WO2022178524A1

WO2022178524A1 - Modular heating device

Info

Publication number: WO2022178524A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/070710
Authority: WO
Inventors: Trent FARRER
Original assignee: Tkip Holdings, Llc
Priority date: 2021-02-18
Filing date: 2022-02-17
Publication date: 2022-08-25
Also published as: US20220260255A1

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for a modular heating device. In one example, the modular heating device includes an outer housing element removably coupled to a collapsible frame. The outer housing element may be formed of a non-metallic material and configured to receive a fire pan for combusting a fuel at a top side of the heating device.

Description

MODULAR HEATING DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/150,949, entitled “SILICONE OR PLASTIC FIRE PIT HOUSING”, and filed on February 18, 2021. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] The present description relates generally to methods and systems for a heating device.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY

[0003] Heating devices, such as fire pits, are popular recreational devices that provide one or more of heating and cooking capabilities in indoor and/or environments. Conventionally, fire pits may be formed of rigid, heat-tolerant, durable materials such as steel, magnesium oxide (MgO), polyresin, copper, and stainless steel. Such materials may demand costly and time consuming processing. For example, welding and coating of the fire pit components may increase costs and constrain manufacturing throughput. In addition, the processing of the components may limit the fire pit shape to simple shapes, e.g., circular or rectangular, without options to efficiently customize or modify its geometry and/or appearance.

[0004] Furthermore, use of the conventional materials for forming the fire pit may impose a weight burden that precludes efficient portability of the fire pit. The fire pit may therefore be relatively fixed in location due to its weight which may discourages use of the fire pit in different locations or storage of the fire pit at a different site, when not in use. Relegating the fire pit to a fixed location may expedite degradation of the fire pit components, such as an outer housing, due to prolonged exposure to variable weather conditions, particularly when the fire pit is formed of metal.

[0005] In one example, the issues described above may be addressed by a modular heating device, including an outer housing element removably coupled to a collapsible frame, the outer housing element formed of a non-metallic material and configured to receive a fire pan for combusting a fuel at a top side of the heating device. In this way, the modular heating device may be readily transported to different locations and an appearance of the modular heating device may be modified according to a desired aesthetic.

[0006] As one example, the outer housing element of the modular heating device may be formed or silicone or plastic and may be either coupled to the collapsible frame as a skin that slides over the collapsible frame or as separate panels coupled to sides of the collapsible frame. The collapsible frame may include joints that allow the collapsible frame to be adjusted to a compact, folded configuration and expanded to an unfolded without relying on additional tools. Furthermore, the modular heating device may include an electronic receiver that adjusts fuel flow to heating elements of the modular heating device in response to an audio signal transmitted to the electronic receiver.

[0007] It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows an example of an environment in which a network of fire devices may be located and operated, the network of fire device including at least one modular indoor and/or outdoor heating device.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a first example of a modular heating device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a second example of a modular heating device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows an example of a cook top for a modular heating device.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows an example of a cover for a modular heating device.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows a first example of a frame for a modular heating device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 shows a second example of a frame for a modular heating device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [0015] FIG. 8 shows a third example of a frame for a modular heating device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows a third example of a modular heating device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 10 shows an interior view of a portion of a modular heating device, illustrating a positioning of lighting elements.

[0018] FIG. 11 shows a fourth example of a modular heating device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 1-11 are shown approximately to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description relates to systems and methods for a modular heating device. The modular heating device may be use for indoor and/or outdoor applications and may be included in a network of fire devices, the network providing at least heating and visual effects to an environment. An example of the network of fire devices is depicted in FIG. 1, where at least one modular heating device may be linked to other fire device of the network. Examples of the modular heating device are illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 9 and 11. Various accessories may be coupled to the modular heating device, including a cook top, as shown in FIG. 4, and a cover, as shown in FIG. 5. In one example, the modular heating device may be configured to be easily transported by folding and collapsing a frame of the device. A first example of the frame is depicted in FIG. 6, illustrating hinged joints at which the frame may be folded. Further examples of the frame, exemplifying alternate geometries and configurations, are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In some instances, the modular heating device may include lighting elements to illuminate the modular heating device. A positioning of the light elements is shown in FIG. 10.

