WO2015013287A1 - Collapsible combustion container devices and associated methods - Google Patents
Collapsible combustion container devices and associated methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2015013287A1 WO2015013287A1 PCT/US2014/047635 US2014047635W WO2015013287A1 WO 2015013287 A1 WO2015013287 A1 WO 2015013287A1 US 2014047635 W US2014047635 W US 2014047635W WO 2015013287 A1 WO2015013287 A1 WO 2015013287A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- container
- hinge
- fuel
- vertical
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24B—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES FOR SOLID FUELS; IMPLEMENTS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH STOVES OR RANGES
- F24B3/00—Heaters not covered by group F24B1/00, e.g. charcoal braziers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J33/00—Camp cooking devices without integral heating means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
- A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
- A47J37/07—Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
- A47J2037/0777—Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues with foldable construction for storage or transport purposes
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to collapsible devices for containing a combustion reaction and methods for use thereof.
- Portable stoves and other devices that allow the preparation and containment of a fire or other manner of combustion are often used when camping or during times of an emergency. Such devices are useful for cooking, water purification, heat, as well as other numerous uses.
- the present disclosure provides collapsible combustion container devices that are capable of utilizing a variety of solid fuels and producing a significant heat output from a relatively small chamber size or area.
- Such devices are typically light weight, and capable of collapsing into a small (i.e. nearly flat) configuration for storage and portability.
- such a device can take the form of a combustion container that includes a plurality of vertically oriented panels joined by hinges and a plurality of hinge pins engaged in a plurality of the hinges.
- the hinge pins can be configured to form at least part of a base that supports the container, or at least part of a heating platform above the container, or both.
- at least two of the vertically oriented panels can contain fuel openings. Such fuel openings are configured to facilitate control of combustion within the container at a location where fuel inserted through one opening converges with or otherwise contacts fuel inserted from another opening.
- Implementations additionally include methods of controlling a size of a base and/or a heating platform of a collapsible combustion container and methods of controlling a location of combustion inside a combustion container.
- such methods include providing a container as recited herein, and actuating (i.e. rotating) an end of the hinge pins in the container in a manner selected to either expand or reduce a size of a base or a heating platform, or both.
- such methods include providing a container as recited herein and inserting fuel pieces through fuel openings in the container such that the fuel pieces from each opening converge at a location within the container that is the desired combustion location.
- FIG. 1 is a corner top perspective view of a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a corner top perspective view from a corner adjacent to the corner of FIG. 1, of a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a side view from a corner of a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of a combustion container in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG.7 is a side view showing a side adjacent to the side shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a side view showing a side adjacent to the side shown in FIG. 7 and across from the side shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a side view showing a side adjacent to the sides shown in Figs 6 and 8 and across from the side shown in FIG. 7 according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a top corner perspective view showing hinge pins rotated into a position that expands the base and heating platform of the device in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is a top side view showing hinge pins rotated into a position that expands the base and heating platform of the device in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is an additional top corner perspective view showing hinge pins rotated into a position that expands the base and heating platform of the device in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a bottom corner perspective view showing hinge pins rotated into a position that expands the base and heat platform of the device with the combustion plate folded flat against an inside of a vertical panel to which it is hingedly attached in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIGS. 14-18 show a method of collapsing a combustion container in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 19 shows a side view of a combustion container in a closed configuration in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 20 shows a bottom view of the device as collapsed in FIG. 19 according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 21 shows a top view of a combustion container with pieces of fuel inserted into the container through fuel openings and converging at a point in an overlapping or stacked manner in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 22 shows a top perspective view of the device and fuel as arranged in FIG. 21.
- FIG. 23 shows a top perspective view of the device in an embodiment which includes loop shaped feet.
- FIG. 24 illustrates a hinge pin having multiple portions.
- FIG. 25 illustrates an implementation of a hinge pin.
- FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate a variation of the hinge pin shown in FIG. 25.
- FIGS. 27A through 27D are diagrams that illustrate support pins according to an implementation.
- FIG. 28 is a diagram that illustrates coupling of the support pin shown in FIGS. 27A through 27D to a panel.
- FIG. 29 is a diagram that illustrates coupling of the support pin to the container in a closed configuration.
- FIG. 30 illustrates a grill plate according to an implementation.
- FIG. 31 is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of a blocking plate according to an implementation.
- FIG. 32 is a perspective view that illustrates the blocking plate shown in FIG. 31 coupled to a container.
- FIGS. 33A through 33C are diagrams that illustrate various views of another container.
- FIG. 34 is a diagram that illustrates another support pin.
- FIG. 35 is a diagram that illustrates a combustion plate with openings.
- FIG. 36 is a diagram that illustrates a view of the container shown in FIGS. 33A through 33 C.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a container 10 (which can be referred to as a collapsible combustion container) in accordance with one embodiment.
- the container 10 generally has a first pair of vertically oriented panels 20A, 20Bjoined to one another by a hinge 30A.
- a second pair of vertically oriented panels 20C, 20D is also joined by a hinge 30C.
- the panels of the first pair 20A, 20B may each have an equal width, or a substantially equal width
- the panels of the second pair 20C, 20D may each have an equal width or substantially equal width that is less than the width of the panels of the first pair 20.
- a third hinge 30B joins one panel from the first pair (e.g., panel 20B) to one panel of the second pair (e.g., panel 20C), and a fourth hinge 30D joins the other panel (e.g., panel 20A) from the first pair to the other panel (e.g., panel 20D) of the second pair such that the pairs of panels (20A through 20D) form a box shaped perimeter.
- the box shaped perimeter may generally have an outside or exterior surface 5 (which can be labeled A through D to correspond with the panels) and an inside or interior surface 6 (which can be labeled A through D to correspond with the panels).
- the interior surface defines a chamber 7 (also can be referred to as a container).
- the chamber 7 (or open space) created or defined within the interior surfaces 5 of the panels 20A through 20D are suitable for containing or housing a combustion reaction, such as a fire.
- the vertical direction is aligned along the direction of the hinges 30A through 30D (which can collectively be referred to as hinges 30).
- This direction is illustrated as direction Al or as direction A2 in FIG. 1.
- Direction Al is pointing toward a top (or cooking end) of the container 10 and direction A2 is pointing toward a bottom (or support end) of the container 10.
- a horizontal (or lateral) direction or plane is aligned substantially orthogonal to the directions Al, A2. These directions Al, A2 are shown in many of the various views.
- FIGS. 13-18 illustrate a sequence for collapsing the container 10 in accordance with one embodiment.
- the container 10 stands fully open (in an open configuration) with the combustion plate 100 raised and folded against vertical panel 20B, to which it is hingedly attached via hinge 110.
- a first step in collapsing the container 10 is to move the interior surfaces (e.g., 5C, 5D) of the second pair of panels 20C, 20D toward the interior surfaces (e.g., 5A, 5B) of the first pair of panels 20A, 20B, or alternatively, to move each pair of panels toward the other.
- panels 20B, 20C coupled via hinge 3 OB and panels 20A, 20D coupled via hinge 30D each rotate from an approximate 90 degree angle to an angle that is 30 degrees or less.
- the angles are labeled as Dl and D2 in FIGS. 13 and 14.
- panels 20A, 20B coupled via hinge 30A rotates from an approximate 90 degree angle to an angle of from 150 degrees to 180 degrees as do the panels 20C, 20D coupled via hinge 30C.
- These angles are labeled as D3 and D4 in FIGS. 13 and 14. Because of a relief space feature 80 (shown in at least FIG. 1), the angle D3 may not be the same as the angle D4. Similarly, the angle Dl may not be the same as the angle D2.
- the pairs of panels When moved far enough toward one another, the pairs of panels will eventually substantially contact one another.
- panel 20A from the first pair 20A, 20B will substantially contact (or will contact) panel 20D from the second pair 20C, 20D.
- the combustion plate 100 is disposed between the panel 20B and the panel 20C.
- the interior surface 5B of panel 20B (which can only be partially seen in this view through the combustion plate 100) may not contact the interior surface 5C of panel 20C.
