel having a thickness of 1.5 mm. Both thicker and thinner materials are contemplated, including other metals. In one or more embodiments, the fuel grid 145 weighs about 48 pounds (21.8 kg), but weights between about 9 ounces and about 88 pounds may also be provided.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the fuel grid 145 supports a nominal weight of 100 pounds (45.4 kg) during normal operation, but may also provide a nominal capacity between about 5 pounds and about 190 pounds. During normal operation, the fuel grid 145 or portions thereof is also heated by the combustion of the fuel 205 to a temperature between about 700°F (371°C) and about 1350°F (732°C) for 1 hour to 12 hours at ambient temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C). In one or more embodiments, the fuel grid 145 exhibits little or no warping that would adversely affect its aesthetic appearance, its performance, or its fit within the fire bowl 100 over repeated cycles (e.g., one hundred cycles) between ambient and operating temperatures over many years of normal operation.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the fuel 205 burns into ash, which falls through the fuel grate 145 into the ash pan 150. To facilitate cleaning and ash removal, the fuel grate 145 can be removed from the fire bowl 100 by lifting the fuel grate 145 vertically upward through the combustion chamber 140 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the fire bowl 100. This allows a user to access the ash pan 150, which in turn can also be removed from the fire bowl by lifting vertically through the cavity or combustion chamber 140. The ash pan 150 can then be emptied and cleaned as needed. The fuel grate 145 can also be cleaned as needed, and the ash pan 150 and fuel grate 145 can then be reassembled within the fire bowl 100, as shown. Figure 3 shown.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the air gap 190 between the lip of the ash pan 150 and the side of the support tray 175 is large enough to accommodate a person's fingers, thereby enabling a user to grasp the ash pan 150 when it is cool and remove the ash pan 150 from the fire bowl 100. Similar to the fuel grid 145, the ash pan 150 can be lifted upward in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the fire bowl 100 to remove the ash pan 150 from the fire bowl 100.

[0023] The primary load carried by the fuel grate 145 , which is supported by the upward facing lip or flip 165 of the inner body 125 , is applied downwardly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the fire bowl 100 by the weight of the fuel 205 deposited on the fuel grate 145 .

[0024] Figure 3A side view of the flow of gas through the fire bowl 100 is also provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Cold external ambient air 210 is drawn inwardly through the radiant openings 105 positioned in the middle portion 120 of the outer body 130. The ambient air 210 is then separated into primary combustion air 215 and secondary combustion air 220 within the fire bowl 100. The secondary combustion air 220 is heated by the inner body 125 and rises upward in the middle portion 120 to enter the top portion 110 within the air gap 195 between the inner body 125 and the outer body 130. The secondary combustion air 220 is heated primarily via conductive heat transfer from contact with the inner body 125 of the fire bowl 100. The secondary combustion air 220 then exits the air gap 195 via the internal vents 160 positioned in the top portion 110 of the inner body 125 and enters the combustion chamber 140. In one or more embodiments, the internal ventilation holes 160 are distributed around the circumference of the inner body 125 near the upper edge 222 of the inner body 125. As the heated secondary combustion air 220 enters the combustion chamber 140 and exits the fire bowl 100, the heated secondary combustion air 220 burns off excess carbon and fuel particles (i.e., smoke) exiting the top of the combustion chamber 140 at the top of the fire bowl 100.

[0025] The primary combustion air 215 flows downwardly into the bottom portion 115 of the fire bowl 100 within the air gap 185 between the outer body 130 and the inner body 125 and is drawn radially between the support tray 175 and the base plate 170. The primary combustion air 215 then rises upwardly through the air gap 200 in the center of the support tray 175 and is drawn radially outwardly along the bottom of the ash pan 150 between the ash pan 150 and the support tray 175. The primary combustion air 215 is then drawn upwardly around the edge of the ash pan 150 through the air gap 190 and drawn radially inwardly along the top of the ash pan 150. The primary combustion air 215 is then drawn upwardly into the combustion chamber 140 through a plurality of vents 225 in the fuel grid 145. In the combustion chamber 140, the primary combustion air 215 interacts with the fuel 205 and promotes combustion of the fuel 205.

[0026] If you will refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown and described in greater detail, in one or more embodiments, the fire bowl 100 may also include external vents in the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130 to provide additional inflow of ambient air 210 into the fire bowl 100 as primary combustion air 215 .

