Fuel container for a tabletop fire pit

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel container for a tabletop fire pit, the fuel container comprising a sponge (15) at the upper end, wherein the fuel container (7) is designed such that liquid fuel in the fuel container (7) is transported into the sponge (15). By means of a fuel container of this type, the flame of a tabletop fire pit can burn particularly evenly at the desired height. The invention also relates to a tabletop fire pit.

Description

[0001] Fuel container for a table fire

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a fuel container for a table fire. The invention also relates to a table fire with the fuel container.

[0004] A fuel container, in the sense of the present invention, refers to a container for the safe storage and safe removal of fuel, in particular during the combustion process. A fuel container can be designed in particular as a canister, cartridge, bottle, or cylinder made of materials such as glass, ceramic, sheet metal, other metals, or suitable plastics. The fuel container can be designed as a predominantly closed container without the possibility of refilling. The fuel container can be at least partially open at its top. The fuel container can include a resealable refill opening. The fuel container is preferably made of stainless metal. The fuel container is then reliably fireproof and can be manufactured in a technically simple manner.

[0005] A fuel is a chemical substance whose stored energy is released through combustion. Examples of fuels include (bio)ethanol, alcohol, gasoline, oil, and wax. At room temperature, a fuel can be in liquid, solid, gel, or paste form.

[0006] In a table fire, usually with a glass cylinder as an outer shell, the flame can be set in motion by swirling air, creating a particularly visually appealing "tornado-like" appearance for the viewer. When using bioethanol and similar fuels, fire columns are also suitable for indoor use and serve primarily as decoration, but also for the relaxation of the occupants, as is often attributed to open fireplaces (or simulated fireplaces on monitors). Table fires are also used outdoors, for example on patios, where they can also serve as a source of light and heat on colder evenings.

[0007] From the publication WO 2020 / 069770 A1, a table fire is known which comprises a fuel container for bioethanol and similar fuels. The fuel container is open at the top. The fuel contained in the fuel container can burn, producing a large, tall, spiral-shaped flame. This is visually attractive and ensures particularly clean combustion. During operation of the table fire known from the publication WO 2020 / 069770 A1, the height and visibility of the produced flame changes. Immediately after lighting, the flame is usually very small and barely visible. Only after a certain time, often only after 1 to 2 minutes, does the flame reach the desired height and visibility. If the fuel in the fuel container is largely used up, this also results in a lower flame height.

[0008] If a gel is used as fuel, residues can remain in the fuel tank, which is a disadvantage. Liquid fuels such as liquid bioethanol can easily leak from a fuel tank with an open top. This can also result in excessive soot buildup.

[0009] Against this background, the object of the invention is to ensure a more suitable burning process for table fires.

[0010] This task is achieved by a fuel container which can have a sponge at its upper end. The fuel container is designed so that liquid fuel contained in the fuel container is transported into the sponge. The fuel container is designed so that the fuel contained in the sponge can be ignited to create a flame. The sponge can therefore act as a combustion zone. This means that a uniformly high flame can be created, largely independent of the fuel level in the fuel container. The sponge allows liquid fuel such as bioethanol to be used without any problems, as the sponge prevents fuel from spilling over. Although liquid can pass through a sponge, the sponge can nevertheless prevent spillage. The sponge can be used to regulate the amount of fuel, thus preventing excessive soot formation.A fuel container with a sponge can be manufactured with particularly high levels of reproducibility without great technical effort.

[0011] The fuel container is liquid-tight. This means that liquid fuel can be stored permanently in the fuel container. The fuel container comprises a base and a surrounding side wall. The base and / or the surrounding side wall can be made of metal. For safety reasons, the base and side wall generally do not have a closable opening. The base and side wall are connected to each other in a liquid-tight manner, thus forming the liquid-tight container.

[0012] A sponge is a porous structure capable of absorbing and retaining liquid. When placed on a surface, it generally retains its shape, at least to a large extent. A sponge is therefore unlikely to deform due to its own weight. In principle, the sponge can be elastically deformed under pressure.

[0013] The sponge can be made from a poorly flammable material such as cotton. However, the sponge is preferably made from a non-flammable material to ensure a particularly reliable, consistently uniform appearance over time. The sponge can be made from aramid, glass, for example from glass fibers, or metal fibers. The sponge can be flexible, i.e. deformed, preferably elastically deformed. The height of the sponge can be smaller than its depth and width or diameter. If the sponge is made from fibers, the fibers can extend in all directions. For example, there may be fibers that run essentially horizontally, and / or fibers that run essentially vertically, and / or fibers that run essentially diagonally to this. Fibers in a sponge can therefore run in different directions.The sponge can be like cotton wool. However, it can also be the case that the fibers run at least essentially in one direction, for example, at least predominantly horizontally.

[0014] One or more wicks may be adjacent to the underside of the sponge. The one or more wicks are arranged so that they can transport liquid fuel from the fuel container into the sponge. The one or more wicks may be attached to the top of the fuel container and extend into the fuel container. The one or more wicks may be attached to a cover that at least partially covers the top of the fuel container. The one or more wicks may be attached below the sponge.

[0015] The one or more wicks can extend toward the bottom of the fuel container. The wicks can extend to the bottom of the fuel container, or at least almost to the bottom, to allow fuel to be transported from the bottom toward the sponge.

[0016] The one or more wicks can be made of the same material as the sponge. The one or more wicks can be made of a different material than the sponge. Since the wick is separated from the flame by the sponge, the wick material can be made of a poorly combustible material without having to accept any disadvantages. A wick is an object that is suitable for supplying liquid fuel to the combustion zone against gravity with the help of capillary force. A wick is basically elongated. The length of a wick is therefore generally greater than its diameter or its width and depth. In particular, a wick can be wholly or partially spun, braided, or woven. Fibers of a wick can run along the length of the wick, i.e. not perpendicular to the length of the wick.Fibers of a wick may be woven and / or partially glued to hold internal fibers.