[0021] Turning first to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a system environment 100, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The system environment 100 is shown in a large warehouse space in the present disclosure. In other examples, however, the system environment 100 may instead be a different environment, such as a backyard. The system environment 100 comprises a network 101 of fire devices including a plurality of torches 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d (also referred to as torches 102). Though there are four torches shown in the example at FIG. 1, it is noted that additional torches or fewer torches may be included in the system without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0022] In addition to the torches 102, the system environment 100 comprises additional fire devices including a first fire pit 104a, a second fire pit 104b, and a third fire pit 104c (also referred to as fire pits 104). Exemplary embodiments of the fire pits 104 are described further below, with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 9. As with the torches 102, there may be additional fire pits or fewer fire pits included in the system, in at least one example. The torches 102 and the fire pits 104 together may form a fire display controlled by a hub 110.

[0023] The hub 110 is a controller that comprises a processor with instructions stored in non- transitory memory that, when executed, sends control signals to control one or more of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104. For example, the control signals sent from the hub 110 may be received at controllers of the respective torches 102 and fire pits 104. Responsive to receiving the control signals from the hub 110, the controllers of the torches 102 and fire pits 104 may then actuate at least one of an electric valve and an ignitor of the respective torch and fire pit, where the electric valve controls an amount of fuel flow to a burner of the fire device where the ignitor is positioned. Via such actuation, a flame size and height may be controlled for the torches 102 and fire pits 104. [0024] The control signals are sent from the hub 110 to one or more of the torches 102 in response to the processor of the hub 110 receiving input signals. The control signals may further be sent from the hub 110 to one or more of the fire pits 104 responsive to such input signals. In at least one example, the processor of the hub 110 receives input signals via one or more of a wireless receiver of the hub 110, a hardwired connection of the hub 110, and a user interface integrated into the hub 110 itself, where the user interface comprises one or more user input devices (e.g., buttons, dials, a touch screen) to receive the input signal. In examples where the hub 110 receives input signals via a wireless receiver, it is noted that the input signals may be received from a mobile device or personal computing device communicatively coupled to the hub 110 via the wireless receiver.

[0025] The input signals received at the hub 110 may include a mode selection received at the hub 110. For example, the mode selection may include selection of a traditional mode or an audio mode. In the traditional mode, the torches 102 and fire pits 104 are operated with their respective electric valves maintained at a predetermined base position. At the base position, the electric valves of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 are at least partially open and allow a predetermined amount of fuel to flow to their respective burners. If the electric valve of any of the torches 102 and fire pits 104 being controlled in the traditional mode is not at the base position when the traditional mode is selected, then the electric valve is first adjusted to the predetermined base position and maintained in the base position for a duration of the traditional mode. Due to the maintained position of the electric valve, a steady flame size and height is maintained in the traditional mode. [0026] In the audio mode, the torches 102 and fire pits 104 are operated with their respective electric valves being varied in coordination to an audio input, such as music. Thus, responsive to receiving a user input selecting the audio torch mode and further receiving the audio input, the hub 110 may send control signals to the torches 102 and fire pits 104 based on the audio input.

[0027] In particular, the hub 110 may send control signals to adjust respective electric valves of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 in coordination with the audio input. It is noted that the audio input may be received at the hub 110 via a wireless or a wired connection. For example, the audio input may be received at the hub 110 via wirelessly streaming the audio input to the hub 110 via a mobile device or other personal computing device. In such examples, a wireless receiver of the hub 110 may receive the audio input. As another example, the audio input may be received at the hub 110 via an aux input or other wired audio input. In such examples, a mobile device or other personal computing device may provide the audio input to the hub 110 via such an aux input or other wired audio input.

[0028] The electric valve may be adjusted to positions more open than the base position of the traditional mode while in the audio mode, based on the audio input. Additionally, the electric valve may be adjusted to positions that are less open than the base position of the traditional mode while in the audio mode, based on the audio input. In this way, flame bursts and decreases in flame size may be created for the flame display. Thus, in contrast to the traditional mode, the torches 102 and fire pits 104 produce flame sizes and heights that are varied throughout the audio mode in coordination with the audio input.

