Portable stove with folding stand

Abstract

A stand for elevating a portable stove above a mounting surface is provided. The stand includes a central intersection and a plurality of legs. Each leg includes an inner link extending radially outward from the central intersection and an outer link connected to the inner link by a hinge. The outer link is thus movable to a position extending radially outward from the inner link. Each leg also includes a leg portion coupled to the outer link and extending laterally relative to the outer link. Each leg includes a standoff extending laterally from the outer link in a first direction and an interference arm extending laterally from the outer link in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to a stand for a portable stove and a portable stove. The stand can space the portable stove away from surfaces, such as non-heat-resistant surfaces. [Background technology]

[0002] Portable stoves, such as camping stoves, are commonly used during backpacking trips, picnics, outdoor cooking, and other situations. Portable stove components can become hot during use. Therefore, for example, a hot metal stove can pose a risk of heat injury when placed on a non-heat-resistant surface, such as a car hood, a picnic table, or the forest floor.

[0003] The information contained in the background section of this specification, including the references cited herein and their descriptions or discussions, is included for technical reference purposes only and should not be considered as subject matter of the invention limited by the scope of the disclosure. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present invention provides a portable stand for a portable cooking stove that can be used in environments where there is no heat-resistant surface on which to place the stove. Together, the stove and stand form a system that can be used in combination with pots and pans to, for example, boil water, cook eggs, and heat rehydrated foods. In some embodiments, the stand is a removable, foldable stand that can be placed inside the stove body during transportation or storage. The stand includes legs and feet sized and shaped to hold the base of the stove a sufficient distance from a tabletop or other surface when unfolded.

[0005] The stands disclosed herein are particularly useful for, but not limited to, camping, backpacking, and picnics. One common aspect of the stove and stand system includes a stand for elevating a portable stove from a surface. The stand includes a central intersection and a plurality of legs, each leg including an inner link extending radially outward from the central intersection; an outer link connected to the inner link by a hinge, the outer link movable to a position extending radially outward from the inner link; and a leg connected to the outer link and extending laterally relative to the outer link, the leg including a standoff extending laterally from the outer link in a first direction; and an interference arm extending laterally from the outer link in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0006] Embodiments include one or more of the following features: In some embodiments, the hinge, inner link, and outer link are structurally configured to allow the outer link to rotate downward but not upward. In some embodiments, the stand is configured so that when the stove is placed on the stand, the bottom of the stove rests on the central region or at least one of the legs. In some embodiments, a surface of each standoff portion includes a pad fixedly attached to the standoff portion. In some embodiments, the pad includes at least one of thermal insulation, anti-skid, or vibration damping properties. In some embodiments, the pad includes a rubber-like material. In some embodiments, the outer link of each leg is movable to a folded position. In some embodiments, the stand is positionable inside the stove with at least some of the outer links in a folded position. In some embodiments, the height of the standoffs is selected to minimize heat transfer between the stove and the surface. In some embodiments, when all of the outer links are in a radially outward extending position, the width of the stand is such that the stove fits between all of the interfering arms and the stove is prevented from moving radially outward.

[0007] One common aspect includes a stove and stand system. The stove and stand system includes a stove body having an outer width, a cavity having an inner width, and a base. The stove and stand system also includes a stand including: a central region and a plurality of legs extending radially outward from the central region, each leg including an inner link extending radially outward from the central region; an outer link pivotally attached to the inner link and pivotable from a first position parallel to the inner link to a second position angled relative to the inner link; the stand having a first width when the outer link is in the first position and a second width smaller than the first width when the outer link is in the second position, the first width being greater than the outer width of the stove body and the second width being smaller than the inner width of the cavity of the stove body.

[0008] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the stand includes legs at ends of the outer links, the legs including standoffs extending transversely from the outer links in a first direction; and interference arms extending transversely from the outer links in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the stove and stand are configured such that when the stove is on the stand, the bottom of the stove rests on the central region and at least one of the plurality of legs, and the standoffs on each leg are configured to prevent the stove from moving laterally beyond its radial position. In some embodiments, the height of the standoffs is selected to minimize heat transfer between the stove and the surface. In some embodiments, the stove and stand are configured to allow the stand to be retracted within the cavity when at least some of the outer links are in the second position. In some embodiments, the hinges, inner links, and outer links are structurally configured to allow the outer links to rotate downward but not upward. In some embodiments, the surface of each standoff portion includes a pad fixedly attached to the standoff portion. In some embodiments, the pad comprises a rubber material that provides at least one of thermal insulating, anti-skid, or vibration damping properties.