[0017] A wick is generally not suitable for resting on its end. It would then usually fall over or even collapse, similar to the case with a piece of string.

[0018] A wick can be made of plant, animal, chemical, or other fibers. For example, a wick can be made of hemp, coconut, sisal, cotton, glass, metal, and / or aramid.

[0019] In general, the wick is better at transporting liquid upwards than the sponge. This is primarily because the wick's fibers run from bottom to top when installed.

[0020] The diameter, or width, and depth of a wick are smaller than the diameter, or width, and depth, of the sponge. Therefore, a plurality of wicks can border the underside of the sponge. For example, theoretically, at least five, or at least ten, or at least 15 wicks can border the underside of the sponge. In practice, at least two or three wicks and / or no more than six wicks border the underside of the sponge to supply the sponge with an appropriate amount of fuel.

[0021] The wicks are preferably equally spaced to ensure the sponge is supplied with fuel as evenly as possible. Multiple wicks are particularly useful if the fuel container is relatively tall, for example, at least 70 mm high. For a fuel container with a short height, one or two wicks may suffice.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the fibers of the wick are made of fire-resistant, i.e., non-combustible materials. Fire-resistant materials are materials that withstand the flames of a table fire, in particular, they neither burn nor melt, such as glass, minerals, metal, or aramid. Materials with an operating temperature above 300°C or above 400°C are considered fire-resistant materials.

[0023] Multiple wicks are preferable to ensure sufficient fuel can be transported to the sponge, regardless of fuel level. Therefore, at least two or four wicks are preferable. The more wicks there are, the deeper the fuel container can be without adversely affecting the flame pattern.

[0024] The upper end of a wick can extend into the sponge, thereby locally pressing the sponge, thus locally deforming it. This creates a particularly close connection between the sponge and the wick. The supply of fuel into the sponge is thus ensured particularly reliably. One or more wicks can protrude upward relative to the adjacent area of ​​the cover. This can help ensure that the protruding ends are pressed into the sponge when installed.

[0025] The upper end of a wick may be firmly attached to the sponge so that the wick can transport fuel into the sponge.

[0026] A weight can be attached to the lower end of a wick to ensure that the wick reaches as far as possible toward the bottom of the fuel container. The weight can be made of metal or ceramic. The weight can be a sleeve surrounding the wick. The sleeve can be firmly attached to the wick, for example, by a press fit. A sleeve can also improve the wick's stability. A ribbon or wire ring wrapped around a section of the wick can also be sufficient to improve stability.

[0027] The top of the fuel tank can be largely closed by a cover. The cover can be made of metal. The cover can be connected to the side wall of the fuel tank in a fluid-tight manner. The cover can be integrally bonded to the side wall. The cover can be glued, soldered, or welded to the side wall.

[0028] The cover can include a tub-shaped holder for the sponge. The sponge can be inserted into the holder and held in place. The shape and dimensions of the holder can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the sponge. The sponge then borders the side wall of the tub-shaped holder. By providing a tub-shaped holder for the sponge, particularly precise and reproducible manufacturing can be achieved.

[0029] The length and width of the trough-shaped holder and the length and width of the sponge can be essentially the same. The height of the sponge can be smaller than the height of the trough-shaped holder to ensure that the sponge and the fuel it contains can be held particularly reliably within the trough-shaped holder. This can also facilitate refilling the fuel container with liquid fuel.

[0030] The tub-shaped holder and / or the sponge can be circular when viewed from above. The inner diameter of the tub-shaped holder and the outer diameter of the sponge can be essentially the same. This specification refers to the dry state of the sponge. If the sponge absorbs liquid, this can lead to an increase in volume. The sponge can then compensate for tolerances and conform to the shape of the tub-shaped holder. The sponge can therefore be designed such that its volume depends on whether the sponge is dry or has absorbed liquid.

[0031] The cover can be stepped from the outside to the inside to create a trough-shaped receptacle. For safety reasons, the combustion zone then advantageously does not extend across the entire top of the fuel container.

[0032] A flat, liquid-permeable component can be inserted above the sponge to hold the sponge within the tub-shaped receptacle. This liquid-permeable component can be a grid, a sieve such as a perforated sheet, a mesh, or a braid. The sponge can then be held within the tub-shaped receptacle by the grid, sieve, mesh, or braid.

[0033] The grid or sieve can be made of ceramic or metal, for example. The mesh or braid can be made of metal or fiberglass, for example.

[0034] The lattice is a geometric structure of intersecting lines or bars that can form a regular pattern of evenly arranged, usually square or rectangular cells.

[0035] A sieve is a flat, perforated component that can be used to separate solids from liquids or other solids. It may comprise a flat frame covered, for example, with a fine-mesh screen or a perforated sheet or mesh.

[0036] A perforated sheet is a metal sheet pierced with holes. The holes can be regularly spaced. The holes can be circular, square, rectangular, or other shapes, and can have different diameters or spacing. The holes can also be punched in various patterns and arrangements to create a variety of effects.

[0037] A knit fabric is made from interwoven threads, cords, ribbons or other flexible materials.

[0038] A mesh is a fabric or net made of interwoven threads, cords, ribbons, or other flexible materials. The mesh is created by interlacing horizontal and vertical threads, usually alternating over and under each other, to create a stable, flexible, and resilient material. The mesh can be made of metal or glass fibers.