[0029] In at least one example, a flame boost mode is further available, in which a maximum fuel flow is provided to a burner. In some examples, the flame boost mode may be used for purposes of heating an accessory, such as a griddle or grill attachment. The flame boost mode may also be used for purposes of producing a maximum flame height and size, which may be of interest for lighting or theatrical effect, for example. In the flame boost mode, the electric valve of the torches 102 or fire pits 104 is actuated to a wide open position, e.g., a more open position than the base position. In at least one example, the flame boost mode may further require a mechanical valve to be manually adjusted to a wide open position, in addition to the electric valve being adjusted to the wide open position.

[0030] In examples where the flame boost mode is available, it is noted that the wide open position of the electric valve is more open than the base position for the traditional mode. That is, in examples where the flame devices include the flame boost mode, the flame boost mode creates a maximum flame height and size, which is larger than the flame height and size when operating in the traditional mode.

[0031] In at least one example, hub 110 allows for there to be separate control of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104. In separate control examples, it is noted that the mode selections for each of the fire pits 104 and the torches 102 may be made individually set. Thus, each of the torches 102 and each of the fire pits 104 is able to have its own mode selected and individually controlled via the hub 110.

[0032] Additionally, or alternatively, the hub 110 may control the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 collectively. In collective control examples, the hub 110 may control the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 all together to be in the same mode. For example, in collective control examples, selection of the traditional mode may result in all of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 being set to the traditional mode. Further, in the collective control examples, selection of the audio mode may result in all of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 being set to the audio mode. As to selection of the flame boost mode, in the collective control examples, selection of the flame boost mode may result in all of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 being controlled to have their respective electric valves in a wide open position.

[0033] Further, the hub 110 may additionally or alternatively control the torches 102 and fire pits 104 in sub-groups. In such sub-group control, sub-groups of the torches 102 and/or the fire pits 104 may be formed for control of the sub-group to be the same. For example, in sub-group control, the hub 110 may control the torches 102 together as an all torches sub-group and may control the fire pits 104 together as an all fire pits sub-group. Thus, in this example, the mode for the all torches sub-group being selected as the traditional mode would result in the torches 102 all being set to the traditional mode. Alternatively, the mode for the all torches sub-group being selected as the audio mode would result in the torches 102 all being set to the audio mode. Similarly, in this example, the mode for the all fire pits sub-group being selected as the traditional mode would result in the fire pits 104 all being set to the traditional mode. Or, alternatively, the mode for the all fire pits sub-group being selected as the audio mode would result in the fire pits 104 all being set to the audio mode.

[0034] In another sub-group control example, the hub 110 may control a portion of the torches 102 as a first torch sub-group, another portion of the torches 102 as second torch sub-group, a portion of the fire pits 104 as a first fire pit sub-group, and another portion of the fire pits 104 as a second fire pit sub-group. Moreover, a sub-group may contain both torches 102 and fire pits 104, in at least one example.

[0035] It is noted that if selection of any of the traditional mode, audio mode, and flame boost mode is also determined to initiate ignition at one or more of the torches 102 and fire pits 104, then the hub 110 may further send a control signal to activate respective ignitors of such torches and fire pits.

[0036] Fire pits may be one of various types of heating devices, which may further include devices used as decor for tables, patios, and other environments. By communicatively linking a heating device with a hub, such as the hub 110 of FIG. 1, the heating device may be operated as a conventional fire pit (or decorative device) via the traditional mode, as described above, where a flame height and intensity remains relatively constant during fuel combustion. A degree of entertainment provided by the heating device may be enhanced by operating the heating device in the audio mode, thereby allowing the flame height and intensity to be moderated based on sound, such as music.

[0037] In one example, the heating device may be actuated and adjusted between modes via an analog and/or digital signal received by an electronic receiver of the heating device. For example, control of the heating device may be enabled by one or more of the aux input, other types of wired input, wireless communication such as Bluetooth technology via a Bluetooth module at the heating device, etc. Further, the heating device may be controlled, e.g., adjusted on/off, adjusted between modes, flame height/intensity varied, by input received from one or more of the hub, a mobile device or other personal computing device, and directly at the heating device via control mechanisms, such as knobs and buttons. For example, electric valves moderating flow of a combustible fuel to an igniter and heating elements of the heating device may be adjusted between more or less open positions by any of the inputs described above. [0038] In addition to flame modification capabilities, it may be desirable to vary an appearance of the heating device, either based on a use-case scenario, or selected upon acquisition to provide a customized aesthetic. The heating device may therefore have a specific shape, including an overall geometry and /or shape of specific aspects of the heating device, such as shape of heating elements, of openings in an outer housing, etc., color, texture, pattern, and the like, according to the user’s preferences. For example, the heating device may have an outer housing displaying a sports team logo for use and display at a sporting event.

