Outdoor fireplace

Abstract

This invention proposes an outdoor fireplace innovation improving the management of combustion gases. Traditional outdoor fireplaces suffer from smoke spillage due to environmental factors which unpleasantly impact individuals nearby. The invention addresses this with a dual duct flue system, concentrically arranged for more efficient gas extraction. A firebox includes a baffle extending from the ceiling dividing the firebox into at least two regions. The first region, closest to the firebox opening has an opening fluidly connected to the outer duct and a second region located behind the first region has an opening fluidly connected to the inner duct which is the primary means of extracting combustion gasses. The system encourages the combustion gasses to be extracted via the inner duct and gasses proximate the firebox opening drawn upwards and expelled through the outer duct, minimizing smoke spillage from the front. Figures illustrate the implementation and dynamics within, showcasing its effectiveness.

Description

Outdoor Fireplace

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an outdoor fireplace and in particular to a combustions gasses extraction system for an outdoor fireplace.

[0002] An outdoor fireplace has a firebox for burning fuel and large open front face to present the user with a pleasant visual flame and radiant heat output. In many situations the operation of open solid fuel appliances (such as outdoor fireplaces, braziers, woodfired BBQs, chimineas and pizzerias) create smoke spillage which results in people nearby being swarmed with smoke in their eyes and nose which can vary in intensity from mild annoyance to unbearable. This is because such outdoor fireplaces have no door on the front face to contain smoke. While most outdoor fireplaces will have a flue for channelling smoke from the firebox to a chimney, environmental effects such as the wind blowing and air pressure changes can still cause smoke to spill through the opening, which can be unpleasant. It is therefore an object of the invention to alleviate or improve upon the aforementioned problem of the prior art, or at least provide the public with a useful choice. Other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0003] According to an aspect the invention relates to a fireplace comprising: a firebox adapted for the burning of fuel material, the firebox comprising: at least one opening in the front face of the firebox extending from the exterior to the interior of the firebox, an upper region fluidly connected with a flue system; the flue system adapted to receive exhaust gasses from the firebox, the flue system comprising a first flue duct, and a second flue duct; wherein the upper region of the fire box comprises: a first opening located above the opening in the front face and fluidly connected with the first flue duct, and a second opening located behind the first opening and fluidly connected with the second flue duct.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first flue duct is concentrically arranged with the second duct for a substantial portion of the length of the duct.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first flue duct is arranged concentrically outward of the second flue duct.

[0006] In some embodiments, the firebox further comprises a baffle extending from the ceiling and dividing the upper region of the firebox into at least two regions:

[0007] a first region located at or above the opening in the front face and fluidly connected with the first flue duct, thereby defining the first opening; and

[0008] a second region located behind (relative to the opening) the first region and fluidly connected with the second flue duct, thereby defining the second opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, the invention relates to any one or more of the above statements in combination with any one or more of any of the other statements. Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0011] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0012] The term "and / or" referred to in the specification and claim means "and" or "or", or both. The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0013] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and / or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present.

[0014] In many situations the operation of open solid fuel appliances (such as outdoor fireplaces, braziers, woodfired BBQs, chimineas and pizzerias) create smoke spillage which results in people nearby being swarmed with smoke in their eyes and nose which can vary in intensity from mild annoyance to unbearable. This is because such outdoor fireplaces have no door on the front face to contain smoke. While most outdoor fireplaces will have a flue for channelling smoke from the firebox to a chimney, environmental effects such as the wind blowing and air pressure changes can still cause smoke to spill through the opening, which can be unpleasant. It is therefore an object of the invention to alleviate or improve upon the aforementioned problem of the prior art, or at least provide the public with a useful choice. Other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0015] The invention comprises two key components: an inner flue duct and an outer flue duct. These ducts are arranged concentrically for a substantial portion of their length, with the inner duct positioned within the outer duct. This concentric arrangement serves a dual purpose: it allows for the effective removal of hot combustion gases through the inner flue duct. In doing so, the inner flue duct heats the air within the outer flue duct which causes that air to rise in the outer flue. The rising air in the outer flue duct creates an airflow which effectively sucks air into the lower part of the duct. The suction created by the outer flue duct is used to extract exhaust gasses from the firebox. In particular, the outer flue duct is fluidly connected with an extraction zone located above the front opening of the firebox. In this way, any combustion gasses proximate the opening are sucked up the outer flue instead of exiting the firebox through the front opening.

[0016] Outdoor Fireplace users will benefit from reduced problem smoke spillage, this will enhance their enjoyment of the appliance and utility.

[0017] People within proximity of an operating outdoor fireplace will experience less exposure to harmful exhaust and particulate emissions due to the exhaust path enhancement, reducing the risk of health complications from inhaling combustion gasses.

[0018] When atmospheric conditions result in air pressure changes within the fireplace from wind, the forward most exhaust opening will remove more smoke that may escape the firebox.

[0019] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. Furthermore, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.Fig.1

[0020] shows a perspective view of an exemplary fireplace.Fig.2

[0021] shows a cross sectional side view of the exemplary fireplace.Fig.3

[0022] shows a cross sectional perspective view of the exemplary fireplace.Fig.4

[0023] shows a cross sectional side view of the exemplary fireplace with fluid flow paths.