[0039] The liquid-permeable component can be attached to the cover above the sponge to ensure the sponge is held in place particularly reliably. The liquid-permeable component can be connected to the cover by a material fit, a form fit, or a force fit. A snap-in connection, through which the liquid-permeable component is attached to the cover, is preferred. A snap-in connection is a positive connection between the liquid-permeable component and the cover, which is created by snapping or inserting. The connection can be released again, for example, by turning or pressing. However, for safety reasons, a snap-in connection is preferable, which can only be released by destruction or using tools.

[0040] The liquid-permeable component can comprise one or more elastically deformable tabs that can be part of the snap-in connection. The one or more tabs can be arranged along an edge of the liquid-permeable component. The one or more tabs can protrude obliquely outwards from the edge. The cover can comprise an opening with a diameter or dimensions that are slightly smaller than the diameter or dimensions of the edge of the liquid-permeable component. The liquid-permeable component can then be inserted into the opening by first bending the one or more tabs inwards and then snapping them into place behind the edge of the opening. The liquid-permeable component can then only be removed again by destruction or with the aid of the tool.

[0041] The liquid-permeable component can be inserted into the trough-shaped receptacle. The trough-shaped receptacle can include an opening with a rim behind which the one or more tabs can snap into place.

[0042] The trough-shaped receptacle can be made of exactly two parts to create an opening with the aforementioned edge with minimal technical effort. The two parts can be joined together by a material bond, for example, by soldering or welding. The two parts can be joined together by a screw or rivet connection.

[0043] The tub-shaped holder can also be manufactured from a single piece, i.e., in a single step. The tub-shaped holder can be manufactured from more than two parts.

[0044] The cover can have an opening for each wick through which the wick can pass. An opening can be located in the base of the trough-shaped holder. The diameter or cross-section of the opening can be adapted to the diameter or cross-section of the wick.

[0045] A wick can be provided with a holder on its top, which can be used to hold the wick to the cover. The holder can be a sleeve with an annular extension. The annular extension can rest on the top of the cover to hold the wick. The annular extension can, for example, rest on the bottom of the trough-shaped receptacle.

[0046] A weight can be attached to the lower end of a wick to ensure that the wick reaches as far as possible toward the bottom of the fuel container. The weight can be made of metal or ceramic. The weight can be a sleeve surrounding the wick. The sleeve can be firmly connected to the wick, for example, by a press fit or clamped.

[0047] Wick and sponge can be alternatively or additionally arranged in such a way that a wick is pushed towards the bottom by the sponge.

[0048] A sleeve can widen at one end to form a funnel, allowing a wick to be reliably and easily pushed into the sleeve and then pulled through to a suitable length. The inner diameter or cross-section of the sleeve can be slightly smaller than the outer diameter or cross-section of the wick to allow the sleeve to be clamped to the wick.

[0049] The trough-shaped receptacle comprises a base and a surrounding side wall. One or more refill openings for refilling the fuel container with liquid fuel can be provided in the base and / or in the side wall. The one or more refill openings can be elongated holes. The one or more refill openings can be circular. It is preferable that refill openings for refilling are provided in both the side wall and the base to ensure particularly safe refilling. The holes for refilling are not closed by wicks or other elements. The one or more refill openings are preferably covered by the sponge for safety reasons. The provision of a lid for closing a refill opening for safety reasons can then advantageously be dispensed with.

[0050] The distance between the sponge surface and a refill opening, where the liquid flows into the container, should be as short as possible to minimize flow resistance. For example, the distance can be less than 5 mm or less than 3 mm. The distance can be greater than 1 mm.

[0051] The fuel container can have supports on the outer edge for an outer shell. There are generally three supports, which can be equally spaced from one another. The outer shell can be placed on the supports and can then enclose a flame. The outer shell can be a cylinder, for example if the cross-section of the fuel container is circular. However, the cross-section of the outer shell can also be square, for example if the cross-section of the fuel container is square. The outer shell can be made of glass so that the flame is visible. The outer shell can also be made of a grid or perforated sheet so that the flame is at least partially visible. The outer shell can then be made of another non-combustible material such as metal or ceramic.This makes it possible to create a table fire with minimal technical effort—a small fire pit that can be placed on a table to create a cozy atmosphere or to warm a room. Such a table fire can be used both indoors and outdoors.

[0052] The fuel container can also be designed for a table fire, which can, for example, generate a swirling flame, as is known from the publication DE 20 2019 005 839 U1. The table fire is referred to as a fire column in this publication.

[0053] A swirl flame is a flame that is set into rotation by air and is therefore spiral-shaped. Such a table fire can include air guide elements that can be enclosed by an outer shell. The air guide elements can be arranged between an outer shell and a base. The air guide elements can be arranged in a helical shape so that air flowing in from below can be set into rotation, thus creating a swirl flame.

[0054] Outer shell refers to the outer covering of the table fire. This outer shell is open at the top and bottom, but forms a predominantly closed barrier against horizontal exchange with the air outside the shell, particularly across the entire area of ​​the flame. The outer shell may not have any openings across the area of ​​the flame through which air can flow. The outer shell then forms a completely closed barrier horizontally. In particular, the shell can be transparent or translucent, or comprise transparent or translucent sections. The outer shell is generally made from a single piece and is manufactured in a single step to keep the number of parts to a minimum.

[0055] The outer shell can be made of several parts. The outer shell can then be made of different materials. At the level of the flame, the outer shell can be made of glass, for example, so that the flame is visible. Below this, the outer shell can be made of metal, for example.