[0027] The flow of the secondary combustion air 220 between the inner body 125 and the outer body 130 can be used to cool both the inner body 125 and the outer body 130 even if the temperature of the secondary combustion air 220 increases. The flow of the primary combustion air 215 toward the air gap 200 of the support tray 175 can be used to cool the base plate 170 and the support tray 175. The flow of the primary combustion air 215 between the support tray 175 and the ash tray 150 can be used to cool both the support tray 175 and the ash tray 150. Therefore, the wall of the outer body 130 is insulated by one layer of moving air, and the base plate 170 is insulated by three separate layers of moving air. This makes the outer portion of the fire bowl 100 (e.g., the outer body 130 and the base plate 170) cooler than the combustion chamber 140 or the fuel grid 145, thereby improving the safety of the fire bowl 100 and reducing the possibility of people, animals or objects that may contact the outside of the fire bowl 100 being accidentally burned.

[0028] Additionally, the greater flow of primary combustion air 215 through the fire bowl 100 helps ensure that the fuel 205 is well oxygenated and thereby burns out at a high temperature. This in turn maximizes the heat generated by a given amount of fuel while simultaneously minimizing the amount of smoke generated by combustion.

[0029] Reference Figures 3 to 5 , and continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , illustrating a radiant opening 105 of a fire bowl 100. In one or more embodiments, the radiant opening 105 is one or more openings or areas of removed material extending through the outer body 130 of the fire bowl 100. In embodiments where the radiant opening 105 comprises a plurality of individual openings, the plurality of individual openings are distributed around at least a portion of the circumference of the outer body 130 of the fire bowl 100. The one or more openings or areas of removed material of the radiant opening 105 expose a portion of the inner body 125 proximate to the radiant opening 105 (e.g., a portion of the inner body 125 radially aligned with the radiant opening 105) to the environment surrounding the fire bowl 100. Thus, the portion of the inner body 125 exposed by the radiant opening 105 is able to emit infrared radiant energy (i.e., heat) laterally away from the fire bowl 100 through the radiant opening 105.

[0030] exist Figures 3 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation opening 105 divides the outer body 130 into a bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130 and a top portion 110 of the outer body 130 around at least a portion of the circumference of the outer body 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the axial height of the radiation opening 105 corresponds to the axial height of the middle portion 120 of the outer body 130.

[0031] exist Figures 3 to 5In the illustrated embodiment, the radiant opening 105 extends radially through the middle portion 120 of the outer body 130 around the entire circumference of the outer body 130. The fire bowl 100 also includes a screen 230 positioned within the radiant opening 105 between the top portion 110 of the outer body 130 and the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130. The screen 230 is a safety net. The screen 230 provides structural rigidity to the outer body 130 and improves safety while allowing heat to dissipate laterally through the radiant opening 105 or into the ambient air 210.

[0032] like Figure 5 , the screen 230 includes a wire frame body 235 defining a plurality of openings 240. The wire frame body 235 provides support for the top portion 110 of the outer body 130 and the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130. The screen 230 is attached or connected to the top portion 110 of the outer body 130 and the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130 at respective axial ends of the screen 230. The plurality of openings 240 allow radiant energy to pass through the screen 230 and through the radiation openings 105.

[0033] Each of the plurality of openings 240 is sufficiently small to prevent body appendages (e.g., human hands, fingers, feet, and toes, and animal claws) and other foreign matter from extending through the plurality of openings 240 and contacting the hot inner body 125. The ratio of the surface area of ​​the wireframe body 235 to the surface area of ​​the plurality of openings 240 may be optimized in an attempt to maximize the amount of infrared radiation energy that can be emitted laterally through the screen 230 and the radiation openings 105 away from the exposed portion of the inner body 125 adjacent to the radiation openings 105, and also in an attempt to maximize the amount of cool ambient air 210 that can be received within the fire bowl 100 through the screen 230 and the radiation openings 105. The ratio of the surface area of ​​the wireframe body 235 to the surface area of ​​the plurality of openings 240 may be 1:3. In one or more embodiments, the surface area of ​​the plurality of openings 240 is 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, or 85% to 90% of the surface area of ​​the screen 230.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the radiant opening 105 extends radially through the middle portion 120 of the outer body 130 around a portion of the circumference of the outer body 130. In one or more embodiments, the radiant opening 105 includes a plurality of openings evenly distributed around the circumference of the outer body 130. The surface area of ​​the plurality of openings of the radiant opening 105 is optimized to maximize the radiant energy emitted laterally from the inner body 125 through the radiant opening 105 and to maximize the amount of cool ambient air 210 received within the fire bowl 100 through the radiant opening 105, while retaining a sufficient amount of material of the outer body 130 within the radiant opening 105 to ensure the structural rigidity of the fire bowl 100. In such embodiments, the size of each of the plurality of openings of the radiant opening 105 is also optimized to ensure the safety of the user and his or her pet. In such embodiments, the plurality of openings of the radiant opening 105 is small enough to prevent body appendages (e.g., human hands, fingers, feet and toes, and animal claws) and other foreign objects from extending through the radiant opening 105 and contacting the hot inner body 125.