- the hinges 30B and 30D can be referred to as being closed or in a closed configuration (also can be referred to as a collapsed configuration or state).
- the panels 20 and 40 are shown moved even closer together.
- FIG. 16 the second step in collapsing the container 10 is shown.
- each of the second pair of panels 20C, 20D is brought together so that the exterior surfaces 6C, 6D thereof move toward one another (along directions Gl, G2).
- Such motion now begins moving the hinge 30A from its previous 150 degree to 180 degree position to a closed position.
- hinge 40 is moved from its previous 180 degrees to a further obtuse angle which will eventually close when the hinge reaches an angle of approximately 27 degrees from its starting orientation.
- three hinges may be located substantially on the inside of the combustion container 10 and one hinge (e.g., hinge 30C) can be located substantially on the outside.
- FIG. 17 shows yet further progress in moving panels 20C, 20D toward one another.
- FIG. 18 shows the final collapsed configuration of the container with all hinges completely closed and the second pair of panels 20C, 20D held between the first pair of panels 20A, 20B and the outside surfaces 6C, 6D of each panel of the second pair 20C, 20D in substantial contact with one another so that in the collapsed configuration (or closed configuration), the container 10 will be flat with the first pair of panels 20A, 20B on the outside of (or disposed around) the second pair of panels 20C, 20D and being oriented substantially parallel to one another.
- FIG. 19 shows the combustion container 10 in a fully collapsed position (or closed configuration) and FIG. 20 provides a bottom view of the same.
- relief space feature 80 The ability of the container to be oriented into such a flat final collapsed position (or closed configuration) with the panels of the second pair held between the panels of the first pair is provided by relief space feature 80.
- FIG. 1 one example of such a feature is shown. Further, such feature is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6.
- the relief space feature 80 is a crease, or bend, or fold, created in one of the panels of the first pair 20A, 20B. As can be seen, the relief space feature 80 runs
- the relief space feature 80 has a bend of sufficient size to create a relief space that accommodates the entire thickness of the second pair of panels 20C, 20D, and in some embodiments the combustion plate 100.
- the amount of relief space needed can be selected in order to achieve a specific result as needed. For example, as the thickness of the panels of the second pair 20C, 20D vary, so can the amount of relief space provided. This can be achieved by controlling the angle and/or width of the crease or bend. Further, in some aspects, multiple creases or bends can be used.
- the relief space feature 80 may be located laterally at any desired point in the panel (e.g., panel 20B). However, in one aspect, it may be located between the middle of the panel (e.g., panel 20B) and the hinge (e.g., hinge 30A) joining the panels of the first pair 20A, 20B. In another aspect, the relief space feature 80 may be located at a location that substantially matches a location to which the hinge 30C joining the pair of second panels 20C, 20D extends between the first pair of panels 20A, 20B when the container is in a fully collapsed (or closed) orientation or configuration. This is true when one or multiple bends, creases, or folds are used to create the relief space feature 80.
- the relief space feature 80 may include multiple bends, folds, or creases in the same panel (e.g., only panel 20B) or adjacent panels (e.g., panel 20A and 20B). Each crease, bend, or fold runs the entire length (i.e. height) of the panel, and runs substantially parallel to a vertical edge thereof. The cumulative fold or bend of such feature will typically have a size that is cumulatively sufficient to create a relief space that accommodates the entire thickness of the folded panels of the second pair 20C, 20D. In some embodiments, one crease, bend, or fold may be located proximate to one hinge of a panel and a second crease, bend, or fold may be located proximate to the other hinge of the same panel.
- both panels of the first pair 20A, 20B may have relief space features that include two or more bends, creases, or folds as recited herein.
- both panels 20A, 20B may have a relief space feature adjacent to hinge 30A (i.e. one on each side of hinge 30A). Such creases or folds would be consistent with the other embodiments of relief space features recited herein.
- FIG. 2 is shown an optional combustion plate 100.
- Combustion plate 100 can be a surface upon which, or over which, the combustion reaction, such as a fire, may take place.
- the combustion plate 100 may be hingedly joined with the hinge 110 to one of the panels of either the first (e.g., 20A, 20B) or second pair (e.g., 20C, 20D), and in yet a further embodiment, the hinge 1 10 may allow the combustion plate 100 to pivot in an upward direction between the panels when the combustion container 10 is being collapsed for storage. In such a case, the combustion plate 100 will also fit into the relief space defined by the relief space feature 80 and the thickness of the relief space may be adjusted to accommodate the presence of the combustion plate 100.
- the combustion plate 100 may be attached either to a panel of the first pair 20A, 20B or a panel of the second pair 20C, 20D. In one specific embodiment, the combustion plate 100 may be attached to a panel of the first pair which has a relief space feature 80 therein. In another embodiment, the combustion plate 100 may be attached to a panel of the second pair 20C, 20D which folds up against the panel of the first pair 20A, 20B having the relief space feature 80 therein. In another embodiment, the combustion plate 100 may not fold between the panels when the container 10 is collapsed, but may fold toward an outside surface (e.g., one or more of the exterior surfaces 6A through 6D) thereof instead.
- an outside surface e.g., one or more of the exterior surfaces 6A through 6D
- the combustion plate 100 may have a non-square shape.
- each side of the combustion plate 100 can have a different length.
- At least one of the corners (e.g., two of the corners 175C, 175D shown in FIG. 4) of the combustion plate 100, on the hingedly coupled side of the combustion plate 100 can be, can have right angles (e.g., 90 degree angles, or substantially 90 degree angles) and the remaining corners 175A, 175B (shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 16) of the combustion plate 100 can define an acute angle or an obtuse angle.
- more than 3 corners of the combustion plate 100 can define an angle that is not a right angle.
- the one of the vertical panels 20A through 20D may have tabs 120 formed along thereof.
- the tabs 120 receive a swinging end 130 of the combustion plate 100 when it is deployed into a horizontal orientation (as shown in FIG. 2) for use.
- the tabs 120 may each be aligned along a plane non-parallel to (e.g., orthogonal to) a plane of the panels 20A through 20D.
- Such tabs may be located on the bottom of any of the vertical panels 20A through 20D.
- the tabs are located at the bottom of a panel (e.g., panel 20D) opposite a panel (e.g., panel 20B) to which the hinge 1 10 for actuating the combustion plate 100 is attached.
- the combustion plate 100 creates a flat surface extending across the bottom of the chamber 7 (e.g., open space or combustion space) of the container 10.
- the flat surface effectively forms the bottom of the box defined by the container 10 when in an open configuration and can then be used to support a combustion reaction, such as a fire or other form of combustion.
- Additional mechanisms such as ledges or tabs, slots, grooves, etc. can be used to catch and engage the swinging edge (non-hinged side) of the combustion plate 100.
- the combustion plate 100 includes a plurality of apertures or holes therein for the purposes of ventilation.
- combustion plate 100 need not be fixed in position, or located only along the bottom edge of one panel as shown. Rather, the plate can be positioned at any height within the open space of the container 10 and can be either permanently or temporarily fastened therein, for example by providing ledges or slots or grooves into on which the combustion plate 100 can rest.
- the combustion plate 100 may not be hingedly affixed to the bottom edge of any of the panels 20A through 20D at all, but rather multiple or more than one of the panels 20A through 20D may have tabs 120 and the combustion plate 100 may merely rest on top thereof.
- an ash tray (not shown in FIGS. 1-23) may be used to collect ashes or other debris falling from the combustion plate 100.
- the ash tray is a solid sheet of material that is combustion proof or fire proof, such as the metal material of the rest of the container unit.
- the ash tray is substantially flat, and may in some embodiments have upwardly curling edges on opposing ends thereof. Such ends facilitate or ease the ability of a user to grasp the ash tray when placed on the ground or other flat surface.
- the ash tray may have a handle or other features which allow its handling when hot. The ash tray may in some embodiments engage the combustion container below the combustion plate and be effectively suspended above the ground.