[0056] An outer shell can, for example, be designed as a round glass cylinder or a metal cylinder with glazed openings. Almost any other shape is possible, whether angular, bulbous, conical, concave, elongated, compressed, symmetrical, asymmetrical, or irregular. However, a circular diameter is preferable if a particularly uniform flame pattern is desired. The outer shell can be made of any non-combustible material or material combination, including transparent, ground, tinted, or colored glass, smoked glass, metal, or ceramic.

[0057] A base refers to a block located at the bottom of the table fire, which is usually used for setting up, holding the fuel container, and / or as a holder for the outer shell. In particular, the base can be designed as a stand or include a stand, a ground spike, or another fastening option. The base can be connected to a stand or a ground spike. The base can be made from a single piece and then manufactured in a single step to keep the number of parts to a minimum. However, the base can also be made from several parts that are joined together to form the base.

[0058] The base may be suitable for the complete or partial accommodation or for the direct or indirect connection of the fuel tank.

[0059] The majority of the outer shell can be positioned above the base. A lower end of the outer shell can partially or completely enclose the base at the sides.

[0060] An air guide element is a structural element for deflecting an air flow thermally generated by the flame, which causes the flame to rotate. This creates a swirling flame. The swirling flame resembles the shape of a spiral. In particular, an air guide element can be designed as a straight or curved, closed or semi-open duct. An air guide element can comprise a flat or curved surface. An air guide element can be made of sheet metal. The air guide element can interact with other elements of the table fire to direct air in such a way that a swirling flame can form. The additional element can be the outer shell and / or the base. In particular, an air guide element can be integrated into the base or the outer shell or attached to them. When erected, the air guide element preferably forms an acute angle with the horizontal. In other words, it is only slightly tilted relative to the horizontal.

[0061] The fuel container can have a maximum diameter of 400 mm, 300 mm, 200 mm, or 100 mm. The fuel container can have a minimum diameter of 30 mm, 40 mm, or 50 mm. This can apply accordingly to the width and depth if the fuel container is not circular when viewed from above. The fuel container can have a minimum height of 40 mm or 50 mm. The fuel container can have a maximum height of 200 mm or 100 mm.

[0062] The sponge can be a maximum of 50 mm or a maximum of 40 mm or a maximum of 30 mm or a maximum of 20 mm high. The sponge can be at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm high. The diameter or depth and width of the sponge can be at least 20 mm or at least 40 mm or at least 50 mm. The diameter or depth and width of the sponge can be no more than 150 mm or no more than 100 mm or no more than 70 mm. The one or more wicks can be at least 4 cm or at least 6 cm long. The one or more wicks can be a maximum of 20 cm or a maximum of 15 cm long. The diameter or depth and width of the one or more wicks can be at least 3 mm or 5 mm. The diameter or depth and width of the one or more wicks can be no more than 20 mm or no more than 15 mm or no more than 10 mm.

[0063] A table fire with a fuel container can be a maximum of 150 cm, a maximum of 100 cm, or a maximum of 80 cm high. A table fire with a fuel container can be a minimum of 20 cm, a minimum of 30 cm, or a minimum of 50 cm high.

[0064] An alcohol such as ethanol or bioethanol can be used as fuel.

[0065] For safety reasons, the flash point of the fuel is advantageously at least 50°C, at least 80°C, or at least 100°C. For practical reasons, the flash point of the fuel is advantageously not more than 150°C or not more than 120°C. Therefore, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, or a mixture of ethanol and propylene glycol and / or ethylene glycol, can be used as the fuel. The flash point is then approximately 105°C.

[0066] According to DIN V 14011, the flash point of a substance is the lowest temperature at which an ignitable vapor-air mixture can form above a substance.

[0067] A fuel container can comprise one or more annular discs which can, for example, be placed loosely on top of the fuel container. The one or more annular discs have an opening which, in the case of several annular discs, can be of different sizes. In particular, an annular disc can be placed above a flat, liquid-permeable component. There is then a distance between the annular disc and the flat, liquid-permeable component. This can ensure that the annular disc remains relatively cool and contributes little or nothing to the evaporation of the fuel. The height of a flame can be changed by placing an annular disc on top. If several annular discs are present, flames of different heights can be set.If a ring-shaped disc is positioned so that it remains relatively cool, the height of the flame can be permanently reduced. The burning time can be extended accordingly.

[0068] Each annular disc can include a protruding collar, which can be used, for example, to fix the disc's position. The collar can be located on the inside of the annular disc. If the annular disc has a downwardly protruding, inner collar when in place, the collar can further improve flame height limitation. The collar can then be arranged in such a way that it does not support fixation.

[0069] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0070] Figure 1 shows a table fire.

[0071] Figure 2 shows a section through a fuel tank.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a section through the fuel tank from Figure 2 in a view rotated by 90°.

[0073] Figure 4 shows a top view of the fuel tank from Figure 2.

[0074] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the individual parts of the fuel tank from Figure 2.

[0075] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the fuel tank from Figure 2.

[0076] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a fuel tank.

[0077] Figure 8 shows a table fire with the fuel container from Figure 7.

[0078] Figure 9 shows the table fire from Figure 8 in section.

[0079] Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of a fuel tank in section.

[0080] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of a table fire.

[0081] Figure 12 shows parts of another embodiment of a fuel tank.

[0082] Figure 13 shows another embodiment of a fuel tank with the parts from Figure 12.

[0083] Figure 14 shows another embodiment of a fuel tank in section.

[0084] Figure 15 shows the further embodiment of Figure 14 in a perspective view.

[0085] Figure 16 shows a table fire with the fuel container from Figures 14 and 15.

[0086] Figure 17 shows parts of a fuel container with a wick bundle.

[0087] Figure 18 shows a fuel container comprising the parts of Figure 17. Figure 19 shows a fuel container with wires.

[0088] Figure 20 shows an annular disc.