[0035] In such an embodiment, the ratio of the surface area of ​​the unremoved material of the middle portion 120 of the outer body 130 to the surface area of ​​the plurality of openings can be 1:3. In one or more embodiments, the surface area of ​​the plurality of openings of the radiation openings 105 is 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, or 85% to 90% of the surface area of ​​the radiation openings 105.

[0036] In such embodiments, where the radiant opening 105 includes a plurality of openings, the fire bowl 100 may not include a screen 230, since the plurality of openings surrounded by the unremoved material of the outer body 130 effectively functions as a screen that allows heat to escape, air to enter, and prevents humans and animals from being burned by the hot inner body 125. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of openings 240 of the screen 230 or the plurality of openings of the radiant opening 105 may have any shape, design, or pattern desired for a particular application. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of openings of the radiant opening 105 may have a circular, square, triangular, star, heart, cloud, leaf, claw, or any other shape desired.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, one or more structural ribs (not shown) extend vertically between and connect the top portion 110 of the outer body 130 and the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130 to provide structural rigidity to the outer body 130. In such embodiments, the one or more vertically extending structural ribs block or intersect the radiation opening 105 around the circumference of the outer body 130.

[0038] Continue to refer to Figures 3 to 5 The axial height of the air gap 195 and the axial height of the radiation opening 105 of the top portion 110 of the fire bowl 100 are optimized to ensure that the secondary combustion air 220 reaches a desired temperature range before it leaves the air gap 195 and enters the combustion chamber 140 through the internal ventilation holes 160, and to ensure that a desired amount of radiation energy from the internal body 125 leaves through the radiation opening 105.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the axial height of the radiant opening 105 may be 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, or 55% to 60% of the axial height of the outer body 130 of the fire bowl 100 .