- the ash tray may rest on protrusions or non-vertical segments of the hinge pins. In other embodiments, the ash tray may simply rest on the ground underneath the combustion container. More details related to the ash tray are described in connection with at least FIG. 33A
- hinges 30A, 30C, 30B, and 30D joining the plurality of panels 20A through 20D use hinge pins 130.
- the hinge pins 130 (or portions thereof) can be labeled or referred to in correspondence with the hinges 30A through 30D.
- the hinge pin 130 (or portions thereof) associated with hinge 30A can be referred to as hinge pin 13 OA.
- Portions of the panels 20A through 20D define one or more a sleeves (also can be referred to as a knuckle) (e.g., sleeve 33C) having an opening (e.g., opening 32C) through which the hinge pins 130 (e.g., a body portion of the hinge pins 130) can be inserted to define the hinges 30A through 30D.
- a sleeves also can be referred to as a knuckle
- sleeve 33C having an opening (e.g., opening 32C) through which the hinge pins 130 (e.g., a body portion of the hinge pins 130) can be inserted to define the hinges 30A through 30D.
- the hinge pins 130 generally include a straight vertical segment (e.g., a body segment or portion) which runs through or functions as part of the hinges 30A through 30D. However, in some embodiments, such hinge pins 130 may include one or more non-vertical segments in order to increase the use and function of the hinge pins 130 beyond their role of simply aiding the hinges 3 OA through 30D in holding the panels 20A through 20D together.
- the hinge pins 130 can be configured to form at least part of, or all of, a base that supports the combustion container. As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, one or more of the hinge pins 130 can each include one or more non-vertical segments 140 (which can be referred to as support segments) below the container 10.
- the hinge pin 130A includes a non-vertical segment 140A.
- the non-vertical segment 140A is shown as a bend in the hinge pin 13 OA.
- Such non-vertical segments may be used to hold the container above, for example, a ground, and in some embodiments the height above the ground may be a predetermined height based on the location of the non-vertical segment 140.
- the non- vertical segment may take the form of a knob, protrusion, bump, etc., which is of sufficient to hold the container 10 above the ground, for example, by allowing the hinges 30 (e.g., a bottom surface of hinge 30A) of the container 10 to rest on the non-vertical segments 140 (e.g., non-vertical segment 140A).
- the hinge pins 130 can include one or more additional non-vertical segments 150 (which can be referred to as base segments or lower non-vertical segments) which may be aligned parallel to (or substantially parallel to) a bottom of the container 10 (or panels 20A through 20D thereof).
- non-vertical segments 150 may form "feet" which are a part of a base upon which the container 10 or box rests. While the feet may take nearly any form, size, or shape that is convenient or desired, in some aspects, such non- vertical segments may be a bend of about 90 degrees in the hinge pins 130. As shown in FIG. 6, one specific configuration for the non-vertical segments 150 (e.g., non-vertical segment 150A) is as a substantially straight segment or line (orthogonal to other portions of the hinge pins 130). For example, the non-vertical segment 150A can be aligned orthogonal to a portion of the hinge pin 13 OA disposed within the hinge 3 OA.
- the non- vertical segments 150A through 150D can be disposed within or aligned along a horizontal plane PI orthogonal to the vertical directions Al, A2. In some implementations, less than all of the non-vertical segments 150A through 150D can be disposed within or aligned along the horizontal plane P 1.
- the non-vertical segments 150 can have a square shape, a curved shape, a looped shape, and so forth. In some implementations one or more of the non-vertical segments 150 can have different shapes. For example, although not shown, the non-vertical segment 150A can have a first shape (e.g., a loop shape) and the non-vertical segment 150B can be a straight segment.
- first shape e.g., a loop shape
- the non- vertical segments 150 may take the form of a loop. Such configurations are useful for securing the combustion container 10 to the ground or other soft surface with stakes or pins, etc.
- the container 10 when using the container 10 in an outdoor setting it may be useful to utilize tent stakes inserted through the loops of the non-vertical segments 150 to secure the container to the ground. In this manner a greater amount of stability may be obtained when placing cookware on the heating platform that are of a moderate to large size.
- the overall length of the hinge pins 130 may be selected in order to achieve any specifically desired effect or utility, such as varying the height above the ground at which the combustion container 10 is held.
- the hinge pins 130 may additional form a portion or all of a heating platform (or heating support platform) above the container 10.
- the hinge pins 130 may extend past the top of the container 10 (or the panels 20A through 20D thereof) and have a non- vertical segment 160 disposed above the container 10 (or the panels 20A through 20D thereof).
- the non-vertical segments 160 can be referred to as platform segments or as upper non-vertical segments.
- the non-vertical segments 160 disposed above the container 10 may form a portion, or all of, a heating platform above the container 10. Nearly any shape or configuration suitable to form part of, or the entire heating platform may be used for the non- vertical segments 160.
- the non-vertical segments 160 may be or define a bend of about 90 degrees.
- the non-vertical segment 160A can be aligned orthogonal to (or substantially orthogonal to) a portion of the hinge pin 130A disposed within the hinge 30A.
- the non-vertical segments 160A through 160D can be disposed within or aligned along a horizontal plane P2 orthogonal to the vertical directions Al, A2.
- the non-vertical segments 160 disposed above the container 10 may form a portion, or all of, a heating platform above the container 10.
- less than all of the non-vertical segments 160A through 160D can be disposed within or aligned along the horizontal plane P2.
- the non-vertical segments 160 can have a square shape, a curved shape, a looped shape, and so forth. In some implementations one or more of the non-vertical segments 160 can have different shapes. For example, although not shown, the non-vertical segment 160A can have a first shape (e.g., a loop shape) and the non-vertical segment 160B can be a straight segment.
- first shape e.g., a loop shape
- the hinge pins 130 can be defined using multiple pieces which are coupled together somewhere inside the hinges 30. However, in other words, in other words
- each of the hinge pins 130 can be single piece (or monolithic component) running through the entirety of each respective hinge 30. Having the hinge pins 130 as single piece provides the convenience of allowing actuation of one end of the hinge pin 130 simultaneously turning the other end. For example, non-vertical segment 160A is rotated axially around a portion of the hinge pin 130A disposed within the hinge 30A when non- vertical segment 150A is rotated. In some implementations, each of the hinge pins 130 can be configured to rotate 360 degrees (or less) within their respective hinges 30.
- the various portions of the hinge pins 130 are disposed within a single plane.
- the non-vertical segment 140A i.e., support segment 140A
- the non-vertical segment 150A i.e., base segment 150A
- the non-vertical segment 160A i.e., platform segment
- the non-vertical segment 140A, the non-vertical segment 150A, and the non-vertical segment 160A may be disposed within or aligned along different planes.
- non-vertical segment 160A and/or non- vertical segment 140A may be aligned along a line (or a within a plane) that is non-parallel to (e.g., orthogonal to) a line (or within a plane) along which the non- vertical segment 150A is aligned.
- Various views of hinge pins are illustrated in FIGS. 25 through 26B.
- FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of the hinge pin 130A.
- the hinge pin 130A the non-vertical segment 140A (i.e., support segment 140A), the non- vertical segment 150A (i.e., base segment 150A), and the non-vertical segment 160A (i.e., platform segment).
- the non-vertical segment 150A is disposed between non-vertical segment 140A and non- vertical segment 160A.
- the non-vertical segment 150A is disposed to one side (within a medial portion) of a mid-point X along the hinge pin 130A.
- the features of the non- vertical segments 140A, 150A, 160A may be entirely disposed within or aligned along a plane (not shown).
- one or more of the non- vertical segments 140A, 150A, 160A may be rotated axially such that one or more features of the hinge pin 130A may not be disposed within or aligned along a single plane.
- FIG. 26A Such an implementation is illustrated in FIG. 26A.
- the non-vertical segment 140A is rotated 90° with respect to the non- vertical segment 160A (rotated about an axis aligned along the hinge pin 130A).
- a view of the hinge pin 130A from direction Y is illustrated in FIG. 26B.