[0089] Figure 21 shows the annular disc from Figure 20 in a side view.

[0090] Figure 22 shows the annular disc in the applied state.

[0091] Figure 23 shows another embodiment of a fuel tank.

[0092] Figure 24 shows another embodiment of a fuel tank.

[0093] Figure 25 shows a section of the fuel tank of Figure 24.

[0094] Figure 1 shows a table fire 1, which can comprise an outer shell 2 and a base 3. The outer shell 2 and / or the base 3 can be made in one piece. The outer shell 2 and / or the base 3 can be made from two or more parts that were then joined together. The base 3 can be designed such that a fuel container can be inserted into the base 3. Alternatively, the base 3 can be the fuel container. Air guide elements 4 can be attached to the outside of the base 3. The air guide elements 4 can run helically around the outside of the base 3 in order to create a swirling flame. The air guide elements 4 can enclose an angle with the horizontal that is less than 60° or less than 45°. The air guide elements 4 can enclose an angle with the horizontal that is greater than 5° or greater than 10°. Exactly three or exactly four air guide elements 4 can be provided.The air guiding elements can be strip-shaped. The air guiding elements 4 can be manufactured by cutting to size, for example by cutting from sheet metal. The air guiding elements 4 can be attached to the outside of the base 3 and / or to the inside of the outer shell 2, for example by means of a material bond such as soldering, welding, or gluing. The air guiding elements 4 can be manufactured as a single piece with the base 3 and / or the outer shell 2. The base and air guiding elements can, for example, be a cast part. The outer shell 2 and the air guiding elements 4 can be manufactured in a single operation, for example from glass. The outer shell 2 can consist of two parts. A lower part of the outer shell 2 can be manufactured as a single piece with the air guiding elements 4. Below the air guiding elements 4, projections 5, for example in the form of pins 5, can be attached to the base 3, which can serve as a support for the outer shell.The outer shell 2 can therefore be placed or rest on the projections 5. The projections 5 ensure that air can flow into the outer shell 2 from below. The outer shell 2 can be detachably placed on the projections 5 or fastened to the projections 5. A three-point support is preferred for the outer shell 2. There are then exactly three projections 5 or exactly three supports. The projections 5 can be connected to the base 3 as one piece, i.e. manufactured in a single work step. The projections 5 can be manufactured separately from the base 3 and subsequently connected to the base 3. The projections 5 can be connected to the base 3, for example, by gluing, welding, soldering, riveting or screwing. The base 3 can be connected to a plate 6 on the underside, which serves as a stand.The base 3 and / or the plate 6 and / or the projections 5 can be made of metal and / or stone and / or plastic and / or ceramic and / or cement and / or concrete and / or glass, for example. The plate 6 can be screwed, glued, riveted, soldered, or welded to the base 3. The plate 6 can be integrally connected to the base 3, i.e., manufactured in one piece. If projections 5 are missing, the outer shell 2 can have holes or recesses on its underside through which air can flow into the outer shell 2. In particular, the holes or recesses are then arranged below the air guiding elements 4. The outer shell 2 can be detachably mounted on the substrate or on the plate 6. The outer shell 2 can be connected to the plate 6.

[0095] Figure 2 shows a fuel container 7 comprising a base 8 and a surrounding side wall 9. The base 8 forms the base of the fuel container 7. The base 8 and the surrounding side wall 9 form a liquid-tight container. The base 6 and / or the side wall 9 can be made of, for example, metal, glass, stone, cement, concrete, or plastic. The base 6 and / or the side wall 9 can be made from a single piece to avoid leakage problems. The base 6 and / or the side wall 9 can be made from several pieces that are subsequently joined together.

[0096] A sponge 15 may be provided at the upper end of the fuel container 7. One or more wicks 10 may be adjacent to the underside of the sponge 15. The one or more wicks 10 may extend toward the bottom of the fuel container 7, i.e., toward the base 8. The wicks 10 may touch the base 8 of the fuel container 7 in order to transport fuel from the bottom toward the sponge 15.

[0097] The upper end 11 of each wick 10 can extend into the sponge 15 and thereby locally depress the sponge 15. A weight can be attached to the lower end of each wick 10. The weight can be a sleeve 12 that surrounds the wick 10. The top of the fuel container 7 can be largely closed by a cover 13. The cover 13 can be connected to the side wall 9 of the fuel container 7 in a liquid-tight manner. The cover 13 can be offset inwards to prevent accidental spillage of liquid fuel, for example during refilling. The cover 13 is then at a distance from the upper edge of the side wall 9. This distance can be at least 1 mm or at least 2 mm. This distance can be no more than 10 mm or no more than 5 mm. The cover can be bent upwards all the way around the edge.The circumferential bend 14 can be connected to the inner wall of the side wall 9, for example by means of a material bond, for example by soldering, welding or gluing.

[0098] The cover 13 can comprise a trough-shaped receptacle 16 for the sponge 15. The sponge 15 can be inserted into the receptacle 16 and thus held. The shape and dimensions of the receptacle 16 can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the sponge 15. The sponge 15 then laterally adjoins the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16. The sponge 15 can rest on the bottom of the trough-shaped receptacle 16.

[0099] The height of the sponge 15 can be smaller than the height of the trough-shaped receptacle 16 so that the sponge 15 and the fuel contained therein can be held particularly reliably within the trough-shaped receptacle 16. This can also facilitate refilling the fuel container with liquid fuel.

[0100] The cover 13 can extend in a stepped manner from the outside to the inside to provide a trough-shaped receptacle 16. The trough-shaped receptacle 16 is then spaced from the side wall 9.