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the axial height of the air gap 195 above the radiation opening 105 can be 25% to 30%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, or 45% to 50% of the axial height of the outer body 130 of the fire bowl.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the axial height of the air gap 195 above the radiation opening 105 can be 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 95%, 95% to 100%, 100% to 105%, 105% to 110%, 110% to 115%, 115% to 120%, or 120% to 125% of the axial height of the radiation opening 105 or the axial height of the portion of the inner body 125 exposed by the radiation opening 105.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the axial height of the air gap 195 of the top portion 110 may be directly related to the radial width of the air gap 195. If the radial width of the air gap 195 is greater, a greater amount of the secondary combustion air 220 will flow upward through the air gap 195 at a greater radial distance away from the hot inner body 125. In such embodiments, the axial height of the air gap 195 of the top portion 110 will need to be greater to ensure that the secondary combustion air 220 reaches the desired temperature before entering the combustion chamber 140. In the alternative, if the radial width of the air gap 195 is smaller, the axial height of the top portion 110 and the axial height of the air gap 195 do not need to be as large in order for the secondary combustion air 220 to reach the desired temperature range. In one or more embodiments, the radial width of the air gap 195 can be 15% to 20%, 20% to 25%, 25% to 30%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45% or 45% to 50% of the axial height of the air gap 195 at the top portion 110 of the outer body 130 above the radiation opening 105.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the radiation opening 105 has a bottom end 245 (or "bottom edge") and a top end 250 (or "top edge"), which also define corresponding ends or edges of the middle portion 120. In one or more embodiments, the bottom end 245 of the radiation opening 105 is the top end of the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130, and the top end 250 of the radiation opening 105 is the bottom end of the top portion 110 of the outer body 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel grid 145 is positioned at an axial height or axial elevation that is axially between the bottom end 245 and the top end 250 of the radiation opening. In one or more embodiments, the bottom end 245 of the radiation opening 105 can be axially located above the fuel grid 145 so that the entire radiation opening 105 is axially located above the fuel grid 145. In one or more embodiments, the bottom end 245 of the radiation opening 105 can be axially aligned with the fuel grid 145. In one or more embodiments, the bottom end 245 of the radiation opening 105 can be axially aligned with the upper lip of the ash pan 150. In one or more embodiments, the bottom end 245 of the radiation opening can be axially aligned with or positioned axially below the air gap 200 at the bottom of the support tray 175 to further facilitate the flow of the primary combustion air 215 to the air gap 200.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the fire bowl 100 can have a heat guiding feature, such as a rotatable door, sleeve, hinged panel, or some other feature, that extends circumferentially around the outer body 130 and covers at least a portion of the radiant opening 105. The heat guiding feature can have an axial height equal to the axial height of the radiant opening 105. The heat guiding feature can be rotatably received in a groove that is located near the top edge of the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130. The heat guiding feature can be rotated around the circumference of the fire bowl 100 within the groove to selectively expose a portion of the inner wall to allow radiant heat to flow out of the radiant opening. In one or more embodiments, the heat guiding feature can have one or more openings through which radiant energy from the exposed portion of the inner body 125 can be emitted. By rotating the heat guiding feature around the circumference of the fire bowl 100, the one or more openings of the heat guiding feature can be positioned around the fire bowl 100 relative to the radiant opening 105 so as to emit heat in a direction desired by the user.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the heat directing feature may include one or more panels that are slidably received between the outer body 130 and the inner body 125. The one or more panels may slide up or down within the space between the outer body 130 and the inner body 125 to cover or uncover desired portions of the radiation opening 105 and desired portions of the inner body 125 to direct heat in a direction desired by the user.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the radiant opening 105 may extend only partially around the circumference of the fire bowl 100 so that more radiant heat can be emitted in a desired direction while less radiant heat can be emitted in a less desired direction. In such an embodiment, the radiant opening 105 may extend around the circumference of the fire bowl 100 within a range of about 30 degrees to about 330 degrees. In one or more embodiments, the radiant opening 105 may extend partially around the fire bowl 100 within a similar range even when the fire bowl is oval, rectangular (including square), or has three sides or more than four sides. In some embodiments, the radiant opening 105 is arranged to radiate heat on only one side of the fire bowl 100. This may be adjustable by physically positioning the fire bowl in a desired orientation or by using heat directing features such as those described above.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the inner surface 252 of the outer body 130 may include a mirror finish. The mirror finish promotes reflecting infrared radiation from the inner body 125 that is not emitted through the radiation opening 105 back to the inner body 125, which increases the energy of the inner body 125 and increases the temperature of the inner body 125, or the mirror finish at least helps maintain the energy and temperature levels and promotes a more uniform heat distribution across the inner body 125. In doing so, the mirror finish promotes increasing the heat emitted from the inner body 125 through the radiation opening 105 because the inner body 125 is able to maintain higher energy and temperature levels. In one or more embodiments, the inner surface 252 of the outer body 130 may include other types of reflective finishes or high emissivity coatings known in the art.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the portion of the inner body 125 exposed by the radiant opening 105 includes a high emissivity coating, the portion of the inner body 125 exposed by the radiant opening 105 being the portion of the inner body 125 adjacent to the radiant opening 105, and in one or more embodiments being the middle portion 120 of the inner body 125. The high emissivity coating on the outer surface 208 of the inner body 125 facilitates increasing the radiant energy emitted laterally outward from the inner body 125 through the radiant opening 105 away from the fire bowl 100. Many high emissivity coatings are known in the art and are commercially available. In some embodiments, a matte ceramic coating may also be used on the outer surface 208 of the inner body 125 to facilitate emission of radiant energy.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the portion of the inner body 125 adjacent to the radiant opening 105 includes surface waviness or undulations that increase the surface area of ​​the portion of the inner body 125 adjacent to the radiant opening 105. In other embodiments, the entire inner body 125 may include surface waviness or undulations. Surface area has a direct impact on the radiant energy that can be emitted from a material. Therefore, increasing the surface area of ​​the outer surface 208 of the inner body 125, and particularly increasing the surface area of ​​the portion of the inner body 125 adjacent to the radiant opening 105, increases the radiant energy that can be emitted laterally outward from the inner body 125 through the radiant opening 105 away from the fire bowl 100.

[0050] Reference Figure 6 , and continue to refer to Figures 1 to 5, shows a side view showing radiant energy emitted vertically from the top of the combustion chamber 140 and laterally from the inner body 125 through the radiant opening 105 of the fire bowl 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A person 255 is shown sitting next to the fire bowl 100. Radiant energy 260 is shown as being emitted vertically from the top of the fire bowl 100. Typical fire bowls of the prior art only emit radiant energy in the vertical direction. However, as Figure 6 As shown, radiant energy 260 emitted vertically from the top of fire bowl 100 does not reach person 255 sitting next to fire bowl 100, and more specifically does not reach the lower extremities of person 255. Thus, the advantages of the radiant opening become apparent. Figure 6 As further shown, radiant energy 260 emitted from inner body 125 through screen 230 and radiant openings 105 is emitted laterally and directly to the legs and feet of person 255 , thereby providing warmth to the legs and feet of person 255 .