- one or more of the non-vertical segments 140A through 160A may be rotated axially (about an axis along the hinge pin 130A).
- the upper non- vertical segments 160 of the hinge pins 130 and the lower non-vertical segments of the hinge pins 150 are oriented to face substantially inwardly toward a center of the container.
- the heating platform formed by the upper non-vertical segments 160 is suitable for small cooking implements, such as pots or pans to rest thereon.
- the upper non-vertical segments 160 are rotated to orient substantially outward from the center of the container. Such an orientation expands the size of the heating platform and is suitable to accommodate larger cookware.
- the lower non-vertical segments 150 are also oriented substantially away from a center of the container.
- both the heating platform and base may be effectively expanded or reduced in size simultaneously by simply actuating one end of each hinge pin.
- FIG. 9 a surface area defined by an outer perimeter OP2 defined by the non- vertical segments 160 when rotated in a second configuration (an outward facing configuration) as shown in FIG. 12.
- a surface area defined by an outer perimeter OP3 defined by the non- vertical segments 150 when rotated in a first configuration (an inward facing configuration) as shown in FIG. 9 is smaller than a surface area defined by an outer perimeter OP4 defined by the non-vertical segments 160 when rotated in a second configuration (an outward facing configuration) as shown in FIG. 12.
- the upper and lower non-vertical segments 150 and 160 of the hinge pins 130 are of substantially equal length past the 90 degree bend.
- the length of each hinge pin 130 (or hinge pin portion) extending past the 90 degree bend can be of any desired length (e.g., length NV1 and/or length NV2 shown in FIG. 8).
- one or more of the lower non- vertical segments 150 e.g., length NV2
- one or more of the upper non- vertical segments 160 may be longer than one or more of the upper non- vertical segments 160 (e.g., length NV1).
- one or more of the upper non-vertical segments 160 may be longer than one or more of the lower non-vertical segments 150 (e.g., length V2).
- all of the upper non-vertical segments 160 may be of substantially the same length, while in other embodiments two or more of the upper non- vertical segments 160 may be different lengths.
- all of the lower non-vertical segments 150 may be of substantially the same length, while in other embodiments two or more of the lower non-vertical segments 150 may be different lengths.
- One additional advantage posed by the container devices described herein is the ability to adjust the distance between the container 10 (or the panels 20A through 20D) thereof and the heating platform defined by the non-vertical segments 160.
- the top portion of the hinge pin which engages the top of the hinge and also aids in creation of a portion of, or the entire heating platform may be varied in its length.
- different top hinge pin portions 201A, 201B having different lengths e.g., lengths Tl, T2
- a user can select a given length of the top hinge pin portion in order to establish the distance desired between a top of one or more panels (e.g., panels 20A through 20D) of a container (e.g., container 10) and the heating platform (e.g., heating platform defined by the non- vertical segments 160).
- a hinge pin of desired length may be selected for each hinge 240 including one of the top hinge pin portions 201A, 201B and as the container is assembled and can be engaged (e.g., coupled) with a bottom hinge portion 202 within (or outside of (e.g., above, below)) the hinge 240.
- the top hinge pin portion 201A may be inserted into a first side (e.g., top side) of the hinge 240.
- this top hinge pin portion 201 A will be moved (e.g., forced, moved downward) until it meets, or substantially meets the bottom hinge pin portion 202 which may likewise be inserted into a second side (e.g., a bottom side) of the hinge and moved (e.g., forced, moved upwards).
- the height (or distance) of the container 10 (or panels 20A through 20D thereof) relative to the heating platform (e.g., heating platform defined by the non-vertical segments 160) may be adjusted by simply sliding one or more of the panels 20A through 20D of the container 10 along (e.g., up, down) the hinge pins 130 toward the upper non-vertical segments 160 (or toward the lower non- vertical segments 150 and/or non-vertical segments 140) until the desired distance between the top (e.g., top of one or more of the panels 20A through 20D) of the container 10 and the upper non-vertical segments 160 is achieved.
- the container 10 may be held in place at a specific height or distance from the upper non-vertical segments 160 by a mechanism (e.g., a stop mechanism) for so doing.
- a mechanism e.g., a stop mechanism
- a clip, band, or other mechanism capable of fastening to, or gripping, one or more of the hinge pins 130 below the container 10 can be used in order to prevent the container 10 from slipping back down the hinge pins 130 from its raised position.
- the hinge pins 130 themselves may be configured with a shape or function (which can be referred to as a releasable stop mechanism) (not shown), such as a depressible spring button, etc. that may function as a stop against which the bottom of one or more of the hinges 30 will rest so as to keep the container 10 (or panels 20A through 20D thereof) from moving in an undesirable direction (e.g., slipping back down) along one or more of the hinge pins 130.
- a shape or function which can be referred to as a releasable stop mechanism
- a depressible spring button etc.
- the simple friction fit between an interior of one or more of the hinges 30 and one or more of the hinge pins 130 may provide sufficient force to prevent the container 10 from moving (e.g., sliding back down) the hinge pin(s) 130 after the container 10 has been elevated toward the heating platform.
- the container 10 can be inverted so that the heating platform (or the non-vertical segments 160) functions the base and the base (or the non-vertical segments 150) functions as the heating platform.
- the upper non- vertical segments 160 of the hinge pins 130 can function as a stop below which the panels 20A through 20D of the container 10 may not move.
- the combustion plate 100 With the combustion plate 100 in a retracted configuration against the side wall as shown in FIG. 13, the container 10 can still be used to contain combustion and use of the combustion can be made by mounting an object on the lower non-vertical segments 150, which now act as the heating platform.
- Any number of additional mechanisms for providing the present devices with an ability to fix the height of the panels 20A through 20D of the container 10 at a given point along the hinge pins 130 can be utilized.
- one or more of the vertical panels 20A through 20D may include fuel openings 170.
- fuel openings 170 are different from mere ventilation openings, such as openings 180, as the fuel openings 170 are useful for the insertion of fuel into the container 10.
- ventilation openings 180 are not of a sufficient size to realistically accomplish insertion of an amount of fuel sufficient to feed and maintain a significant combustion reaction or event.
- the fuel openings 170 can be labeled or referred to by the panel in which the fuel opening is included.
- the fuel opening 170 included in panel 20D can be referred to as fuel opening 170D.
- the shape and size of the fuel openings 170 may vary greatly depending on the desired operation and effect. As shown in the figures, the fuel openings 170 are oval in shape. However, any other geometric shape may be used as desired including square, rectangle, arcuate, circular, etc. Moreover, the size (e.g., area, profile or shape) of one or more of the fuel openings 170 can be altered as desired. In some aspects, one or more of the fuel openings 170 may have a fully closed perimeter (or profile) within one or more of the panels 20A through 20D and in other embodiments one or more of the fuel openings 170 may have an open perimeter in one or more of the panels 20A through 20D. In this latter embodiment, the fuel opening 170 would extend past an edge of the panel in which it is disposed.
- one, two, three, or four of the panels 20A through 20D may have a fuel opening (e.g., fuel openings 170).
- a fuel opening e.g., fuel openings 170
- all or less than all of the panels can have fuel openings (e.g., fuel openings 170).
- the fuel openings 170 may be arranged on adjacent panels.
- the panel 20C includes fuel opening 170C and the panel 20D, which is joined with panel 20C by hinge 30C, includes fuel opening 170D.
- the fuel openings may be located on opposite panels (e.g., panel 20D and panel 20B, panel 20A and panel 20C.
- the locations of fuel openings can be a different heights within the container 10.
- the fuel openings 170 may be located at different heights above the bottoms of the respective panels 20C, 20D.
- a bottom edge 172D of fuel opening 170D can be a different vertical height (or orientation) (within a different horizontal plane) from a bottom (or top) of the panel 20D (or panel 20C) than a vertical height (or orientation) of a bottom edge 172C of fuel opening 170C from a bottom (or top) of the panel 20C (or panel 20D).