[0101] A flat, liquid-permeable component can be inserted above the sponge 16 to hold the sponge 15 within the trough-shaped receptacle 16. This liquid-permeable component can comprise a sieve 17. The sponge 16 can then be held within the trough-shaped receptacle 16 by the sieve 17.

[0102] One or more elastically deformable tabs 18 can be attached to the edge of the sieve 17. The one or more tabs 18 can protrude obliquely outward from the edge of the sieve 17.

[0103] The cover 13 can comprise an opening 19 with a diameter or dimensions that are slightly smaller than the diameter or dimensions of the edge of the sieve 17. The sieve 17 can then be inserted into the opening 19. The one or more tabs 18 are then initially bent elastically inwards in order to finally snap into place behind the edge of the opening 19. Subsequently, the sieve 17 can only be removed from the trough-shaped receptacle 16 by destruction or with the aid of the tool. The sieve 17 can therefore be inserted into the trough-shaped receptacle and thereby snapped into place. The one or more tabs 18 can then snap into place behind the edge of the opening 19.

[0104] The trough-shaped receptacle 16 can, as shown in Figure 2, be made of exactly two parts in order to be able to produce an opening 19 with the aforementioned edge with little technical effort.

[0105] The cover 13 can have an opening 24 for each wick 10. A wick 10 can extend through each opening 24. Each opening 24 can be located in the base of the trough-shaped receptacle 16. The diameter or cross-section of the opening 24 can be adapted to the diameter or cross-section of the associated wick 10. A wick 10 can have a diameter of more than 1 mm or more than 2 mm or more than 3 mm. A wick 10 can have a maximum diameter of 20 mm or 15 mm or 10 mm. The openings 24 then have a diameter similar to that of the wicks 10. Exactly three wicks 10 or exactly four wicks 10 can be provided. The wicks 10 can be equally spaced from one another.

[0106] A wick 10 can be provided with a holder on its upper side, by which the wick 10 can be held to the cover. The holder can be a sleeve 20 with an annular widening 21. The annular widening 21 can rest on the upper side of the base of the trough-shaped receptacle 16 to thus hold the wick 10.

[0107] Each sleeve 12, 20 can widen at one end in a funnel shape, i.e. open into a funnel 22, in order to be able to reliably and easily press a wick 10 into the sleeve 12, 20 and finally pull it through a suitable distance.

[0108] The trough-shaped receptacle 16 comprises a base and a circumferential side wall. One or more refill openings 23 for refilling the fuel container 7 with liquid fuel can be provided in the base and / or in the side wall. Figure 2 shows refill openings 23 located in the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16. The one or more refill openings 23 can be elongated holes. For safety reasons, the one or more refill openings are preferably covered only by the sponge 15. Furthermore, the refill openings 23 are then not closed or covered by wicks 10 or other elements.

[0109] Refill openings 23 in the side wall allow for particularly fast refilling. Refill openings 23 in the base, i.e., in the bottom of the trough-shaped receptacle 16, ensure that fuel seeping through the sponge 15 can continue to flow into the fuel container 7.

[0110] Figure 3 shows a section through the fuel tank 7 from Figure 2, rotated by 90°. It can be seen that one or more refill openings 23 can also be provided in the base of the trough-shaped receptacle 16, i.e., in the floor.

[0111] Figure 4 shows a top view of the fuel container from Figure 2. The sieve 17 may include a "MAX" marking, which may indicate the maximum fuel fill level. The cover 13 may have very small vent holes 25 to prevent liquid fuel from escaping. The vent holes 25 may have a diameter of less than 3 mm or less than 2 mm. The vent holes 25 may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm or at least 1 mm. To prevent flashback into the can (ignitable ethanol / air mixture), the diameter was set to less than 1 mm.

[0112] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the individual parts that can be assembled by positive locking to form the fuel tank 7 shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 shows that refill openings 23, which are provided in the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16, can be limited to the lower half of the side wall for safety reasons. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the fuel tank in which the individual parts from Figure 5 have been assembled.

[0113] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a fuel tank 7. A lower part of the side wall 9 is separated from an upper part of the side wall, for example by a step 26. The fuel tank therefore has a lower diameter that can be much wider than an upper diameter so that the fuel tank has a low center of gravity. This allows the fuel tank 7 to be set up very stably and to hold a large volume of liquid. Air guide elements 4 with an integrated support 5 for an outer shell are attached to the upper part of the side wall. The support 5 can be provided by a step-shaped widening 5, for example. A closable filler opening 27 for fuel can be provided on the step 26, for example. This ensures that liquid fuel can only be filled into the fuel tank 7 up to the level of the filler opening 27.This ensures a particularly low center of gravity. Otherwise, the fuel tank 7 can be constructed like the fuel tank shown in Figures 2 to 6.

[0114] Figure 8 shows the fuel container 7 with the outer shell 2 attached. This creates a tabletop fire capable of generating a swirling flame. The outer shell 2 rests on the supports 5. A gap remains between the underside of the outer shell 2 and the step 26, through which air can flow to the air guide elements 4.

[0115] Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the table fire from Figure 8. It also shows a fire extinguisher lid 28, which can be placed on the fuel container 7 using a cord 29 attached to the lid, thereby extinguishing a flame. Further emissions due to fuel evaporation are prevented. "The can doesn't dry out."