[0039] For a heating device formed of conventional materials, such as a metal, adjusting the appearance of the heating device may be costly. As one example, altering the geometry of the heating device from a base, standard shape, may incur high costs due to an increase in manufacturing complexity. Furthermore, modifying the appearance of the conventional heating device after manufacture may be difficult and demand transport to another site, use of special tools and equipment, and/or skilled technical expertise and labor. In another example, a portability of the heating device to different locations may be constrained due to a weight of the metal-based heating device. As a result, relocation of the heating device may be cumbersome and discouraged. [0040] In one example, the issues described above may be at least partially addressed by a heating device configured to be modular, e.g., adaptable to different configurations according to user preferences. The modular heating device may include components, such as an outer housing element (hereafter, outer housing), a frame, and a base, formed of materials other than metals that allow the components to be coupled to one another in a removable manner, thereby enabling modification of an appearance of the modular heating device by the user. In addition, by forming the modular heating device from a non-metallic material, a weight of the modular heating device may be reduced, allowing the device to be easily transported. As such, the modular heating device may be suitable for events such as camping, road trips, sporting events, etc.

[0041] A first example of a modular heating device 200 is depicted in FIG. 2. A set of reference axes 201 are provided for comparison between views shown, indicating a y-axis, an x- axis, and a z-axis. In one example, the y-axis may be parallel with a direction of gravity and the x- z plane may be parallel with a horizontal plane. The modular heating device 200 may be shaped as a cube, having a square outer geometry along each of the y-z, y-x, and x-z planes. It will be appreciated, however, that the modular heating device 200 is a non-limiting example, and variations in the shape, size, appearance, outer texture, etc., are possible, as described further below.

[0042] The modular heating device 200 includes an outer housing element 202 (hereafter, outer housing 202) which may be a shell or skin that encloses various inner components of the modular heating device 200. It will be appreciated that reference to the outer housing includes different configurations of the outer housing, where the outer housing may be a single structure enclosing the inner components or multiple, separate structures that surround the inner components in conjunction with other outer components of the modular heating device. For example, the outer housing 202 may include four side panels 204, and a top panel 206, e.g., the outer housing 202 covers a top side and vertical sides of the modular heating device 200 but not a bottom side. In one example, the outer housing 202 may be a single, continuous unit, e.g., the four side panels 204 and the top panel 206 are continuous with one another. The outer housing 202 may be coupled to and removed from the modular heating device 200 as one piece, e.g., such as a skin, where the outer housing 202 can be added to/removed from the modular heating device 200 by sliding the outer housing 202 down and over or up and away from the inner components of the modular heating device 200, respectively, in a single motion.

[0043] In another example, each of the four side panels 204 and the top panel 206 may be separate, independent units that can be coupled to/removed from the modular heating device 200 individually. Each panel may, for example, snap into a frame of the modular heating device 200, the frame described further below with reference to FIGS. 6-8. As such, the outer housing 202 may be coupled to and decoupled from, e.g., removably coupled, the modular heating device 200 by a user at a location of the modular heating device. Use of specialized equipment is thereby precluded to couple/decouple the outer housing 202. In yet another example, the outer housing 202 may be fixedly coupled to the frame of the modular heating device 200, either as the single continuous unit or with the panels separate from one another, such that the outer housing 202 is not readily removed from the frame.

[0044] The outer housing 202 may be formed of a weather proof, lightweight, flame-proof, heat tolerant, non-metallic material such as silicone or plastic, e.g., a heat tolerant plastic, that is resistant to scratching and tearing and may be molded into any desired shape. In one example, such as when the outer housing 202 is formed of silicone, the outer housing 202 may be configured as a flexible skin. In other examples, however, the outer housing 202 may be rigid. Regardless of flexibility, the outer housing 202 may be decoupled from the modular heating device 200, and folded or stacked into a compact, portable configuration. In some examples, the outer housing 202 may be decoupled from the frame of the modular heating device 200.