- a top edge 17 ID of fuel opening 170D can be a different vertical height (within a different horizontal plane) from a bottom (or top) of the panel 20D (or panel 20C) than a top edge 171C of fuel opening 170C is vertically oriented from a bottom (or top) of the panel 20C (or panel 20D).
- a bottom edge 172D of fuel opening 170D can be vertically disposed above (e.g., above a horizontal plane) or below a top edge 171C of fuel opening 170C.
- fuel openings e.g., fuel openings 170
- top edges, bottom edges may be located at substantially the same height above the bottoms of the panels 20A through 20D within which they are respectively disposed.
- one or more fuel openings may be aligned vertically along a midpoint or horizontal centerline of one or more of the panels 20A through 20D.
- Fuel openings may be located at any desired lateral location on the panels 20A through 20D.
- the fuel openings 170C, 170D are centered at a location away from the hinge 30C that joins the panels 20C, 20D. As shown in FIG.
- fuel opening 170C (e.g., a center or centerline of the fuel opening 170C) is offset from a centerline Rl (e.g., vertical centerline) of the panel 20C in a direction away from hinge 30C
- fuel opening 170D (e.g., a center or centerline of the fuel opening 170D) is offset from a centerline R2 of the panel 20D in a direction away from the same hinge— hinge 30C.
- an area of the fuel opening 170C a first side (e.g., left side) of the centerline Rl is less than an area of the fuel opening 170C on a second side (e.g., right side) of the centerline Rl
- an area of the fuel opening 170D a first side (e.g., left side) of the centerline R2 is greater than an area of the fuel opening 170D on a second side (e.g., right side) of the centerline R2.
- the fuel openings 170C, 170D they may be located closer to (e.g., offset from the centerlines Rl, R2 toward) the hinge 30C adjoining the panels 20C, 20D. Accordingly, the majority of the area of the openings on one or the other side of the centerlines Rl, R2 may be different.
- a first fuel opening may be offset from a centerline of a panel and a second fuel opening may aligned along a centerline of a panel.
- one or more of the fuel openings can be centered about a centerline of one
- the location of fuel opening on each panel may be coordinated to work in cooperation with a fuel opening on a different panel.
- a single panel may have multiple fuel openings or may exclude a fuel opening and/or a ventilation opening.
- a ventilation opening may be on a panel opposite a panel including a fuel opening.
- the fuel opening 170D is in panel 20D, which is opposite (on an opposite of the container 10) from ventilation openings 180B included in panel 20B. Accordingly, the fuel opening 170D faces the ventilation openings 180B (when the container 10 is an open configuration).
- the fuel opening 170C is in panel 20C, which is opposite (on an opposite of the container 10) from ventilation openings 180A included in panel 20A. Accordingly, the fuel opening 170C faces the ventilation openings 180A (when the container 10 is an open configuration).
- ventilation openings can be on opposite or opposing panels.
- fuel openings can be included in opposite or opposing panels.
- the ventilation openings and/or the fuel openings can be offset from vertical planes (vertical planes SI and S2, which divide the container 10 into four quadrants Ql through Q4 when viewed from above) through a midpoint (e.g., an approximate midpoint) of the container 10.
- the fuel opening 170D and the ventilation openings 180B are centered at a location that is offset from the vertical plane S2 rather than being centered about the vertical plane S2 (which can be through a center or horizontal midpoint of the planes 20B and 20D).
- a greater number or area (e.g., collective area) of ventilation openings 180B are on a first side of the vertical plane S2 than on a second side of the vertical plane S2, and a greater area of the fuel opening 170D is on the first side of the vertical plan S2 than on the second side of the vertical plane S2.
- the fuel opening 170C and the ventilation openings 180A are centered at a location that is offset from the vertical plane S 1 rather than being centered about the vertical plane S 1 (which can be through a center or horizontal midpoint of the planes 20A and 20C).
- a greater number or area (e.g., collective area) of ventilation openings 180A are on a first side of the vertical plane SI than on a second side of the vertical plane SI, and a greater area of the fuel opening 170C is on the first side of the vertical plan SI than on the second side of the vertical plane SI .
- the area (or collective area) associated with the fuel openings and/or ventilation openings can be divided across one or more planes (e.g., plane SI, plane S2).
- the fuel openings 170C, 170D can have a size (or area) that is greater than a size (or area) of each of the ventilation openings 180A, 180B.
- the fuel opening 170C can have an area that is at least 2 times (e.g., 3 times, 4 times) larger than an area of one of the ventilation openings 180A.
- one or more of the fuel openings can have an area that is greater than, equal to, or smaller than a collective area of all of the ventilation openings included in a panel.
- the fuel opening 170C in panel 20C can have an area that is greater than or equal to a collective area of all of the ventilation openings 180A included in the panel 20A.
- the combustion container 10 is shown with pieces of fuel 190 inserted through fuel openings 170 and converging at a desired location within the container 10 (when the container 10 is an open configuration).
- the selected convergence point (or intersection) is near a corner or quadrant of the container that includes ventilation openings 180.
- the selected convergence point for the fuel may be at any desired location within the container 10.
- the container 10 when viewed from above can be divided into quadrants Ql through Q4 by planes SI and S2 (as described in connection with FIG. 3).
- a majority of an overlap or intersection of a projection of an area of the ventilation opening 170C as a volume into the chamber 7 of the container 10 and a projection of an area of the ventilation opening 170D as a volume into the chamber 7 of the container 10 is in quadrant Ql .
- a majority of the ventilation openings 180A, 180B are also located in the quadrant Q l.
- fuel openings 170 can be located at nearly any desired spot on a panel and further fuel openings can be specifically located at spots or locations on each panel (e.g., panels 20A through 20D) that allow the fuel openings to work together or work together more effectively in creating a convergence point for the fuel pieces 190.
- one fuel opening is higher than the other.
- one fuel opening is further away from the bottom of its panel than the other opening as described above. This tiered configuration is helpful in achieving the convergence of the fuel pieces in a stacked arrangement.
- each fuel opening e.g., fuel opening 170C, 170D
- the fuel pieces rest on the bottom edge (e.g., bottom edge 172C, bottom edge 172D) of each fuel opening (e.g., fuel opening 170C, 170D) while inserted into the container 10.
- the bottom edges of each opening at different heights, the vertically stacked convergence is more easily created and maintained as the top fuel pieces need not rest on the bottom fuel pieces to the same degree that would be required if the fuel openings 170 were at the same height.
- the converging ends of the fuel pieces need not rest on or touch one another at all, but are full supported by bottom edge of the fuel openings 170.
- some embodiments allow fuel pieces 190 to extend into the container 10 and create the vertical stacked arrangement while a portion of the fuel pieces 190 remain outside of the container 10.
- the ends of the fuel pieces 190 in the container 10 may be combusted while the portions outside the container 10 are not combusted.
- new fuel may be advanced into the container 10 by merely pushing the fuel pieces 190 forward into the container 10 by using the portions outside the container 10. In this way, a combustion or burn event may be sustained for a much longer amount of time as compared to merely using fuel that is placed entirely inside of the container 10 all at once.
- the bottom edge (e.g., bottom edge 172C, bottom edge 172D) of the fuel openings 170 act as an effective fulcrum for the fuel pieces 190 and having the fuel openings 170 at different heights greatly aids in achieving the overlapping or vertical stacking arrangement desired.
- fuel openings 170 on a single panel at different heights.
- such fuel openings 170 can be coordinated with fuel openings 170 in other panels in order to achieve a specifically desired convergence, or vertical stacked arrangement of the fuel (e.g., fuel pieces 190) inside the container 10.
- FIGS. 27A and 27B are diagrams that illustrate support pins 190A, 190B coupled to the container 10 according to an implementation.
- the support pins 190A, 190B are coupled to the container 10 via openings 15A through 15D (which can be referred to as support pin openings).
- support pin 190A has a first portion disposed within the opening 15B (included in panel 20B) and has a second portion disposed within the opening 15C (included in panel 20C).
- Support pin 190B has a first portion disposed within the opening 15A (included in panel 20A) and has a second portion disposed within the opening 15D (included in panel 20D).
