US20040163637A1

US20040163637A1 - Protective wood burning stove screen

Info

Publication number: US20040163637A1
Application number: US10/371,937
Authority: US
Inventors: Frank Loughran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-20
Filing date: 2003-02-20
Publication date: 2004-08-26

Abstract

A protection screen panel for wood burning stoves. The screen panel has a frame, including a screen material. Extending from this frame are a number of legs terminating in feet. These feet having magnetic portions able to magnetically attach to a metal surface of the wood burning stove. This results in a provision of a spaced screen panel from the hot surfaces of the stove.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to safety devices, and more particularly relates to safety devices for inhibiting human contact with hot surfaces such as a hot woodstove.

2. Background Information

It is believed that hundreds, if not thousands of children, animals, and people are burned every year by touching hot stoves or other hot surfaces. As such, countless devices have been invented for the purpose of inhibiting, blocking or preventing the touching of hot surfaces by humans.

One example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,384 to Knutson. Knutson's barbeque grill housing apparatus is a cage able to be outfitted around a barbeque for preventing the touching of the grill structure by small children and the like.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,781 to Campbell is a safety apparatus for portable fuel burning heaters. Campbell shows a hinged container into which fuel burning heaters can be placed. In doing so, burns are prevented from individuals touching the heater, as well as the prevention of fires from flammable objects coming into contact with the heater's hot surfaces.

The stove shield patent to Nevin III, U.S. Design Pat. No. D267,267, shows a design of a stove shield, presumably utilized to shield access to a stove.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,647to Kollias et al. discloses a protective guard for an outdoor grill. The Kollias protective guard uses a support strip with a plurality of protective spars for surrounding a barbeque grill or kettle thereby preventing the accidental touching of hot grill surfaces.

What is needed is a device which is simple and easy to install and uninstall upon a stove, which serves to separate the hot stove from the protective device so that the protective device does not itself become hot, and which allows air to travel therethrough thereby allowing oxygen to be received by the stove and likewise allowing heat to be disseminated by the stove into the area being heated. The present invention solves these needs.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a child protection screen for a wood burning stove. Such a stove has at least two sides and a front having an opening therethrough which a user can supply or feed additional consumable material such as logs. Typically, a wood burning stove will have a front, a back, a first side, and a second side, as well as an exposed upper surface. The present invention can be utilized to protect any of said surfaces from contact by individuals and/or animals. However, it is most likely that such a stove will be freestanding with its backside adjacent a fireproof wall or other surface. In use with such a stove, it is likely that the present invention will be used to protect the front of the stove, as well as the two sides, with the stove top remaining uncovered. However, as previously discussed, one or more of such sides may be protected through use of the present invention.

The wood burning stove in question will be comprised at least partially of a ferromagnetic material. Ferromagnetic materials are those able to be attracted to magnets, include stoves made of iron.

The preferred protection screen comprises a front panel for protecting the front of the stove, and at least one side panel, preferably two, for keeping a child, animal or material from touching the stove's hot sides. Each side panel comprises a frame with each frame having at least a partial screen covering. This side frame having an inside which faces the stove side. Extending from the side frame are a number of legs. These legs extend away from the side frame inside. These legs terminate in feet, which preferably contain or comprise a magnetic portion able to magnetically attach the side frame to the side of the stove. In such a manner, the side panel or side panels are held a spaced distance from the stove's side surface.