[0009] One common aspect involves a stove and stand system. The stove and stand system includes a stove body including a cavity having an outer width, an inner width, and a base. The stove and stand system includes a central region; a plurality of legs extending radially outward from the central region; each leg having an inner link extending radially outward from the central region; and an outer link pivotally attached to the inner link and pivotable from a first position parallel to the inner link to a second position angled relative to the inner link. The stand has a first width when the outer link is in the first position and a second width smaller than the first width when the outer link is in the second position, and is sized to be accommodated within the cavity when the central region is in the second position. In some embodiments, the stand includes a leg at an end of the outer link, the leg having a standoff extending transversely from the outer link in a first direction and an interference arm extending transversely from the outer link in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a camp stove including a stove body including an outer width, a cavity having an inner width, and a base. The outer surface can define an outer width and can have a plurality of rows of ventilation holes extending around the circumference of the stove body. The rows can be disposed along a lower portion of the outer surface. The inner surface can define an inner width and can define a combustion chamber. The inner surface can have a row of ventilation holes at an upper portion of the inner surface extending around the inner circumference of the stove body. The ventilation holes in the outer surface can be in fluid communication with the ventilation holes in the inner surface A) via vertical passages between the inner and outer surfaces, and B) with the combustion chamber via horizontal passages extending above the base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the camp stove can include three rows of holes extending around the stove body. In some embodiments, the ventilation holes on the inner surface can have a width greater than the width of the ventilation holes on the outer surface. In some embodiments, the ventilation holes on the inner surface are formed in a different number (e.g., one) than the number of rows of ventilation holes on the outer surface, and the ventilation holes on the inner surface have a width greater than the width of the ventilation holes on the outer surface.

[0012] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of the features, details, utilities, and advantages of the stove and stand system defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary stove and stand system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary stove and stand system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an exemplary stove and stand system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view of an exemplary stove and stand system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the stove body of an exemplary stove and stand system with the outer wall and stand removed for clarity, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the stove body of an exemplary stove and stand system with the outer wall, stand, top bezel, and inner wall removed for clarity, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the stand of an exemplary stove and stand system in an unfolded configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the stand of an exemplary stove and stand system in a folded configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view of an exemplary stove and stand system with the stand housed within the stove body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is a portable stove stand for use in environments where a heat-resistant surface for placing the portable stove is not available. The stand can be used with a portable stove capable of burning solid fuels such as sticks, branches, paper, or cardboard. The stove can be used with pots and pans, for example, to boil water, cook eggs, and heat rehydrated foods. Alternatively, or additionally, the stove can be used to roast, brown, or toast food, or as a heat source. In some embodiments, the stand is foldable. In its folded state, the stove stand can be placed inside the stove body for transport or storage. In its unfolded state, the stove stand includes legs and feet sized and shaped to restrict movement of the stove and offset the bottom of the stove a safe distance from a tabletop or other placement surface during cooking or other use of the stove.

[0015] To promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, specific language will be used in the description with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. However, these are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Modifications and further modifications to the described devices, systems, and methods, and further applications of the principles of the present disclosure, as would normally be performed by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, are fully intended and encompassed by this disclosure. In particular, it is fully understood that features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. However, for the sake of brevity, multiple iterations of these combinations have not been individually described.

[0016] These descriptions are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the stove and stand system. Certain features may be added, removed, or modified without departing from the claimed subject matter.

[0017] 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary stove and stand system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Stove and stand system 100 includes a stove 105 and a stand 120. Stove 105 includes a stove body 110 having a width or outer diameter OD. In some embodiments, the outer diameter OD is between 6 inches and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the outer diameter OD is between 5 inches and 15 inches, although other diameters (both larger and smaller) may be used instead or in addition.