- the support pins 190A, 190B are aligned non-parallel to the panels 20A through 20D when the container is in the open configuration.
- the support pins 190A, 190B are each aligned diagonally within the box- shaped container 10 when the container is in the open configuration.
- the support pin 190A is aligned along a line that intersects panel 20B and panel 20C and the container 10 is in an open configuration.
- the support pin 190A can define an angle of approximately 45° with a plane aligned along one or more of the panels 20A, 20B. in some implementations, the angle can be greater 45° or less than 45°.
- FIGS. 27B through 27D are diagrams that illustrate various views of the support pin 190A.
- the support pin 190A includes a retention portion 191 A on a first end and includes a retention portion 192A on a second end opposite the first end.
- the support pin 190A includes a medial portion 193 A disposed between the retention portions 191A, 192A.
- the support pin 190A can be referred to as a hooked pin.
- the retention portions 191A, 192A can be used to maintain the support pin 190A within the container 10.
- the retention portion 192A can be inserted into the opening 15C, and the support pin 190A can be moved through the opening 15C until the retention portion 192 A can be then inserted into and moved through the opening 15B.
- the retention portion 192A can be disposed outside of the exterior surface 5B of the panel 20B such that the panel 20B is disposed between the retention portion 192A and the medial portion 193 A of the support pin 190A.
- the retention portion 191A can be disposed outside of the exterior surface 5C of the panel 20C such that the panel 20C is disposed between the retention portion 191A and the medial portion 193 A of the support pin 190A.
- the retention portion 192A of the support pin 190A includes an extension portion 195 A that extends in a direction that is orthogonal to (or approximately orthogonal to) the medial portion 193 A of the support pin 190A. Accordingly, after the support pin 190A has been inserted through the openings 15 A, 15B, the extension portion 195A can be aligned based on the orientation of the container 10 and in response to gravity (e.g., in a downward direction along direction A2 for example).
- the support pin 190B (whocn in FIG. 27A) has an orientation with an extension portion (not labeled) that extends in a vertical direction along direction A2.
- the retention portion 191A of the support pin 190A includes a hook shape.
- the hook shape of the retention portion 191A may prevent the retention portion 191A from being inserted into or moved through one or more of the openings 15 A, 15B in an undesirable fashion when the support pin 190A is coupled to the container 10.
- the features of the retention portion 191 A and the features of the retention portion 192A are defined so that the support pin 190A may be entirely disposed within or aligned along two planes.
- the retention portion 191 A is rotated (or disposed) axially around the medial portion 193 A with respect to the retention portion 192 A such that the retention portions 191 A, 192A of the support pin 190A are disposed within or aligned along different planes.
- the retention portion 191A is aligned along or disposed within plane Ml, which is also aligned along the medial portion 193A between the retention portions 191A, 192A.
- plane Ml which is also aligned along the medial portion 193A between the retention portions 191A, 192A.
- the retention portion 191 A is aligned along or disposed within plane M2, which is orthogonal to plane Ml and which is also aligned along the medial portion 193 A between the retention portions 191 A, 192 A.
- FIG. 27D which is viewed from direction N shown in FIG. 27B, illustrates that the retention portion 191 A and 192A are orthogonally aligned along planes M2 and Ml respectively.
- the angle between the retention portion 191A and the retention portion 192A can be non-orthogonal (e.g., an obtuse angle, an acute angle).
- the retention portion 191 A and the retention portion 192A can be aligned along non-orthogonal planes.
- one or more of the retention portions 191 A, 192A may be rotated (or disposed) axially around the medial portion 193 A such that one or more features of the support pin 190A may be disposed within or aligned along a single plane.
- the shape of the support pin 190A facilitates coupling of the support pin 190A to one or more of the panels 20A through 20D when the support pin 190A is not in use as a support member.
- the support pin 190A can be coupled to a panel 20 (e.g., panel 20C).
- the retention portion 191A is coupled to a first end portion 20-1 of the panel 20 or disposed around a first edge of the panel 20 such that the panel 20 is disposed between a first portion of the retention portion 191 A and a second portion of the retention portion 191A.
- the retention portion 191A is coupled to the first end portion 20-1 of the panel 20, the retention portion 192A is disposed on a second end portion 20-2 of the panel 20 (e.g., below a second edge of the second end portion 20-2). Because the retention portions 191 A, 192A are orthogonally aligned, the retention portion 191A is disposed around the first end portion of the panel 20-1 and the retention portion 192A is aligned with the panel 20 (aligned along a same plane or parallel to a plane of the panel 20). If the panel 20 includes a tab 120, the tab 120 may engage with or contact the extension portion 195 A of the retention portion 192A to prevent undesirable movement along direction Al. The coupling of the retention portion 191 A with the panel 20 prevents undesirable (e.g., significant) movement of the retention portion 191A along direction A2.
- the shape of the support pin 190A can enable coupled of the support pin 190A to the container 10 when the container is in a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 29.
- the support pin 190A is coupled to the panel 20A.
- the retention portion 191 A of the support pin 190A is coupled to a top end portion of the panel 20A (substantially preventing vertical movement along direction A2) and the retention portion 192A is coupled to a bottom end portion of the panel 20A.
- the retention portion 192 A is disposed adjacent the tab 120 so that the retention portion 192 A engages the tab 120 to substantially prevent vertical movement along direction Al .
- the support pin 190A is disposed between at least two of the panels in the closed configuration of the container 10. In some implementations, multiple support pins may be coupled to the container 10 when the container 10 is in the closed configuration.
- the retention portions 191A, 192A can have different shapes than shown in FIG. 27B.
- One or more of the retention portions 191 A, 192A can have a shape that enabled movement of the one or more of the retention portions 191 A, 192A through one or more of the openings 15B, 15C.
- the retention portion 191 A can have a same shape as the retention portion 192A.
- the support pin 190A can have a same shape or a different shape as the support pin 190B.
- the support pins 190A, 190B when coupled to the container 10, may not only provide structural rigidity for the container 10, but can also be used to support a variety of accessories including a burner (e.g., a Trangia burner, a butane burner), a grill plate, and/or so forth. At least a portion of an accessory may be disposed between or disposed on (e.g., disposed on top of) one or more of the support pins 190A, 190B.
- a burner e.g., a Trangia burner, a butane burner
- a grill plate e.g., a grill plate
- At least a first portion of the burner may be disposed between the support pins 190A, 190B, and a second portion of the burner may be disposed on top of one or more of the support pins 190A, 190B.
- the burner may have one or more clips configured to be coupled to one or more of the support pins 190A, 190B.
- portions of the accessories such as a hose of a burner, may be moved through one or more of the ventilation openings 180 and/or the fuel openings 170.
- An example of a grill plate accessory that can be supported by the support pins 190A, 190B is shown in FIG. 30.
- FIG. 30 illustrates a grill plate 585 according to an implementation. As shown in FIG. 30, the grill plate 585 includes several openings 570. In some
- the openings 570 can have a slot shape as shown in FIG. 30.
- the openings 570 can have a different shape such as an oval shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a curved shape, a stair like profile, and/or so forth.
- the openings 570 are aligned along a variety of directions and are separated by a variety of widths. In this implementation, at least some of the openings 570 are aligned parallel to at least one of the edges (e.g., edge 572A, 572B, 572C, 572D) of the grill plate 585 and at least some of the openings 570 are aligned non-parallel to at least one of the edges.
- the grill plate 585 which can be a surface upon which, for example, a food item, can be cooked, can instead function as a fire grate upon which a combustible fuel may be disposed and combusted. Such an embodiment is described in connection with at least FIG. 36.
- the openings 570 can have a uniform length, a uniform width, a uniform orientation, a uniform separation, and/or so forth. In some implementations, the openings 570 can have a non-uniform length, a non-uniform width, a non-uniform orientation, a non-uniform separation, and/or so forth.