The front panel is utilized as discussed above to keep a child, animal or other object from touching the side of the stove. This front panel comprises a front frame at least partially covered in a screened material. This front frame has a front frame inside which faces the stove front. It is preferred that the front panel attach to at least one of the side panels for support, however the front panel may comprise legs with magnetic feet as discussed supra.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description wherein I have shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. [0016]
FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. [0017]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. [0018]
FIG. 4 is a partial, perspective view of one manner of attachment of a third embodiment of the present invention.[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. [0020]
The present invention is a safety device for protecting individuals, animals, and/or flammable materials by preventing their contact with a hot surface. While this application's disclosure discusses this invention particularly with respect to keeping small children from touching hot wood burning stoves, the present invention's teachings can be applied to embodiments utilized with other areas and applications. For instance, in preventing children from touching hot appliances such as electric ranges, for preventing individuals from contacting not only hot surfaces, but also to keep them from contacting surfaces which may pose other dangers, such as electrocution risk, etc. [0021]
Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown is the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the [0022] invented safety device 10 is utilized on a freestanding woodstove 2. Such a freestanding woodstove 2 has a front 4, two sides 6, 8, and a back (not shown). More likely than not, such a stove will be exposed on at least three of the four sides. As such, the possibility of an individual accidentally, or carelessly touching the hot stove is great.
Such stoves are typically comprised at least partially of a ferromagnetic substance such as steel or iron. As such, a magnet is able to magnetically attach to such a typical wood burning stove. The present invention serves as a manner of screening animals, individuals, and flammable materials from contact with the hot stove surfaces. [0023]
Referring back to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the [0024] present invention 10 comprises three protection panels or screens, specifically a front screen 12, a first side screen 112, and a second side screen 212. In this embodiment, the first side screen 112 and the second side screen 212 will each have extending therefrom a plurality of legs 130 (230, not shown), preferably terminating in feet 140 (240, not shown). These feet 140 comprising one or more magnetized portions 142 (242, not shown). As such, these panels 112, 212 are configured to attach magnetically to the side 6, 8 of the wood burning stove 2 at a ferromagnetic portion of said stove. Typically, most portions of a wood burning stove are ferromagnetic.
In this embodiment, the [0025] front panel 12 does not have legs with magnetic feet for attaching to the wood burning stove. Instead, the front panel 12 is able to attach to the stove 2 through attachment to adjacent panels 112, 212. Such manner of attachment can be through any number of ways, including, but not limited to, magnets, friction fits, mechanical means, hinges, etc. The preferred manner of attachment is shown in FIG. 4, discussed later in this disclosure.
The [0026] front panel 12 comprising a frame 20 covered at least partially with a screen material 22. It is preferred that this screen material be some form of an open mesh allowing heat to radiate outwards from the stove without substantial impedance, while also allowing oxygen to pass therethrough for heating purposes. The preferred frame comprises tubular metal, with the mesh screen likewise comprising metal that has been welded or otherwise affixed to the frame. The front panel 12 comprising at least one connection 60 (60′) for allowing the front panel to connect with at least one side screen 112 (212). In the embodiment shown, the front panel 12 comprises a first connection 60 and a second connection 60′ for allowing the front panel to attach between the first and second side panels 112, 212. These connections 60, 60′ preferably as shown in FIG. 4 and described infra. The front panel 12 further comprising an inside 12 for facing the front side 4 of the stove 2.
The [0027] first side screen 112 comprising a frame 120 covered at least partially with a screen material 122. It is preferred that this screen material be some form of an open mesh allowing heat to radiate outwards from the stove without substantial impedance, while also allowing oxygen to pass therethrough for heating purposes. The preferred frame comprises tubular metal, with the mesh screen likewise comprising metal which has been welded or otherwise affixed to the frame. The first side screen/panel 112 further comprising an inside 112 for facing the first side 6 of the stove 2. As such, the panels of the present invention are spaced from the stove, thereby able to be cooled by air and providing a surface able to be touched without being burned (unlike the surface of the stove itself).
Extending away from said inside [0028] 112 are at least one, preferably four, legs 130. These legs 130 extending to feet 140. These feet 140 comprising magnetic portions 142. These magnetic portions 142 able to magnetically attach to ferromagnetic portions of the first side 6. The preferred feet 340 include large (four to six inch diameter) magnets. These magnets are used for attaching in between the leg and the stove at the ferromagnetic portion of the stove. In such a manner, the screen may be magnetically attached to the stove and likewise removed from the stove through a physicalforce pulling the screen away from the stove thereby breaking the magnetic bond between the magnet portion and the ferromagnetic material. It is preferred that these legs attach to and extend from the inside 112 of the frame 120. The preferred number of legs is four, one for each corner of the panel. However, other numbers and configurations of legs are also possible, including, but not limited to, the utilization of elongated legs which extend to a plurality of feet.
The [0029] second side screen 212 comprising a frame 220 covered at least partially with a screen material 222. It is preferred that this screen material be some form of an open mesh allowing heat to radiate outwards from the stove without substantial impedance, while also allowing oxygen to pass therethrough for heating purposes. The preferred frame comprises tubular metal, with the mesh screen likewise comprising metal which has been welded or otherwise affixed to the frame. The second side screen/panel 212 further comprising an inside 212 for facing the second side 8 of the stove 2.