[0116] Figure 10 shows a section through another embodiment of a fuel container 7. The height of the fuel container 7 is smaller than its diameter in order to achieve a low center of gravity. The fuel container 7 can therefore be set up particularly stably. It can have support points 30, for example three or four support points 30, on its underside in order to be able to set up the fuel container 7 stably even on an uneven surface. Adjacent support points 30 can be equally spaced. The support points 30 can be arranged close to the outer circumference to ensure stability. Since the height of such a fuel container 7 can be relatively small, one or two wicks 10 may be sufficient to supply the sponge 15 with sufficient fuel. With such a fuel container 7, the diameter of the cover 13 orThe depth and width of the cover 13 can be at least 50% or at least 80% larger than the diameter of the sponge 15, or the depth and width of the sponge 15, respectively. Ventilation holes can be provided within the trough-shaped receptacle 16 above refill openings. The one or two wicks mentioned can then have a diameter of 5 to 15 mm, for example, a diameter of 10 mm.

[0117] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of a table fire 1. The fuel container 7 corresponds to the fuel container 7 in Figure 10. The difference is the pins 5 that protrude from the side wall 9. An outer shell 2 is placed on the pins 5 and inserted into notches 32 provided on the top side of the pins. The notches 32 hold the outer shell securely in place.

[0118] An extinguishing lid 28 has a raised edge 31 that can be placed on the edge of the opening 19. The adjacent inner part of the extinguishing lid 28 then extends into the opening 19. This allows a flame to be extinguished particularly quickly and reliably.

[0119] Instead of pins 5, differently shaped supports can also be provided, for example plate-shaped supports. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the individual parts of another fuel container. In a fuel container comprising the parts shown in Figure 12, the sponge has a passage 33 through which an upper end of a wick 10a can be passed. There is then preferably a clearance fit between the passage 33 and the wick 10a. However, there can also be a slight clearance or a press fit. The wick 10a can be longer than the other wicks 10. The wick 10a can be so long that it reaches, on the one hand, to the bottom of the fuel container and, on the other hand, through the sponge 15 into a corresponding elevation 34 of the sieve 17.This design of the fuel container is particularly well-suited for use with a fuel with a high flash point of, for example, more than 90°C or more than 100°C, because the raised portion 34 is easily accessible to a lighter flame and can therefore be easily heated to higher temperatures. The raised portion 34 can be cylindrical. This shape is particularly well-suited for a wick. Instead of the wick, however, the sponge 15 can also extend into such a raised portion 34. In particular, the raised portion 34 can then also have a different shape, such as a hill.

[0120] However, it is preferable for a wick 10a to extend into the elevation 34, since a wick can generally transport fuel from bottom to top through the wick better than the sponge 15.

[0121] A plurality of elevations 34 may also be provided on the surface of the screen 17 or another flat, liquid-permeable component to facilitate ignition. Relatively difficult-to-ignite fuels such as propylene glycol or ethylene glycol can also be used as fuel.

[0122] A fuel container comprising the parts shown in Figure 12 is optimized for relatively difficult-to-ignite fuels. The lateral refill openings 23 can then be larger than the lateral refill openings 23 shown in Figure 5 without any problems. In the case of Figure 5, the lateral refill openings are, for safety reasons, only half as high as the lateral wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16 and border the base of the trough-shaped receptacle. The lateral refill openings 23 can therefore be arranged in the lower half of a side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16 for safety reasons. The refill openings for refilling, which are located in the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16, can therefore be limited to the lower half of the side wall, as shown in Figure 5.If increased safety requirements can be dispensed with due to the use of a relatively low-flammability liquid fuel, then the lateral refill openings 23 can extend at least substantially over the entire height of the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16, as shown in Figure 12. Furthermore, the distance between two lateral refill openings 23 can be very small without any problems compared to the case shown in Figure 5. In this case, the bores 25 can also be dispensed with.

[0123] Figure 13 shows a section through the fuel tank 7, which is composed of the parts shown in Figure 12.

[0124] The fuel container shown in Figures 12 and 13 is particularly advantageous even if it does not include a sponge, but is operated with a fuel that has a high flash point of, for example, more than 90°C or more than 100°C and is thus relatively difficult to ignite. A plurality of wicks 10a can then be provided, extending into metal elevations 34. The elevations 34 assist in igniting the relatively difficult-to-ignite fuel.

[0125] Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of a fuel tank 7 in section. Figure 15 shows this fuel tank 7 in perspective. The fuel tank 7 has a circumferential recess 35 into which an outer shell 2 can and should be inserted. In this embodiment, the sieve 17 can be located at the same height as the maximum fuel fill level in the fuel tank or slightly above it. Nevertheless, a very stable container with a low center of gravity can be created. An outer shell 2 can be held very securely. To enable filling, vent holes can again be provided as in Figure 4.

[0126] Air guide elements 4 can be attached to the inside of the recess 35. The inside of the recess 35 can protrude upwards in the side shown in Figure 14, opposite the outer wall 9 and the adjoining surface 37. The air guide elements can extend helically over the entire height of the inside of the recess 35 in order to generate a sufficient air vortex and to be able to hold an inserted outer shell sufficiently stable. The outer shell can rest on projections 5 of the air guide elements 4.

[0127] The fuel container 7 can comprise an inner container 36, which, as shown, can be spaced apart from the side wall 9 and the floor 8 for thermal insulation purposes. The inner container 36 can rest on the floor 8 with feet 38. The inner container 36 can hold the fuel. Such a fuel container 7 provides improved protection against fuel leakage due to the inner container 36.

[0128] The inner container 36 can be made in one piece from a sheet metal. The surrounding recess, including the surface 37, can be made in one piece from a sheet metal. These two parts can be joined at the edges with a material bond and also to the side wall 9.

[0129] Figure 16 shows a table fire with the fuel container 7 from Figures 14 and 15.