- the grill plate 585 has a non-square outer perimeter 572 or profile. At least one corner of the grill plate 585 can define a right angle. In this implementation, at least two of the corners of the grill plate 585 define an obtuse or acute angle. In some implementations, a grill plate can have a square profile or outer perimeter 572.
- a pair of support pins 190A, 190B is illustrated in FIG. 27A.
- more or less than two support pins 190A, 190B may be coupled to the container 10.
- a support pin e.g., support pin 190A
- a support pin may be coupled via a combination of different openings.
- a support pin may be coupled to the container 10 via a combination of openings 15A and 15B (which are included in adjacent panels 20A and 20B), or openings 15A and 15C (which are on opposing sides in opposite panels 20A and 20C) rather than openings 15B and 15C.
- a support pin e.g., support pin 190A, 190B
- the support pin may be optionally coupled to the container 10 at various lateral locations and/or angles with respect to the panels 20A through 20D to accommodate a variety of accessories (including those described above).
- a gas e.g., air, wind
- a lateral direction e.g., direction Z
- a gas moving in a lateral direction
- a lateral direction e.g., direction Z
- a gas moving in a lateral direction
- This can be a particular issue in the area 9 shown with a dashed line.
- This region is defined by an upper edge of one or more of the panels 20A through 20D and a bottom surface of a heating platform defined by the non-vertical segments 160.
- a blocking plate can be disposed in this area to block adverse conditions to heating.
- An example of a blocking plate and use of a blocking plate are described in connection with at least FIGS. 31 and 32.
- FIG. 31 is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of a blocking plate 260 according to an implementation.
- blocking plate 260 includes extensions 261, 262 and coupling mechanisms 263 through 265.
- the extensions 261, 262 can be used in conjunction with the coupling mechanisms 263 through 265 to couple the blocking plate 260 to the container 10.
- the blocking plate 260 shown in FIG. 31 includes a blocking region 26.
- a height HI of the blocking region 26 can be approximately equal to a height between a heating platform defined by non-vertical segments 160 (e.g., shown in FIG. 6) and a top edge of one or more of the panels 20A through 20D.
- the height H 1 can be greater than or less than the height between a heating platform defined by non- vertical segments 160 (e.g., shown in FIG. 6) and a top edge of one or more of the panels 20A through 20D.
- a width H2 of the blocking region 26 can be approximately equal to a width of one or more of the panels 20A through 20D.
- an overall width of the blocking plate 260 is greater than a width of the blocking region 26 and is greater than a width of one or more of the panels 20A through 20D.
- the width H2 of the blocking region 26 can be less than or greater than a width of one or more of the panels 20A through 20D.
- FIG. 32 is a perspective view that illustrates the blocking plate 260 shown in FIG. 31 coupled to a container 10.
- a pot 2 is disposed on a heating platform defined by the non-vertical segments 160.
- the coupling mechanisms 264 and 265 are disposed on a first side (an exterior side) of the panel 20A and the coupling mechanism 263 (not shown) is disposed on a second side (and interior side) of the panel 20A. Accordingly, the panel 20A is disposed between a first coupling mechanism and a second coupling mechanism.
- coupling mechanisms 263 through 265 are shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 as tabs (or protrusions), in some implementations, a different coupling mechanism can be included in a blocking plate.
- one or more coupling mechanisms included in a blocking plate e.g., blocking plate 260
- a blocking plate can include more or less than three coupling mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. Any of the features (e.g., accessories, blocking plate, embodiments) described above in connection with at least FIGS. 1 through 32 can be applied to additional containers such as the containers described below in connection with FIGS. 33A through 36.
- FIG. 33A is a diagram that illustrates another container 2000 including panels 520 joined by hinges 530 (similar to the panels 20A through 20D and hinges 30A through 30D described above). At least one of the panels 520 includes a relief space feature 580 (similar to relief space feature 80 described above).
- the container 2000 can include any of the features described in connection with the container 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 32.
- a plate 540 is coupled to a bottom portion of the container 2000.
- the plate 540 can function as an ash tray.
- the plate 140 may be used to collect ashes or other debris falling from a combustion plate (not shown).
- the plate 540 is a solid sheet of material that is combustion proof or fire proof, such as the metal material of the rest of the container 2000.
- the plate 540 is substantially flat, and may in some embodiments have upwardly curling edges on one or more opposing ends thereof. Such end(s) may facilitate or ease the ability of a user to grasp the plate 540 when placed on the ground or other flat surface.
- the plate 540 may have a handle or other features which allow its handling when hot.
- the plate 540 may fit between opposing panels 520 of the container 2000.
- the shape of the plate 540 may be tapered at one end in order to accommodate a tapered trapezoidal or trapezium shape of the opening of the container 2000 in view of the fact that a first opposing pair (on opposite sides of the container 2000) of the panels 520 (between which the plate 540 may be inserted) may be non- parallel or more narrow than a second opposing pairs of the panels 520.
- one or more of the panels 520 may have a mechanism 545 (e.g., a lip, a ledge, a slot, a dimple, a protrusion, a tab, or other feature) for engaging the plate 540 and holding it up above a bottom surface (or edge of a panel 540) of the combustion container 2000 and/or a surface upon which the combustion container 2000 may rest when in use.
- a mechanism 545 e.g., a lip, a ledge, a slot, a dimple, a protrusion, a tab, or other feature
- the plate 540 may be inserted into the container 2000 in a position above one or more dimples 543 included in the container 2000.
- the dimples 543 (which can be referred to as support features) can define a protrusion disposed within the container 2000 so that the protrusion may help to support the plate 540.
- a portion 541 of the plate 540 disposed within the container 2000 above the dimples 543 is illustrated with a dashed line.
- the plate 540 is further optionally supported by support pins 590A, 590B inserted, respectively, into (e.g., disposed within) the opening 547 and the slot 548 (each of which may be optionally included in one or more of the panels 520).
- features other than dimples 543 such as a tab, can be included in one or more of the panels 520.
- Other additional slots, openings, etc. can be defined within one or more of the panels 520 for insertion of support pins.
- a perspective view of the support pin 590A is illustrated in FIG. 34.
- a support pin can have a different shape or size than shown in FIG. 34.
- multiple plates can be included in the container 2000.
- a first plate can be included in the container 2000 in the vertical position shown in FIG. 33A and a second plate can be included in the container 2000 in the vertical position shown in FIG. 33B.
- the plate 540 can be slidably moved into (lateral or horizontal direction 12) and out (lateral or horizontal direction II) of the container 2000.
- the plate 540 can be slidably moved along direction II and/or along direction 12 when in the vertical position shown in FIG. 33B or 33C, or when in the vertical position shown in FIG. 33A.
- the plate 540 can be referred to as being in a closed position
- the plate 540 can be referred to as being in an open position or in a partially open position.
- the plate 540 (as shown in FIG. 33B or 33 C can be in contact with or relatively close to a combustion plate included in the container 2000, the plate 540 can function as a damper. This is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 35.
- FIG. 35 is a diagram that illustrates a combustion plate 500 with openings 502 as viewed from direction N shown in FIG. 33C.
- the plate 540 is disposed below the combustion plate 500.
- the portion 541 of the plate 540 can be seen through at least a portion of the openings 502.
- an edge 542 e.g., front edge
- the plate 540 which is in a partially open configuration, can be seen through at least some of the openings 502 of the combustion plate 500.
- FIG. 36 is a diagram that illustrates a front view of the container 2000 shown in FIGS. 33A through 33C.
- the support pins 590A, 590B can be disposed within openings 582 in the panel 520.
- the openings 582 can define slots or slits.
- the openings 582 can be a different shape (e.g., circular shape, a square shape, an oval shape, a curved shape, etc.) than shown in FIG. 36.
- the support pins 590A, 590B can be configured to support a variety of accessories such as those described above in connection with at least FIGS. 27A through 30.
- the openings 582 can function as expansion openings that allow for mechanical expansion of materials (of the panel 520) in response to heat within the container 2000. Any of the features described above in connection with at least FIGS. 33A through 36 can be applied to additional containers such as the container 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1 through 32.