[0051] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the fire bowl 100 having the radiant opening 105 is capable of warming a surface, such as a person 255, at a height of 0 to 30 inches from the surface on which the fire bowl 100 is located and at a radial distance of 0 to 36 inches from the radiant opening 105 of the fire bowl 100. In one or more embodiments, the fire bowl 100 can be smaller or larger, and the radiant opening 105 can also have a different size or design, all of which factors affect the height and distance at which the radiant energy from the fire bowl 100 is felt by the user.

[0052] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , shows another embodiment of a fire bowl 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the fire bowl 100 includes a plurality of external ventilation holes 265 (or "entry holes"). The external ventilation holes 265 extend radially through the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130. The external ventilation holes 265 are positioned below the radiation opening 105 or at a lower height than the radiation opening 105, and specifically are positioned below the bottom end 245 of the radiation opening 105. The external ventilation holes 265 are provided to allow ambient air 210 to additionally enter the bottom portion 115 of the fire bowl 100 as primary combustion air 215. In one or more embodiments, the external ventilation holes 265 can provide additional primary combustion air 215 to the combustion chamber 140 through the ventilation holes 225 in the fuel grid 145, which ensures efficient combustion of the fuel 205 in the combustion chamber 140. Although in Figure 7 and Figure 8 Multiple external vents are shown, but in other embodiments there may be only one vent 265.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, ambient air 210 entering the fire bowl 100 via the exterior vents 265 supplements the flow of primary combustion air 215 flowing from ambient air 210 entering the fire bowl 100 via the radiant openings 105 .

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the outer body 130 and the inner body 125 are connected at the bottom end 245 of the radiant opening 105 around the entire circumference of the fire bowl 100, such that the radiant opening 105 and the plurality of external vents 265 are isolated from each other and not in fluid communication. In such embodiments, all ambient air 210 that enters the fire bowl 100 via the radiant opening 105 rises upward as secondary combustion air 220 and enters the combustion chamber 140 via the plurality of internal vents 160 in the top portion 110 of the inner body 125. Furthermore, in such embodiments where the radiant opening 105 and the plurality of external vents 265 are isolated from each other, all ambient air 210 that enters the fire bowl 100 via the plurality of external vents 265 flows through the air gap 200 of the support tray 175 as primary combustion air 220 and enters the combustion chamber 140 via the vents 225 in the fuel grid 145.

[0055] A plurality of external vents 265 may be evenly distributed around at least a portion of the circumference of the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of external vents 265 may be evenly distributed around the entire circumference of the bottom portion 115 of the outer body 130. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of external vents 265 are axially aligned with the air gap 200 of the support tray 175. In one or more embodiments, the external vents 265 are at least partially or entirely located below the air gap 200. In one or more embodiments, the external vents 265 are at least partially or entirely located above the air gap 200. The design, shape, number and size of the plurality of external vents 265 may be changed according to the requirements or preferences of the application. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of external vents 265 may have a circular, square, triangular, star-shaped, heart-shaped, cloud-shaped, leaf-shaped, claw-shaped shape or any other desired shape. In one or more embodiments, the size of the plurality of external vents 265 may be greater than, less than or equal to the size of the plurality of internal vents 160.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, it is contemplated that the fire bowl 100 may not include secondary combustion. In such embodiments, the inner body 125 would not include the inner vents 160 and would not communicate the secondary combustion air 220 to the combustion chamber 140 at the top portion 110 of the fire bowl 100. The fire bowl 100 would retain the outer body 130, the inner body 125, and the radiant openings 105, but all ambient air 210 that enters the fire bowl 100 through the radiant openings 105 would flow to the bottom portion 115 of the fire bowl 100 and enter the combustion chamber 140 via the vents 225 in the fuel grid 145. The radiant openings 105 would still allow radiant heat emitted from the exposed inner body 123 to exit the fire bowl 100 via the radiant openings 105 and provide heat to users and objects surrounding the fire bowl 100.

[0057] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to various aspects, including a fire bowl comprising: an inner wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; a combustion chamber defined by the inner surface of the inner wall and a fuel grid; an outer wall surrounding the inner wall and spaced apart from the inner wall; and a radiant opening extending through the outer wall and exposing a portion of the outer surface of the inner wall near the opening to provide radiant heat to an area outside the fire bowl that is laterally adjacent to the outer wall.

[0058] In some aspects, the fire bowl includes a screen positioned within the opening in the outer wall, the screen having a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of openings of the frame being smaller in size than the opening in the outer wall.

[0059] In some aspects, the portion of the outer surface of the inner wall proximate the opening in the outer wall includes a high emissivity coating adapted to facilitate emission of radiant energy from the inner wall.

[0060] In some aspects, at least the exposed portion of the outer surface of the inner wall includes surface undulations that increase the surface area of ​​the exposed portion of the outer surface of the inner wall.