Extending away from said inside [0030] 212 are at least one, preferably four, legs 230. These legs 230 extending to feet 240. These feet 240 comprising magnetic portions 242. These magnetic portions 242 able to magnetically attach to ferromagnetic portions of the second side 8. The preferred feet 340 include large (four to six inch diameter) magnets. These magnets are used for attaching in between the leg and the stove at the ferromagnetic portion of the stove. In such a manner, the screen may be magnetically attached to the stove and likewise removed from the stove through a physical force pulling the screen away from the stove thereby breaking the magnetic bond between the magnet portion and the ferromagnetic material. It is preferred that these legs attach to and extend from the inside 212 of the frame 220. The preferred number of legs is four, one for each corner of the panel. However, other numbers and configurations of legs are also possible, including, but not limited to, the utilization of elongated legs which extend to a plurality of feet.
In use, it is likely that the [0031] first side screen 112 and the second side screen 212 will be attached magnetically to the stove and typically left in that position, not being regularly removed. However, obviously the front panel 12 will typically need to be configured for removal, so that the stove can be maintained and so that additional fuel can be added to the stove. Thus, the hanging attachment is preferred over a magnetic attachment. In a less preferred embodiment, the front panel may be configured with a magnet style attachment of its own.
Additionally, it is preferred that a [0032] handle 50 or other means be provided on the front panel 12 thereby allowing the user to manipulate, attach, and detach the front panel to the side screens or panels. Likewise, the first side screen/panel and/or the second side screen/panel could be provided with such handles or other means. Such a handle would allow a user to grasp and move the panel. A typical example of such a handle would be of the type configured for remaining cool when located adjacent to a hot surface, such as the typical coiled handles known within the art, particularly with respect to the style of handles commonly utilized on fireplace doors.
Thus, in this embodiment, the [0033] front panel 12 directly attaches to the ends of both of the side panels 112, 212, thereby forming a cage like structure protecting access to the stove's hot surfaces. It is preferred that the front panel 12 attach to both of the side panels 112, 212 for support. However, it is also possible for the front panel 12 to connect to just one of the side panels 112 or 212.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the preferred manner of connection or [0034] attachment 60 utilized at each connection comprises a loop 64 located on the side panel 112. A hook 62 is then configured for engagement with this loop 64, being attached to the inside portion of the front panel 12 so that the front panel 12 can be mounted on a side panel 112 (or 212) through hooking the front panel on the side panel. In such an embodiment, a back panel may be likewise configured, could be configured in the aforementioned magnetic attachment structure, or may not be present at all. FIG. 4 shows a single manner of attachment 60. It is preferred that a corresponding manner of attachment would be provided on the other end of the front panel and on the other side panel. Other manners of attachment are expressly envisioned, including, but not limited to the following: brackets, friction fits, magnets, other hook and loop configurations, etc.
Referring now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the [0035] present invention 10′ is shown. This embodiment shows a panel 312 for protecting the front side 4 of the stove 2. In such an embodiment, the screen/panel 312 would have a frame 320 which is at least partially covered in a screen material 322. It is preferred that this screen material be some form of an open mesh allowing heat to radiate outwards from the stove without substantial impedance, while also allowing oxygen to pass therethrough for heating purposes.
The preferred [0036] frame 320 comprises tubular metal, with the mesh screen 322 likewise comprising metal which has been welded or otherwise affixed to the frame 320. This frame having an outside which would face outward into the room or location at which the stove is installed, as well as an inside which is configured to face the stove. Extending from this frame 320 are, preferably, a plurality of legs 330. It would be possible to utilize a single, solitary leg extending therefrom, but the preferred embodiment utilizes a plurality of legs. These legs 330 extend from the frame 320 away from the frame inside surface. In the preferred embodiment, these legs 330 attach to and extend from the frame 320 inside surface.
Each of these [0037] legs 330 extends to a foot 340 or other means of connecting the screen 312 to the stove 2. The preferred feet 340 include large (four to six inch diameter) magnets. These magnets are used for attaching in between the leg and the stove at the ferromagnetic portion of the stove. In such a manner, the screen may be magnetically attached to the stove and likewise removed from the stove through a physical force pulling the screen away from the stove thereby breaking the magnetic bond between the magnet portion and the ferromagnetic material. The preferred number of legs is four, one for each corner of the panel. However, other numbers and configurations of legs are also possible, including, but not limited to, the utilization of elongated legs which extend to a plurality of feet.
It is preferred that a [0038] handle 350 be provided on the screen panel 312 thereby allowing a user to grasp and move the panel 312. A typical example of such a handle 350 would be of the type configured for remaining cool when located adjacent to a hot surface, such as the typical coiled handles known within the art, particularly with respect to the style of handles commonly utilized on fireplace doors.
Within this disclosure, it is also envisioned that a plurality of panels with magnets could be utilized on the same stove. For instance, one panel could be applied on the back, one panel on each side, one panel on the front, and even one panel on the top and/or bottom. Thus, the present invention includes the use of one or more of such panels. Being attached through magnets, the panels of the present invention are inherently adjustable. [0039]
While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. [0040]