[0130] Figure 17 shows parts of a fuel container which, instead of a sponge, comprises a bundle formed from a plurality of wicks 10. The wicks 10 can contact one another. The cross-section of the bundle can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the opening 19. The cross-section of the bundle can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the opening 19 such that the bundle is held force-fittingly by the opening 19 when the bundle is inserted. The bundle can extend to a grid 17. The grid 17 can be made of metal. In the assembled state, the grid can limit the wicks 10 at the top. In the assembled state, the grid 17 can be fastened form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or materially. A fuel container assembled from these parts is particularly well suited for operation with fuel having a flash point of more than 90°C or more than 100°C.A fuel with a high flash point is preferable for safety reasons. The metal grate can assist in igniting the fuel if the wicks 10 reach close to the grate 17.

[0131] Instead of the bundle, there may be only one wick. One of the wicks may have a particularly large diameter.

[0132] Instead of the grid, differently shaped metal elements can also be used, adjacent to one or more wicks, to assist ignition. These elements can be one or more wires, for example. Wires can cross each other. Such elements not only assist ignition but also the subsequent vaporization to aid combustion.

[0133] Figure 18 shows the fuel tank 7, which is composed of the parts shown in Figure 18.

[0134] Figure 19 shows a fuel container 7 that does not include a sponge, but only wicks 10. The wicks 10 contact wires 39 made of metal. The wires 39 can assist in the ignition and vaporization of fuel. This makes the fuel container 7 suitable for operation with a high-flashpoint fuel.

[0135] The fuel tank can be largely open at the top. This applies especially if a fuel with a high flash point of, for example, at least 90°C or at least 100°C is used.

[0136] Figures 20 and 21 show an annular disc 40 that can be placed loosely on top of a fuel container. The annular disc 40 can rest on a cover 13. The annular disc 40 can rest on an uppermost step of a cover 13 if the cover 13 is stepped, in order to remain relatively cool. The annular disc 40 has an opening 41 that can be smaller than an opening 19 in a fuel container 7. The diameter of the annular disc 40 can be larger than the opening 19 in order to rest on the edge of the opening 19. The annular disc 40 can be placed above a flat, liquid-permeable component. There is then a distance between the annular disc 40 and the flat, liquid-permeable component of the fuel container.This ensures that the annular disc 40 remains relatively cool and contributes little or nothing to the evaporation of the fuel. The annular disc 40 can be circular or square, for example. The opening 41 can be circular or square, for example. The opening 41 can be centrally located.

[0137] The annular disc 40 may include a protruding collar 42. If the collar 42 protrudes downward in the applied state, the collar 42 can further improve the limitation of the height of a flame.

[0138] The position of an applied annular disc 40 can be secured against lateral slippage, for example, by the side wall 9 of the fuel container or by a circumferential bend 14. The collar 42 therefore does not have to contribute to a fixation, but can be provided solely to limit the flame height in an adjustable manner.

[0139] Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the annular disc 40 in the applied state. There is a significant gap between the collar 42 and the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16. The collar 42 therefore cannot protect against lateral slipping. This is achieved instead by the circumferential bend 14. Since the collar 42 extends downwards, the collar 42 contributes to limiting the flame height. The annular disc 40, including the collar 42, has a significant gap from the sieve 17. Figure 23 shows an embodiment of a fuel container 7 without a sponge. The wicks 10 project upwards into a trough-shaped receptacle and border on crossed wires 39. This embodiment is particularly suitable for fuels with a high flash point, for example, more than 90°C or more than 100°C. Figure 24 shows an embodiment of a fuel container 7 that can be operated without a sponge.The top is formed by a flat sieve or mesh 40, from which elevations 34 protrude upward. Wicks 10 can extend into the elevations. Such a fuel container is well suited for operation with a fuel with a high flash point. Figure 25 shows a cross-section of the fuel container 7 of Figure 24.

Claims

Claims 1. Fuel container comprising a sponge (15) at the upper end, wherein the fuel container (7) is designed such that liquid fuel located in the fuel container (7) is transported into the sponge (15).

2. Fuel container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one or more wicks (10) are present which adjoin the underside of the sponge (15).

3. Fuel tank according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the one or more wicks (10) are attached to a cover (13) of the fuel tank (7).

4. Fuel container according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more wicks (10) are pressed into the sponge (15).

5. Fuel container according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that at least one or at least three wicks (10) border the underside of the sponge (15).

6. Fuel container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sponge (15) is in a trough-shaped receptacle (16).

7. Fuel tank according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a flat, liquid-permeable component (17) is applied to the sponge (15).

8. Fuel tank according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flat, liquid-permeable component (17) is fastened by a snap-in connection (18, 19).

9. Fuel tank according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the flat, liquid-permeable component is a sieve (17).

10. Fuel container according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the flat, liquid-permeable component (17) has one or more elevations (34) into which a wick (10a) or the sponge (15) extends. 11 . Fuel tank according to one of the five preceding claims, characterized in that the trough-shaped receptacle (16) comprises refill openings (23) in its side wall and / or in its base for refilling the fuel tank (1) with fuel.

12. Fuel tank according to the preceding claim, characterized in that refill openings (23) for refilling, which are located in the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle (16), are limited to the lower half of the side wall.

13. Fuel container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sponge (15) is formed from fibers made of glass or metal.

14. Fuel tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel tank (7) comprises external supports (5) for an outer shell.

15. Fuel tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel tank (7) comprises externally helically extending air guiding elements (4).

16. Fuel tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel tank contains alcohol as a liquid fuel.

17. Fuel tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel tank contains bioethanol or ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

18. Fuel tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a circumferential recess (35) is provided for inserting an outer shell (2).

19. Fuel tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inner container (36) is present.

20. Fuel tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an annular disc (40) is present which can be placed on the upper side of the fuel tank (7).

21. Table fire (1) comprising a fuel container according to one of the preceding claims and an outer shell (2).

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