[0061] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a fire bowl, comprising: an outer wall; an inner wall, the inner wall being surrounded by the outer wall and spaced apart from the outer wall to form an air passage therebetween, the inner wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the inner wall forming a portion of a combustion chamber suitable for receiving combustible fuel; a fuel grille, the fuel grille forming a portion of the combustion chamber and defining an air chamber; a support tray, the support tray being disposed below the fuel grille; and a radiant opening, the radiant opening extending through a middle portion of the outer wall and exposing a portion of the outer surface of the inner wall near the opening, the opening defining axially opposite first and second ends and extending through at least a portion of the periphery of the outer wall around the middle portion of the outer wall, the first end of the opening being axially spaced apart from both the support tray and the fuel grille, the opening being fluidly connected to the air passage and the air chamber.

[0062] In some aspects, the opening is completely axially spaced apart from the support tray and the fuel grid.

[0063] In some aspects, the fuel grid is positioned axially between the first end and the second end of the opening.

[0064] The present disclosure may include aspects such as a fire bowl comprising: an inner wall having an inner surface defining at least a portion of a combustion chamber; an outer wall extending circumferentially around the inner wall and radially spaced from the inner wall to form an air passage therebetween; a radiant opening in fluid communication with the air passage, the opening extending radially through a middle portion of the outer wall and through at least a portion of the circumference of the outer wall, the opening defining axially opposed first and second ends, the first and second ends being spaced apart by an axial height that is greater than an axial height of a portion of the air passage above the opening, and the opening exposing an outer surface of the inner wall a portion of the outer surface of the inner wall near the opening of the outer wall, the portion of the outer surface of the inner wall near the opening of the outer wall having a high emissivity coating, the high emissivity coating being suitable for promoting the emission of radiant energy from the inner wall; a screen positioned within the opening and connected to the outer wall of the fire bowl at the first end and the second end of the opening, the screen having a plurality of second openings; and a fuel grid defining a bottom of the combustion chamber and being axially positioned at a height between the first end and the second end of the opening in the outer wall, the fuel grid defining an air chamber axially below the fuel grid, the air chamber being fluidically connected to the opening in the outer wall.

[0065] In some aspects, the outer surface of the inner wall at least proximate the opening of the outer wall includes surface undulations that increase the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the inner wall proximate the opening to facilitate emission of radiant energy.

[0066] The present disclosure may include aspects such as a fire bowl comprising: an inner body having an inner surface defining at least a portion of a combustion chamber, the inner wall having a plurality of internal ventilation holes; a first outer wall portion, the first outer wall portion extending around the inner wall and radially spaced from the inner wall to form an air passage therebetween, the first air passage being arranged to draw ambient air through a first air inlet during use; a fuel grille, the fuel grille cooperating with the inner body to define the combustion chamber, the fuel grille having a plurality of ventilation holes formed therein; a second outer wall portion, the second outer wall portion being disposed at a lower height than the first air inlet and having a plurality of external ventilation holes, the external ventilation holes being fluidly connected to the plurality of ventilation holes in the fuel grille via a second air passage, the second air passage being arranged to draw ambient air through a second air inlet at a different height than the first air inlet during use.

[0067] In some aspects, the first air inlet includes a radiant opening having first and second ends spaced apart and exposing a portion of the outer surface of the inner body, the opening being sized to emit radiant heat from the inner body of the fire bowl during use.

[0068] In some aspects, the portion of the outer surface of the inner wall includes a high emissivity coating adapted to facilitate emission of radiant energy from the inner wall.

[0069] In some aspects, the first air passage and the second air passage are isolated from each other.

[0070] The present disclosure may include aspects such as a fire bowl comprising: an inner body having an inner surface defining at least a portion of a combustion chamber; a first outer wall portion, the first outer wall portion extending around the inner wall and radially spaced from the inner wall to form a first air passage therebetween; an internal ventilation opening, the internal ventilation opening entering the combustion chamber from the first air passage; a first air inlet, the first air inlet being configured to draw ambient air into the first air passage during use; a fuel grid, the fuel grid cooperating with the inner body to define the combustion chamber, the fuel grid having at least one ventilation hole; a second outer wall portion, the second outer wall portion being disposed at a lower height than the first air inlet; a second air inlet, the second air inlet being fluidly connected to the at least one ventilation hole in the fuel grid via a second air passage, the second air inlet being configured to draw ambient air into the second air passage at a different height than the first air inlet.

[0071] In some aspects, the first air inlet includes an opening having first and second spaced apart ends and exposing a portion of an exterior surface of the inner body, the opening being sized to emit radiant heat from the fire bowl during use.