[0018] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the stove body includes a plurality of vent holes 170 on the bottom 160 of the stove body 110. In this particular embodiment, there are three horizontal rows of holes, evenly spaced and extending completely around the circumference of the stove body. To provide sufficient airflow and balance the desire to keep the hole size small, the vent holes 170 are provided as multiple rows of small holes rather than a single row of large holes. Because the stove 105 is sized for use on a table, it may be preferable to provide small holes instead of large holes to reduce the chance of a user inserting debris, fingers, or other items into the vent holes 170 when the stove is placed on a table where people are sitting or standing. Thus, in some embodiments, the holes are arranged in three rows as shown in FIG. 1 , with each hole having a diameter smaller than the diameter of an average finger. For example, in some embodiments, each hole has a diameter ranging from about 0.3 inches to about 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, each hole has a diameter ranging from about 0.4 inches to 1 inch. Additionally, multiple rows, such as three rows of holes larger than 1 inch, are contemplated. In some embodiments, the holes have diameters ranging from about 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches. The combined area of the small holes arranged in horizontal rows can provide sufficient airflow to provide ventilation to the top vents and the bottom of the combustion chamber. Although described as having a diameter, each vent hole 170 can have an outer shape that is not circular, and therefore the hole can have a width rather than a diameter.

[0019] In some examples, stove body 110 has a generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, but in other examples, it can have shapes with other cross-sections, including, but not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal. Stove 105 can be used to provide heat, provide atmosphere, cook food, or for other desired purposes. In this example, stove 105 includes an upper bezel or pot support 130 that rests on top 150 of stove body 110. Upper bezel or pot support 130 is configured to support the weight of, for example, a frying pan filled with water, although the stove can also be used with its top open to roast marshmallows, hot dogs, or other foods.

[0020] The exemplary stove and stand system 100 also includes a stand 120. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the stove body 110 is removably mounted on the stand 120. The stand is configured to support the weight of the stove body 110, including any fuel that may be in the stove body, and a loaded cooking weight such as a pan, a pot filled with water, etc. The stand 120 is also sized and shaped to prevent lateral movement of the stove body 110 and to prevent the stove body 110 from directly contacting the support surface 180 on which the stand rests. Thus, for example, if the support surface 180 is a non-heat-resistant surface (e.g., a non-heat-resistant picnic table, a non-heat-resistant countertop, a plastic table, a forest floor covered with pine needles or fallen leaves, etc.), the stand 120 can protect the support surface 180 by minimizing the amount of heat from the bottom 160 of the stove body 110 that is transferred directly to the support surface 180 via conduction. This can limit or prevent thermal damage to the support surface 180 caused by heat generated by the combustion of fuel within the stove body 110.

[0021] This configuration allows the stove and stand system 100 to function as an aesthetic addition to a fireplace ambiance, a heat source, and / or a cooking stove, simultaneously or at different times. This size and construction allow the stove and stand system to be used on a tabletop or other surface where people can gather to build relationships, share time, and create memories. For example, the stove and stand system 100 can be placed on the surface 180 as a tabletop centerpiece, allowing users seated around a table to view, read, warm their hands, and / or roast food such as marshmallows or hot dogs, or heat food in a cooking pot, frying pan, or grill placed on the pot support 130. A stove sized to fit on a tabletop can bring people together around the table, creating a specific interaction that cannot be achieved by fireplaces or stoves intended for ground placement. This versatility, in a small device that fits on a tabletop or other surface and is easily portable and storable, offers distinct advantages over existing fireplaces, camping stoves, tiki torches, and other combustion devices.

[0022] Before proceeding, it should be noted that the examples described herein are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and / or device configurations can be utilized to perform the operations described herein.

[0023] 2 is a perspective bottom view of an exemplary stove and stand system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The stove and stand system 100 includes a stove body 110 including an outer wall 210 and a bottom surface 215. In some examples, when the stove body 110 includes a burning fuel, the amount of heat generated by combustion may be such that the outer wall 210 and the bottom surface 215 may become hot enough to damage materials or surfaces with which they are in contact.