Claims

I claim:

1. A child protection screen panel for a wood burning stove, said stove having at least one side, said stove having at least one portion comprising a ferromagnetic material, said screen panel comprising:

a frame, said frame at least partially covered in a screen material, said frame having an inside, said inside configured to face said stove side;

a plurality of legs attaching to said frame, said legs extending away from said frame inside, each of said legs attaching to a foot; and

a plurality of feet, each foot attached to one of said legs, each foot having a magnetic portion configured to magnetically attach with said stove ferromagnetic material thereby allowing said screen panel to be attached to said stove and held generally spaced from said stove side.

2. The screen panel of claim 1, wherein the number of legs is four and the number of feet is four.

3. The screen panel of claim 1, further comprising a handle for removing the screen attaching to said frame.

4. A child protection screen for a wood burning stove, said stove having at least one stove side and a front having an opening therein for allowing combustible material to be fed into said stove, at least one portion of said stove made of a ferromagnetic material, said screen comprising:

a side panel for keeping a child from touching said stove side, said side panel comprising a side frame, said side frame at least partially covered with a screen material, said side frame having a side frame inside, said side frame inside configured to face said stove side, a plurality of legs attaching to said side frame, each of said legs extending away from said side frame inside, each of said legs attaching to a foot, each foot attaching to one of said legs, said feet having a magnetic portion configured to magnetically attach to said stove ferromagnetic material, whereby said side panel is held generally spaced relationship with regard to said stove side; and

a front panel for keeping a child from touching said front of said stove, said front panel comprising a front frame, said front frame at least partially covered with a screen material, said front frame having a front frame inside, said front frame inside for facing said stove front, said front panel configured to attach to said side panel.

5. The screen of claim 4, wherein said side panel has four legs and four feet.

6. The screen of claim 4, wherein said front panel comprises a plurality of front panel legs attaching to said front frame, each of said front panel legs extending away from said front frame inside, each of said front panel legs attaching to a front panel foot, each front panel foot attaching to one of said front panel legs, said front panel feet having a magnetic portion configured to magnetically attach to said stove ferromagnetic material, whereby said front panel is held generally spaced relationship with regard to said stove front.

7. The screen of claim 4, further comprising a handle for removing said front screen, said handle attaching to said front screen frame.

8. A child protection screen for a wood burning stove, said stove having at least two stove sides and a front having an opening therein for allowing combustible material to be fed into said stove, at least one portion of said stove made of a ferromagnetic material, said screen comprising:

a plurality of side panels for keeping a child from touching said stove sides, each of said side panels comprising:

a side frame, said side frame at least partially covered with a screen material, said side frame having a side frame inside, said side frame inside configured to face said stove side; a plurality of legs attaching to said side frame, each of said legs extending away from said side frame inside, each of said legs attaching to a foot, each foot attaching to one of said legs, said feet having a magnetic portion configured to magnetically attach to said stove ferromagnetic material, whereby said side panel is held generally spaced relationship with regard to said stove side; and

a front panel for keeping a child from touching said front of said stove, said front panel comprising a front frame, said front frame at least partially covered in a screen material, said front frame having a front frame inside, said front frame inside for facing said stove front, said front panel configured to attach to at least one of said side panels.

9. The screen of claim 8, wherein each of said side panels have four legs and four feet.

10. The screen of claim 8, wherein said front panel comprises a plurality of front panel legs attaching to said front frame, each of said front panel legs extending away from said front frame inside, each of said front panel legs attaching to a front panel foot, each front panel foot attaching to one of said front panel legs, said front panel feet having a magnetic portion configured to magnetically attach to said stove ferromagnetic material, whereby said front panel is held generally spaced relationship with regard to said stove front.

11. The screen of claim 4, further comprising a handle for removing said front screen, said handle attaching to said front screen frame.