- a grill plate (not shown) may be disposed on (or within) a top portion 2000A (e.g., along a top edge of the panels) of the container 2000.
- a combustion plate (e.g., combustion plate 500 shown in FIG. 35) (not shown in FIG. 36) may be disposed on (or within) a bottom portion 2000C of the container 2000.
- a fire grate (e.g., the grill plate 585 shown in FIG. 30), upon which a fuel may be combusted, may be vertically disposed within portion 2000B (e.g., a medial portion) between the grill plate and the combustion plate.
- the fire grate may be supported within the container 2000 by one or more of the support pins 590A, 590B. Accordingly, a distance (e.g., a vertical distance) between the fire grate and the grill plate (which is disposed above the fire grate) may be adjusted, and a distance (e.g., a vertical distance) between the fire grate and the combustion plate (which is disposed below the fire grate) may be adjusted. Thus, a distance between the fire plate (and a combusting fuel thereon) and the grill plate may be adjusted.
- a distance between the fire plate (and a combusting fuel thereon) and the combustion plate (e.g., combustion plate 500) and/or between the fire plate and a damper system including the plate 540 (which may be optionally included) and the combustion plate 500 may be adjusted.
- the combustion container 10 and its various parts may be made from a variety of materials which can withstand the exposure to heat produced by the combustion process.
- Metals such as iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, tin, and the like, as well as alloys thereof may be used.
- the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.
- an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed.
- the exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.
- the use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.
- compositions that is "substantially free of holes would either completely lack holes, or so nearly completely lack holes that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked holes.
- a composition that is "substantially free of an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof.
- the term "about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be "a little above” or "a little below” the endpoint.
- Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of "about 1 to about 5" should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range.
- the collapsible combustion container includes a plurality of vertically oriented panels joined by hinges, a plurality of hinge pings engaged in a plurality of said hinges, said hinge pins configured to form at least part of a base that supports the container or at least part of a heating platform above the container or both, and fuel openings in at least two of the vertically oriented panels, said fuel openings configured to facilitate control of a combustion point within the container at a location where fuel inserted through one opening contacts fuel inserted from another opening.
- the hinge pins are configured to form at least part of a base that supports the container.
- the hinge pins include a non-vertical segment below the container. In one example, the non-vertical segment maintains the container at a pre-determined height above a surface on which the base rests. In one example, the non-vertical segment provides a protrusion on which the container can rest.
- the non-vertical segment includes a portion running substantially parallel to a bottom of the container.
- the non- vertical segment is a bend in the hinge pin of about 90 degrees.
- the hinge pins are configured to form at least a part of a heating platform above the container.
- the hinge pins include a non- vertical segment above a top of the container.
- the non-vertical segment is a bend in the hinge pin of about 90 degrees.
- the hinge pins are a single piece having both a non- vertical segment below the container and a non-vertical segment above the container.
- the non-vertical segments are each a bend in the hinge pin of about 90 degrees.
- the non-vertical segments extend in the same direction as one another.
- the non-vertical segments extend in different directions from one another.
- the hinge pin can freely rotate within the hinge and an orientation of one end of the hinge pin can be controlled by actuation of the other end of the hinge pin.
- the base and the heating platform can be expanded or reduced simultaneously by actuation of one end of the hinge pins.
- every hinge includes a hinge pin.
- less than every hinge includes a hinge pin.
- each hinge pin is uniformly shaped.
- all hinge pins are not uniformly shaped.
- the fuel openings are placed at locations in the panels that allow fuel inserted through each opening to converge at a desired location for combustion within the container.
- fuel openings are located in adjacent vertical panels.
- all panels include a fuel opening.
- at least two panels, but less than all panels includes a fuel opening.
- the fuel openings are located in opposite vertical panels.
- the fuel openings have a fully closed perimeter in the panels.
- the fuel openings have an open perimeter in the panels.
- the fuel openings are located at substantially corresponding locations in the panels.
- the fuel openings are located at substantially the same height. In one example, the fuel openings are located at substantially different heights. In one example, the fuel openings have substantially the same shape and/or size in each panel. In one example, the fuel openings have substantially different shapes and/or sizes in each panel. In one example, the fuel opening of one panel is sufficiently higher than the fuel opening of another panel to allow convenient overlap of fuel at a point where it converges inside the container.
- the fuel rests on a bottom edge of each opening.
- the fuel is not required to rest on another piece of fuel at a point where it converges inside the container.
- combustion is intensified at the location where fuel from one opening converges with fuel from another opening.
- a bottom panel is joined to one of the vertical panels, said bottom panel being capable of folding into a vertical orientation upon collapse of the container, and into a horizontal orientation upon opening of said container.
- a method of controlling a size of a base and/or a heating platform of a collapsible combustion container may include providing a container as recited herein, and actuating an end of hinge pins in the container in a manner selected to either expand or reduce a size of a base or a heating platform, or both. In one example, adjustment of both the base and heating platform occur simultaneously upon actuating one end of said hinge pins.
- a method of controlling a location of combustion inside a combustion container can include providing a container as recited herein, and inserting fuel pieces through fuel openings in the container such that the fuel pieces from each opening converge at a location within the container that is the desired combustion location.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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CN201490001069.XU CN205860108U (en) | 2013-07-22 | 2014-07-22 | Combustion container |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201361857171P | 2013-07-22 | 2013-07-22 | |
US61/857,171 | 2013-07-22 | ||
US201361857594P | 2013-07-23 | 2013-07-23 | |
US61/857,594 | 2013-07-23 | ||
US14/337,063 US9420913B2 (en) | 2010-02-09 | 2014-07-21 | Collapsible combustion container devices |
US14/337,063 | 2014-07-21 |
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WO2015013287A1 true WO2015013287A1 (en) | 2015-01-29 |
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PCT/US2014/047635 WO2015013287A1 (en) | 2013-07-22 | 2014-07-22 | Collapsible combustion container devices and associated methods |
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CN (1) | CN205860108U (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015013287A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
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EP3315056A1 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2018-05-02 | Industro International Co., Ltd. | Collapsible barbecue |
US10132503B2 (en) | 2010-02-09 | 2018-11-20 | Firebox Outdoors Llp | Collapsible combustion container devices and associated methods |
US10143334B2 (en) | 2010-02-09 | 2018-12-04 | Firebox Outdoors Llp | Collapsible combustion container devices |
DE102018110868B4 (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2020-08-13 | Daniel Döpper | Mobile heating device for burning biomass |
USD976639S1 (en) | 2019-10-10 | 2023-01-31 | Firebox Outdoors Llp | Combustion container panel |
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JP2001116259A (en) * | 1999-10-19 | 2001-04-27 | Kanesho Toki:Kk | Windbreak frame and windbreak furnace |
US20080276926A1 (en) * | 2007-05-10 | 2008-11-13 | Freddie Chang | Fire igniter of carbonaceous fuel |
US20090020109A1 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2009-01-22 | Martin Rheault | Portable Stove |
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US4455991A (en) * | 1982-07-14 | 1984-06-26 | Su Wen Kuang | Folding barbecue |
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JP2001116259A (en) * | 1999-10-19 | 2001-04-27 | Kanesho Toki:Kk | Windbreak frame and windbreak furnace |
US20090020109A1 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2009-01-22 | Martin Rheault | Portable Stove |
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US10132503B2 (en) | 2010-02-09 | 2018-11-20 | Firebox Outdoors Llp | Collapsible combustion container devices and associated methods |
US10143334B2 (en) | 2010-02-09 | 2018-12-04 | Firebox Outdoors Llp | Collapsible combustion container devices |
EP3315056A1 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2018-05-02 | Industro International Co., Ltd. | Collapsible barbecue |
DE102018110868B4 (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2020-08-13 | Daniel Döpper | Mobile heating device for burning biomass |
USD976639S1 (en) | 2019-10-10 | 2023-01-31 | Firebox Outdoors Llp | Combustion container panel |
Also Published As
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CN205860108U (en) | 2017-01-04 |
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