[0024] FIG. 2 also shows the bottom of the stand 120. When the stove body 110 is placed on the stand 120, the stand 120 prevents the support surface 180 (FIG. 1) from directly contacting the bottom surface 215 of the stove body 110. The stand 120 includes a central region 220 and a plurality of legs 230 that protrude radially outward from the central region. In one example, the legs 230 protrude horizontally, but in other examples, the legs 230 may be angled upward or downward. In some examples, at least three legs 230 are required to support the stove body 110 in a stable manner. However, depending on the embodiment, the stand 120 may include only two legs 230 or four or more legs 230 without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0025] Each leg 230 includes an inner link 240 that projects radially from a central region 220. In some examples, the inner link 240 and central region 220 may be a single piece, for example, stamped from a sheet metal blank. In other examples, the inner link 240 may be attached to the central region 220 by welding, soldering, brazing, bolts, screws, rivets, pins, or other methods. Each leg also includes an outer link 260 that is rotatably attached to the inner link 240 by a hinge 250 located at the radially outermost portion of the inner link 240 and the radially innermost portion of the outer link 260. The hinge 250 is configured to transition the outer link 260 from a first, unfolded configuration (shown here in FIG. 2) to a second, folded configuration (shown below in FIGS. 8 and 9). In this example, the hinge 240 pivots about a hinge pin. However, other embodiments use alternative hinge types. Additionally, other embodiments utilize outer links that telescope between a first configuration and a second, smaller configuration.

[0026] Each leg also includes a leg 270 located at the radially outermost portion of the outer link 260, so that when the stove body 110 is placed on the stand 120, the bottom surface 215 of the stove body 110 is spaced from the placement surface a sufficient distance to limit or prevent thermal damage to the placement surface 180 due to heat generated by the combustion of fuel within the stove body 110, and also to prevent the stove body 110 from moving radially or horizontally sideways.

[0027] 3 is a perspective top view of an exemplary stove and stand system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A stove body 110 and a stand 120 are shown. In addition to an outer wall 102, the stove body includes an inner wall 310 spaced apart from the outer wall 102 and defining a combustion chamber 330. Within the combustion chamber 330 is a fire grate 320, which can support the weight of a combustible solid fuel, such as, for example, sticks, branches, paper, cardboard, etc.

[0028] 4 is a front cross-sectional view of an exemplary stove and stand system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The stove body 110 includes an outer wall 102 and an inner wall 310 spaced from the outer wall 102 and defining an inside diameter or ID of a combustion chamber 330. The inner wall 310 includes an upper lip 440 that allows the inner wall 310 to be removably suspended from an upper end 450 of the outer wall 210. The upper portion of the inner wall 310 below the upper lip 440 includes a plurality of vent holes 350.

[0029] The upper bezel or pan support 130 can be removably mounted on, for example, the upper lip 440. The inner wall 310 is removably mounted on the choke pan 410. Within the combustion chamber 330 is a quantity of combustible solid fuel 470 supported by a fuel or fire grate 320. The fire grate 320 is supported by the choke pan 410. Within the choke pan 410, below the fire grate 320, is an ash pan 420 to receive ash and other combustion residues that fall through the grate 320 as the combustible solid fuel 470 is burned. The ash pan 420 is centrally positioned within the choke pan 410 by a plurality of ash pan spacers 430 (e.g., three, four, or more ash pan spacers 430) that protrude inward from the wall of the choke pan. Below the ash pan 420 is an air damper 480 having a central air passage 482.

[0030] The bottom surface 215 of the stove body 110 is attached adjacent to the lower end of the outer wall 102. The bottom surface 215 of the stove body 110 can be placed on the stand 120 such that the bottom surface 215 is spaced from the support surface 180 (e.g., a tabletop) by a height H that limits heat transfer between the bottom surface 215 and the support surface 180. This helps prevent heat damage to the support surface 180 if the support surface 180 is not heat-resistant.

[0031] Air flows through the three rows of vents 170 and then splits into two flows toward the combustion chamber 330: upward toward the vents 350 and upward toward the combustion chamber 330 by flowing through a central air passage 482 between the air damper 480 and the bottom surface 215, around the bottom of the ash pan 420, upward toward the grate 320, and from above the ash pan 420 into the combustion chamber 330. Additionally, the configuration shown in Figure 4 can allow for secondary combustion of unburned volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the fuel 470 during combustion. When a fire is ignited, the rising hot air and lack of oxygen produced by the combustion process create a vacuum at the bottom of the combustion chamber. This vacuum draws oxygen through the three rows of vents 170 at the bottom of the exterior wall 102, horizontally between the air damper 480 and the bottom surface 215, upward through the central air passage 482, around the bottom of the ash pan 420, upward toward the grate 320, and above the ash pan 420 into the combustion chamber 330, fueling the fuel or fire in the grate. Simultaneously, additional oxygen travels vertically upward through the three rows of vents 170 in the gap between the exterior wall 102 and the interior wall 310, where it is preheated by the temperature of the interior wall 310. The oxygen then continues back to the combustion chamber 330 through the top vent 350, further burning VOCs in the rising column of heat and flame in the combustion chamber 330. This secondary combustion not only increases the heat and light output of the stove and stand system 100, but also reduces smoke production by ensuring more complete combustion of the fuel 470.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the stove body 110 of an exemplary stove and stand system 100, with the outer wall 102 and stand 120 removed for clarity, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The upper bezel or pot support 130, upper lip 440, inner wall 310, and chalk pan 410 are shown. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the lower edge 510 of the inner wall 310 rests on the upper edge 520 of the chalk pan 410. In some embodiments, the shapes of the inner wall 310, chalk pan 410, lower edge 510, and upper edge 520 are selected so that the lower edge 510 and upper edge 520 are interlocking. This may, for example, prevent the inner wall 310 from rotating relative to the chalk pan 410, or prevent the chalk pan 410 from rotating relative to the inner wall 310. The inner wall 310 includes a plurality of vents 350, which in this embodiment are different from the vents 170. The vents 350 may have a larger diameter and may be formed in a single row rather than multiple rows.