[0045] An appearance of the outer housing 202 may include a variety of colors, patterns, images, etc. Depending on the material of the outer housing 202, the outer housing 202 may have different opacities or translucencies. Furthermore, the outer housing 202 may be molded with different textures. By enabling the outer housing 202 to be removable from the modular heating device 200, the outer housing 202 may be exchanged for a similarly shaped outer housing with a different appearance, texture, material, etc. The outer housing 202 may therefore be selected by a user according to desired properties to accommodate a specific environment, theme, location, etc. [0046] The modular heating device 200 may also include a fire pan 208 and a base 210, the fire pan 208 and the base 210 arranged on opposite sides of the modular heating device 200. For example, the fire pan 208 may be positioned at a top 212 of the modular heating device 200 and the base 210 may be positioned at a bottom 214 of the modular heating device 200. The base 210 may be a rectangular structure formed of molded plastic and may be an interfacing component between the modular heating device 200 and a ground surface. However, other geometries of the base 210, besides the rectangular structure, are possible. By forming the base 210 of plastic rather than metal, expansion and contraction of the base 210, due to repeated heating and cooling, is reduced, mitigating rattling of the base against other components. Contact between the outer housing 202 and the ground surface is thereby minimized. The geometry of the base 210 may vary according to the geometry of the modular heating device 200. For example, the geometry of the base 210 may be complementary to the geometry of the modular heating device 200.

[0047] The fire pan 208 may be arranged in an opening 216 of the top panel 206 of the outer housing 202 and may have a rectangular geometry, although other geometries are possible. The fire pan 208 may be a metallic pan configured to hold or convey flames, e.g., an open fire, by supporting perforated tubes, e.g., heating elements, through which a fuel may flow and be ignited. Dimensions of the opening 216, e.g., a length along the z-axis and a width along the x-axis, may correspond to dimensions of the fire pan 208. The dimensions (length and width) of the fire pan 208 may be smaller than corresponding dimensions of the top panel 206, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. However, in other examples, e.g., as shown in FIG. 9, the fire pan 208 may instead form a top of the modular heating device and the top panel 206 may be omitted. In other words, the length and width of the fire pan 208 may equal the length and width of the top panel 206 and the fire pan 208 may couple to upper edges of the four side panels 204 of the outer housing 202. The fire pan 208 may include an overhang 218 extending around an entire perimeter of the fire pan 208 that overlaps with an outer surface of the top panel 206 to maintain a position of the fire pan 208 in the opening 216, e.g., such that the fire pan 208 does not fall through the opening 216.

[0048] The fire pan 208 may be configured to be readily decoupled, e.g., removed or removably coupled, from the outer housing of the modular heating device, as illustrated in FIG. 3 such that additional tools are not demanded to enable the decoupling. A second example of a modular heating device 300 is shown in FIG. 3 with a fire pan 302 detached from a top panel 304 of an outer housing 306 of the modular heating device 300. As described above, the fire pan 302 is sized and shaped to be inserted into an opening 308 until an overhang 310 of the fire pan 302 abuts an outer surface of the top panel 304 of the outer housing 306. In some examples, the opening 308 may include an internal snap frame into which the fire pan 302 may be pressed and locked in place within the opening 308.

[0049] The fire pan 302 may include heating elements 312, which may be arranged in a variety of patterns and shapes and selected based on a desired aesthetic. The heating elements 312 may include perforations and may be coupled to a combustible fuel source, such as liquid propane or butane. A fuel may flow through the heating elements 312 and out of the heating elements 312 through the perforations, generating an open flame upon ignition. Ignition may be enabled either by hand-held ignition, such as a hand-held piezoelectric igniter, or a built-in igniter (as shown in FIG. 9) supported by the fire pan 302. The heating elements 312 and the fire pan 302 may therefore be formed of a durable material able to tolerate high temperatures, such as stainless steel or another metal. In addition, the heating elements 312 and the fire pan 302 may be preassembled and fixedly coupled to one another such that the heating elements 312 and the fire pan 302 may be repositioned as a single unit. In some examples, the heating elements 312 may be configured to be released from the fire pan 302 and replaced with different elements when a change in the heating element shape, size, resulting flame shape, etc., is desired.