[0072] In some aspects, the second air inlet includes a plurality of openings formed in an outer surface of the second outer wall portion.

[0073] The examples and embodiments described herein can have a variety of changes. For example, the fire bowl or its parts can be made of heavier gauge materials to support greater weight, or made of lighter gauge materials to become lighter and more portable. The radiation openings can have different sizes, designs and circumferential orientations. The air gap can be larger or smaller than the air gap shown in this article to optimize the air flow through the fire bowl, thereby minimizing the weight or volume of the fire bowl, or for other reasons. The relative lengths, widths and radii of different parts can be different from those presented herein. The fire bowl or its parts can be made by different processes, including casting, forging, sintering, milling or 3D printing. They can be made of different metals or non-metallic materials such as ceramics. The fire bowl rim can be non-circular, including possible shapes such as elliptical, rectangular, triangular and diamond. The technology described herein can be used to burn out firewood, wood chips or wood particles, waste wood, paper, cardboard, coal and other combustible materials. For example, it can be used for lamps, stoves, fire bowls, fireplaces, furnaces, forges and boilers and other combustion heaters. In some embodiments, a fire bowl or components thereof may include several pieces that collectively form a structure as described herein.

[0074] The logical operations constituting the embodiments of the technology described herein are variously related to operations, steps, objects, elements, components or modules. In addition, it should be understood that these can occur or be executed in any order, unless otherwise explicitly required or unless a specific order is inherently required by the claim language.

[0075] All directional references, such as upper, lower, inside, outside, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, proximal and distal, are used for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the claimed subject matter and are not intended to be limiting, especially as to the location, orientation or use of a fuel grid, ash tray or fire bowl. Connection references, such as, attachment, coupling, connection and linking are to be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements, unless otherwise specified. Thus, connection references do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and have a fixed relationship to each other. The term "or" should be interpreted to mean "and / or", rather than "exclusive or". Unless otherwise specified in the claims, the values ​​stated should be interpreted as illustrative only and should not be considered limiting.

[0076] The foregoing specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of example embodiments of the radiant openings, fuel grids, ash trays, and fire bowls as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been described above with a certain degree of specificity or with reference to one or more separate embodiments, many changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. Other embodiments are still contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be construed as illustrative of particular embodiments only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the subject matter as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fire basin, comprising: Inner wall; a fuel grid positioned within the inner wall; a combustion chamber defined by the inner wall and the fuel grid; an outer wall surrounding the inner wall and spaced apart from the inner wall; and A radiant opening extends through the outer wall and exposes a portion of the inner wall adjacent the radiant opening, such that the radiant opening promotes lateral distribution of radiant heat from the portion of the inner wall exposed by the radiant opening through the radiant opening to an area outside the fire bowl.

2. The fire bowl according to claim 1, further comprising: A screen is positioned within the radiation opening and attached to the outer wall, the screen having a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of openings having a size smaller than a size of the radiation opening.

3. The fire bowl according to claim 1, wherein: The outer surface of the portion of the inner wall exposed by the radiant opening includes a high emissivity coating capable of promoting emission of the radiant heat from the inner wall to an area outside of the fire bowl.

4. The fire bowl according to claim 1, wherein: The portion of the inner wall exposed by the radiation opening includes a surface undulation that increases a surface area of ​​the portion of the inner wall exposed by the radiation opening.

5. The fire bowl according to claim 1, wherein: The fuel grid is positioned axially between axially opposite ends of the radiation openings.

6. The fire bowl according to claim 1, wherein: The fuel grid is positioned axially below the radiation opening.

7. The fire bowl according to claim 1, in, The inner wall and the outer wall are cylindrical, and the inner wall and the outer wall are coaxially aligned such that the inner wall and the outer wall extend parallel to each other; wherein the fire bowl further comprises an air passageway defined between the inner wall and the outer wall above the radiation opening; and Wherein, the fire bowl further includes an air chamber defined by the outer wall and the fuel grid, the air chamber being at least partially positioned below the radiation opening.

8. The fire bowl according to claim 7, in, An axial height of the air passage is less than or equal to an axial height of the radiation opening.

9. The fire bowl according to claim 7, in, The fire bowl further includes a plurality of access holes extending through the outer wall and positioned below the radiation opening and the fuel grid; wherein the plurality of inlet holes are evenly distributed around the outer wall along a circumference; and Wherein, the plurality of inlet holes are in fluid communication with the air chamber.