[0033] 6 is a front perspective view of the stove body 110 of the exemplary stove and stand system 100, with the outer wall 102, stand 120, upper bezel 130, and inner wall 310 removed for clarity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fire grate 320, choke pan 410, ash pan 420, and ash pan spacer 430 are shown.

[0034] 7 is a top perspective view of an example stand 120 of a stove and stand system in an unfolded configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown are central region 220, legs 230, inner link 240, hinge 250, outer link 260, and legs 270. As shown in FIG. 7, in the unfolded configuration, stand 120 has a width W1 that is greater than the outer diameter of the stove body so that the stove body can be removably placed on the stand.

[0035] In the example of FIG. 7 , each leg 270 extends laterally from one end of the outer link 260. Each leg is rigidly connected to the outer link 260. Thus, the legs 270 are welded or otherwise fixed or formed to the end of the outer link 260. In other embodiments, the legs 270 may be attached via a hinge or other connection. Each leg 270 includes an interference arm 710 and a standoff 720. The interference arm 710 extends laterally from the respective outer link 260 (e.g., upward as shown). The interference arm 710 is positioned to prevent movement of the stove body in a lateral or radial direction (e.g., away from the central region 220). Each leg 270 also includes a standoff 720 extending laterally from the respective outer link 260 (e.g., downward as shown). In the illustrated example, the interference arm 710 and the standoff 720 are integrally formed as a single structure (e.g., by stamping a piece of sheet metal) that extends both above and below the outer link 260. In one example, the legs 270 are attached to the outer link 260 by welding, soldering, brazing, bolts, screws, rivets, pins, or other methods. In some examples, each leg may also include a pad 730. The pad 730 may be or include a rubber-like material (e.g., silicone rubber) that provides, for example, heat resistance, thermal insulation, slip resistance, vibration resistance, cushioning, or a combination thereof.

[0036] The standoffs 720 and pads 730 are sized and shaped so that the top surface 740 of the stand 120 on which the stove body rests is a height H above the placement surface (e.g., a wooden picnic table). Depending on the embodiment, the bottom surface of the stove body may rest on at least a portion of the central region 220, at least a portion of the inner links 240, at least a portion of the outer links 260, at least a portion of the interference arms 710, or any combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 220 is also the intersection of the inner links 240. The inner links 240 cooperate with and overlap the outer links 260 to allow the inner links to fold in only one direction from a position parallel to the inner links. Thus, when a load is applied to the stand 120, the overlapping configuration of the inner links 240 and outer links 260 prevents the inner links from pivoting beyond parallelism so that the central region 220 is maintained at height H. That is, the overlapping configuration of the inside links 240 and the outside links 260 can prevent the center region from collapsing. In the illustrated example, the center region and the inside links 240 are all formed as a single, integral component.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of stand 120 in a folded configuration. Central region 220, legs 230, inner links 240, hinges 250, outer links 260, legs 270, interfering arms 710, and standoffs 720 are shown. In the example shown in FIG. 6, outer links 260 are rotated downward about hinges 250 to the limit of their travel (e.g., until legs 270 contact inner links 240). In the example shown in FIG. 6, each outer link 260 is individually rotatable, allowing any number of legs (e.g., one, two, three, etc.) to be folded at any time. When all legs are folded (e.g., in the example of FIG. 6, all four outer links are rotated downward to their limit of travel), stand 120 has a folded width W2 that is smaller than the unfolded width W1 shown in FIG. 7.