[0024] Exemplary methods, devices, assemblies and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment or feature described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. More generally, the embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed systems and methods can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.Examples

[0025] The present invention relates to a fireplace, specifically designed to efficiently manage the combustion process and the ventilation of gases produced during fuel burning. The invention integrates a novel flue system that improves the efficiency and safety of the fireplace by managing the flow of combustion gases and fresh air within a dual-duct flue structure.

[0026] The fireplace comprises a firebox that is specially adapted to burn fuel materials such as wood, coal, or other combustibles. The firebox is enclosed on all sides except for an opening in its front face, which serves as the primary entry point for loading fuel and as an outlet for heat and viewing of the fire. The firebox opening extends from the exterior to the interior of the firebox and provides direct access to the combustion chamber. Within the firebox, an upper region is fluidly connected to a flue system. The flue system is designed to efficiently expel combustion gases while drawing fresh air through the front opening to thereby enter the combustion chamber.

[0027] The flue system comprises two key components: an inner flue duct and an outer flue duct. These ducts are arranged concentrically for a substantial portion of their length, with the inner duct positioned within the outer duct. This concentric arrangement serves a dual purpose: it allows for the effective removal of hot combustion gases through the inner flue duct. In doing so, the inner flue duct heats the air within the outer flue duct which gases that air to rise in the outer flue. The rising air in the outer flue duct creates an airflow which effectively sucks air into the lower part of the duct. The suction created by the outer flue duct is used to extract exhaust gasses from the firebox. In particular, the outer flue duct is fluidly connected with an extraction zone located above the front opening of the firebox. In this way, any combustion gasses proximate the opening are sucked up the outer flue instead of exiting the firebox through the front opening.

[0028] The upper region of the firebox features a first opening and a second opening, each serving a specific function within the flue system. The first opening is located above the opening in the front face of the firebox and is fluidly connected to the outer flue duct. This opening facilitates the suction of gasses proximate the firebox opening into the outer flue duct thereby capturing smoke which may have otherwise exited the firebox through the front opening.

[0029] The second opening is positioned behind the first opening and is fluidly connected to the inner flue duct. This arrangement ensures that the hot combustion gases produced within the firebox are efficiently expelled through the inner flue duct and serves as the primary means of extracting combustions gases.

[0030] To aid the extraction of gasses from the region of the firebox proximate the front opening, a wall is configured to extend into the interior of the firebox. The wall divides the upper region of the firebox into a first region which is fluidly connected with the outer duct, and a second region which is fluidly connected with the inner duct. The wall may be located directly above the front opening to the firebox, or even to divide the front opening into different regions.

[0031] shows an exemplary embodiment of the outdoor fireplace 10 having an opening in the front face 35 leading to a firebox 30. The flue 20 is fluidly connected with the firebox and serves as a duct or chimney to convey exhaust gases from a fireplace to the outside atmosphere. The flue 20 operates by providing a duct through which the heated exhaust gasses can rise. The flue comprises an inner duct 60 and an outer duct 50.

[0032] The inner and outer ducts are concentrically arranged such that the ducts substantially extend along the length of the flue.

[0033] andshow a cross section of the fireplace ofand in particular shows the concentric arrangement of the inner flue 60 and the outer flue 50. What can also be noted is the lower part of the outer flue is fluidly connected with a first extraction region 55, while the inner flue 60 is connected with a second extraction region 65. A wall or baffle 40 extends from the ceiling of the firebox to divide the upper region of the firebox into the first and second regions. The wall may be of various shapes and contours as desired, its function being defined by the separation of fluid paths, in the upper region of the firebox, in fluid connection with either the inner or outer flue. The outer flue extraction region 55 is located proximate the upper region of the opening into the firebox.

[0034] shows an annotated diagram including fluid flow paths within the firebox being directed to the inner or outer flue. As is indicated by the fluid lines, the heated air in the outer duct rises to create a vacuum in the lower region of the outer duct and therefore the upper region of the firebox proximate the front opening. The vacuum sucks combustion gasses proximate the front opening away from the opening, up and out of the outer flue duct. In this way, leakage of exhaust gasses is substantially minimised or eliminated.

[0035] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims and the elements recited therein. In addition, while certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the invention in any available claim form.

Claims

A fireplace comprising:a firebox adapted for the burning of fuel material, the firebox comprising:at least one opening in the front face of the firebox extending from the exterior to the interior of the firebox,an upper region fluidly connected with a flue system;the flue system adapted to receive exhaust gasses from the firebox, the flue system comprising a first flue duct, and a second flue duct;wherein the upper region of the fire box comprises:a first opening located at or above the opening in the front face and fluidly connected with the first flue duct, anda second opening located behind the first opening and fluidly connected with the second flue duct.The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the first flue duct is concentrically arranged with the second duct for a substantial portion of the length of the duct.The fireplace of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first flue duct is arranged concentrically outward of the second flue duct.The fireplace of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the firebox further comprises a baffle extending from the ceiling and dividing the upper region of the firebox into at least two regions:a first region located at or above the opening in the front face and fluidly connected with the first flue duct, thereby defining the first opening; anda second region located behind (relative to the opening) the first region and fluidly connected with the second flue duct, thereby defining the second opening.A fireplace as shown any one of Figures 1 to 4.A fireplace as described in the accompanying detailed description.

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