10. A fire basin, comprising: an inner wall having an inner surface defining a portion of the combustion chamber; an outer wall extending circumferentially around the inner wall and radially spaced from the inner wall such that an air passage is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall; a radiation opening in fluid communication with the air passage, the radiation opening extending radially through a middle portion of the outer wall and extending around a portion of a circumference of the outer wall, the radiation opening being defined by axially opposed first and second edges of the outer wall and exposing a portion of an outer surface of the inner wall proximate the radiation outlet, the portion of the outer surface of the inner wall proximate the radiation opening having a high emissivity coating, the high emissivity coating being capable of promoting emission of radiant energy from the inner wall; and A fuel grid is removably positioned within the inner wall and defines a bottom surface of the combustion chamber, the fuel grid being axially positioned between the first and second edges of the outer wall and further defining an air chamber axially below the fuel grid.

11. The fire bowl of claim 10, further comprising: A support tray is positioned within the inner wall, below the fuel grid and below the radiation opening.

12. The fire bowl of claim 10, further comprising: A screen is positioned within the radiation opening and attached to the first and second edges of the outer wall, the screen including a plurality of openings through which radiation emitted from the inner wall is permitted to pass.

13. The fire bowl according to claim 10, in, The air passage has an axial height above the radiation opening; wherein the axially opposite first and second edges of the outer wall define the axial height of the radiation opening; and Wherein, the axial height of the radiation opening is greater than or equal to the axial height of the air passage.

14. The fire pit of claim 10, wherein: The air chamber is in fluid communication with the radiation opening.

15. The fire pit of claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of access holes extending through the outer wall below the radiation opening; wherein the plurality of inlet holes are evenly distributed around the outer wall along a circumference; and Wherein, the plurality of inlet holes are in fluid communication with the air chamber.

16. The fire pit of claim 15, wherein: The plurality of inlet holes and the air chamber are isolated from the air passage and the radiation opening.

17. The fire pit of claim 10, wherein: The portion of the outer surface of the inner wall near the radiation opening includes a surface undulation that increases a surface area of ​​the portion of the outer surface of the inner wall near the radiation opening.

18. A fire bowl, comprising: an inner wall having an inner surface defining a combustion chamber, the inner wall having a plurality of internal ventilation holes; a first outer wall portion extending around the inner wall and radially spaced from the inner wall to form a first air passage therebetween, the first air passage being capable of drawing a first flow of ambient air through the air inlet; a fuel grid cooperating with the inner wall to further define the combustion chamber, the fuel grid having a plurality of ventilation holes formed therein; and a second outer wall portion axially spaced from the first outer wall portion by the air inlet and having a plurality of external vents in fluid communication with the plurality of vents in the fuel grid via a second air passageway capable of drawing a second flow of ambient air through the plurality of external vents.

19. The fire pit of claim 18, wherein: The air inlet includes a radiant opening having first and second spaced apart ends and exposing a portion of an exterior surface of the inner wall, the radiant opening being sized to emit radiant heat from the inner wall of the fire bowl.

20. The fire bowl of claim 19, wherein: The portion of the outer surface of the inner wall exposed by the radiant opening includes a high emissivity coating capable of promoting emission of radiant heat from the inner wall.

21. The fire pit of claim 18, wherein: The first air passage and the second air passage are isolated from each other.

22. The fire pit of claim 18, wherein: The fuel grid is positioned axially between the first outer wall portion and the second outer wall portion.

23. A fire basin, comprising: an inner wall having an inner surface defining a combustion chamber; a first outer wall portion extending around the inner wall and radially spaced from the inner wall to form a first air passage therebetween, an internal vent opening extending through the inner wall and fluidly connecting the first air passageway and the combustion chamber; a first air inlet configured to draw a first flow of ambient air into the first air passage; a fuel grid cooperating with the inner wall to further define the combustion chamber, the fuel grid having at least one ventilation hole, a second outer wall portion, the second outer wall portion being axially spaced from the first outer wall portion by the first air inlet; A second air intake is in fluid communication with the at least one vent in the fuel grid via a second air passageway, the second air intake being configured to draw a second flow of ambient air into the second air passageway at a different height than the first air intake.

24. The fire bowl of claim 23, wherein: The first air inlet includes an opening having first and second spaced apart ends and exposing a portion of an exterior surface of the inner wall, the opening being sized to emit radiant heat from the fire bowl.

25. The fire pit of claim 24, wherein: The second air inlet includes a plurality of openings formed in the second outer wall portion.

26. The fire pit of claim 24, wherein: The opening of the first air inlet has an area in a range of about 4 square inches to 2500 square inches.

27. The fire pit of claim 23, wherein: An axial height of the first air inlet is greater than an axial height of the first air passage.

28. The fire pit of claim 23, wherein: The fuel grid is positioned axially between the first outer wall portion and the second outer wall portion.

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