[0038] In some embodiments, legs 230 extend rather than fold. In such embodiments, hinges 250 may be eliminated and inner links 240 may be wider than outer links 260 so that outer links 260 can slide at least partially within inner links 240, thereby shortening legs 230 so that stand 120 has an extendable width W2.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the outer link 260 folds from the parallel state in only one direction, e.g., downward. It should be noted that if the exemplary stand of FIG. 6 included an outer link 360 that could fold upward, the stand could collapse under its own weight or the weight of the stove body. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the outer link can rotate upward, leftward, rightward, clockwise, counterclockwise, or in any other manner without departing from the intent of this disclosure, so long as the stand 120 can support the stove body in its unfolded state and have a smaller profile in the folded state. In some examples, the stand 120 can be folded to a size that can be placed within the stove body, as described herein.

[0040] 9 is a cross-sectional front view of an exemplary stove and stand system 100 with stand 120 positioned inside stove body 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Stove body 110, upper bezel or pot support 130, outer wall 210, upper edge 450 of outer wall 210, bottom surface 215, inner wall 310, upper lip 440 of inner wall 310, fire grate 320, chalk pan 410, ash pan 420, and ash pan spacer 430 are visible.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the stand 120 is folded to have a folded width W2 that is less than the inner diameter ID of the inner wall. Similarly, the stand has a folded height F that is less than the height C of the inner wall 310 above the fire grate 320. Thus, the stand 120 in its folded state can be stored within the combustion chamber 330 of the stove body 110. While width W2 is shown to be less than the inner diameter ID of the stove body 110, some embodiments of the stand may be greater than width ID of the stove body 110, yet still fit within the volume of the combustion chamber 330. That is, in some embodiments, the stand can be sized to be introduced into the combustion chamber by introducing the stand on its side.

[0042] Because the stand 120 is storable within the stove body 110, the stove and stand system 100 advantageously occupies less storage space than if the stand 120 were permanently attached to the stove body 110 or were not foldable or otherwise storable within the stove body 110. This storage configuration also makes the stove and stand system 100 more easily portable (e.g., in a backpack, duffel bag, suitcase, or picnic basket).

[0043] In some embodiments, the stove body outer diameter OD ranges from 6 inches to 16 inches, and the inner diameter ID is 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches less than the outer diameter OD. The unfolded width W1 of the stand ranges from 1 / 8 inch to 7 / 8 inch less than the stove body outer diameter OD, and the folded width W2 ranges from 1 / 2 inch to 6 inches less than the inner diameter ID. However, in other embodiments, different dimensions, whether larger or smaller, may be used instead, or in addition.

[0044] In one embodiment, the top bezel or pan support 130, outer wall 210, bottom 215, top lip 440, choke pan 410, ash pan 420, and ash pan spacer are all formed from metal, such as stainless steel, and may be formed, for example, by stamping or rolling sheet metal, or a combination thereof, with components or component ends welded together as needed. In one embodiment, the grate 320 is made from metal (e.g., stainless steel) bar or wire stock that is cut, bent, and welded to form the illustrated grate structure or another structure that is or can perform the same function. In other embodiments, the grate 320 may be made from stamped sheet metal, such as stainless steel.

[0045] As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art after familiarizing themselves with the present disclosure, the disclosed stove and stand system advantageously provides a means of operating a solid fuel burning (e.g., wood burning) stove on a non-heat resistant surface by providing a stand that offsets the bottom of the stove a safe height from the non-heat resistant surface. The stand is foldable so that it can be stored inside the stove, and therefore, the volume of the stove and stand system when stored or transported is comparable to the volume of the stove itself.

[0046] Many variations on the above-described examples and embodiments are possible. For example, the stove stand, or portions thereof, can be fabricated from a variety of different materials, including, but not limited to, metal, ceramic, polymer, composite, or combinations thereof. Relative and absolute dimensions may vary from those shown herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The folding mechanism of the stand may vary from that shown herein, so long as the width W1 in the unfolded configuration is sufficient to support the stove body as described, and the width W2 in the folded configuration is small enough for the stand to fit completely inside the stove body in at least some directions. The technology described herein may be applied to portable stoves, camping stoves, tabletop stoves, backyard fireplaces, or other types of stoves, and may also be applied to gas- or liquid-burning stoves.

[0047] Accordingly, the logical operations making up the embodiments of the technology described herein may be referred to variously as operations, steps, objects, elements, components, or modules, and it should be understood that they may occur, be performed, or arranged in any order unless expressly claimed otherwise or unless a particular order is inherently required by claim language.

[0048] All directional references, such as top, bottom, inside, outside, upper, lower, left, side, front, rear, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, proximal, and distal, are used solely for identification purposes to aid the reader in understanding the claimed claims and do not constitute limitations with respect to the location, orientation, or use of the stove and stand system in particular. References by connection, such as connected, coupled, connected, or "in communication," should be interpreted broadly and, unless otherwise indicated, may include intermediate members between groups of elements and relative movement between the elements. As such, references by connection do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other. The term "or" should be interpreted to mean "and / or" rather than "exclusively or." The term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Unless otherwise stated in the claims, listed values should be interpreted as exemplary only and not limiting.

[0049] The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the stove and stand system defined in the claims. While various embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more specific embodiments, those skilled in the art could make many modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0050] Still other embodiments are contemplated. All matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings is to be construed as illustrative of particular embodiments only, and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic structure of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for elevating a portable stove above a surface, comprising: providing a stand for said portable stove; The stand is central intersection and; a plurality of legs; Each of the legs is an inner link extending radially outward from the central intersection; an outer link connected to the inner link by a hinge, the outer link movable to a position extending radially outward from the inner link; and a leg connected to the outer link and extending transversely relative to the outer link; The legs are a standoff extending laterally from the outer link in a first direction; an interference arm extending laterally from the outer link in a second direction opposite the first direction.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hinge, the inner link, and the outer link are structurally configured such that the outer link can rotate downward but cannot rotate upward.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the stand is configured such that when the stove is placed on the stand, the bottom of the stove rests on the central intersection or at least one of the plurality of legs.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein a surface of each standoff portion includes a pad secured to the standoff portion.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the pad includes at least one of thermal insulation, anti-skid properties, or vibration damping properties.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the pad comprises a rubber material.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the outer link of each leg is movable to a folded position.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the stand is positionable inside the stove when at least a portion of the outer links are in a folded position.

9. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the height of the standoffs is selected to minimize heat transfer between the stove and the surface.

10. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein when all of the outer links are in a radially outward extending position, the width of the stand is such that the stove fits between all of the interfering arms and the stove is prevented from moving radially outward.

11. 1. A method for storing a stove stand within a stove, comprising: The stove is an outer body having an outer width; a cavity having an interior width; and the bottom; and A stand comprising: central part; and a plurality of inner portions extending radially outward from the central portion; and a plurality of outer portions, each outer portion pivotally attached to an inner portion of the plurality of inner portions and pivotable from a first position parallel to its respective inner portion to a second position inclined relative to its respective inner portion; a stand having a first width when the outer portion is in a first position and a second width less than the first width when the outer portion is in a second position, the first width being greater than a width outside the stove and the second width being less than a width inside the stove cavity; a bottom portion of the stove can rest on the central portion, the inner portion, and the outer portion when the outer portion is in the first position; When the outer portion is in the second position, it allows the stand to fit into the stove cavity.

12. 12. The stand according to claim 11, wherein the stand comprises a leg at the end of each outer portion, the leg comprising: a standoff extending laterally in a first direction from the outer link; and An interference arm extending transversely from the outer link in a second direction opposite the first direction.

13. 13. The stove and stand of claim 12, wherein when the stove is on the stand: a bottom portion of the stove rests on at least one of the central portion, the inner portion, and the outer portion; The outer standoffs prevent the stove from moving laterally beyond its radial position.

14. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the height of the standoff is selected to minimize heat transfer between the stove and a surface on which the stand rests.

15. The method of claim 12 , wherein a surface of each standoff portion includes a pad fixedly attached to the standoff portion.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the pad comprises a rubber material that provides at least one of thermal insulating, anti-skid, or vibration damping properties.

17. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the stove and stand are configured such that the stand can be stored within the cavity when the at least a portion of the outer portion is in the second position.

18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the inner portion and the outer portion are structurally configured such that the outer portion can rotate downwardly but not upwardly relative to the inner portion.

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