[0050] The modular heating device 300 may further include control mechanisms 314, e.g., knobs and buttons, for initiating ignition, controlling flame intensity, and wirelessly linking the modular heating device 300 to an audio system or activating/pairing a Bluetooth module of the modular heating device 300, for example. The control mechanisms 314 may protrude through or be aligned with through-holes in a side panel 316 of the outer housing 306. A fuel hose 318 may be coupled to inner components, such as one or more fuel tanks or fuel cylinders, of the modular heating device 300 either enclosed by the outer housing 306 (and a frame supporting the outer housing 306), the inner components configured to receive and direct fuel flow, or positioned external to the modular heating device 300. In one example, the fuel hose 318 may also be enclosed within the outer housing 306 and the frame of the heating device when the one or more fuel tanks are positioned therein. For example, the fuel hose 318 may couple at one end to the heating elements 312 and at an opposite end directly to a fuel tank or to a fuel manifold connected to the one or more fuel tanks. In another example, the fuel hose 318 may be coupled at one end to the heating elements 312 and extend from an interior of the modular heating device 300 out through, for example, a slot in a base 320 of the modular heating device 300. At an opposite end of the fuel hose 318, positioned outside of the modular heating device 300, the fuel hose 318 may connect directly to a fuel tank, or to a fuel manifold coupled to the one or more fuel tanks located exterior to the modular heating device 300. In addition, in some examples, the fuel hose 318 may be configured to be connected to more than one small fuel tank, e.g., via the fuel manifold, rather than a single larger fuel tank, to increase a run time and portability of the modular heating device 300. [0051] Various optional accessories may be coupled to the modular heating device. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a cook top 400 may be added to the modular heating device, over the fire pan, when the fire pan forms the top of the modular heating device, as shown in FIG. 9. The cook top 400 may have a planar base 402, e.g., co-planar with the x-z plane, with a circular outer geometry and a diameter 404 that is smaller than a length or width of the fire pan of the modular heating device (depending on which dimension is smaller). The planar base 402 includes a grille 406 surrounded by a rim 408, together forming a continuous unit which may be formed of a high temperature-tolerant metal.

[0052] The cook top 400 has legs 410 attached to the rim 408 of the planar base 402 and extending downwards (along the y-axis) away from the planar base 402. Although the cook top 400 is depicted with four of the legs 410 in FIG. 4, other examples of the cook top 400 may include different quantities of the legs 410, as well as variations in geometry. For example, the cook top 400 may be square, rectangular, oval, hexagonal, etc., and have three, five, or six legs. The legs 410 may include bent portions 412 that bend away from a central axis 401 of the cook top 400, the central axis 401 parallel with the y-axis, forming a lower portion 416 of the legs 410 that extend along the y-axis offset from an upper portion 414 of the legs 410.

[0053] Bent portions 412 of the legs 410 allow the legs to interface with the overhang of the fire pan, e.g., the overhang 218 of FIG. 2 and the overhang 310 of FIG. 3. A horizontal segment 415 of the bent portions 412 of the legs 410 may be in face-sharing contact with an upper surface of the overhang of the fire pan and lower portion 416 of the legs 410 may extend downwards from the overhang along the side panels of the outer housing of the modular heating device. The lower portion 416 of the legs 410 may be in contact with the side panels or spaced away from the side panels. The downwards extension of the side panels maintains a position of the cook top 400 securely in place while allowing the cook top 400 to be easily mounted and removed without force. [0054] As such, the cook top 400 may be placed over the fire pan, allowing food to be cooked over the fire pan without directly contacting the heating elements of the fire pan. When cooking is not desired, the cook top 400 may be readily removed, even when hot. The heating device may therefore operate as a cooking device, in addition to providing heating and a desired aesthetic to an environment.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, the optional accessories may also include a cover 500 for the modular heating device. The cover 500 may be formed of a heavy-duty, durable flexible material, such as nylon, canvas, etc. In some examples, the cover 500 may have a waterproof coating or be formed or a water-resistant fabric to provide a barrier between environmental sources of moisture, e.g., rain and snow, and outer surfaces of the modular heating device. The cover 500 may also shield the outer housing from sunlight, thereby reducing UV-induced degradation of the outer housing and prolonging a useful life of the outer housing. The cover 500 may be shaped as an open shell that covers all side of the modular heating device except for a bottom side, e.g., a side of the modular heating device that interfaces with a ground surface. The cover 500 may therefore slide down over the modular heating device. A shape of the cover 500 may be configured to match an outer geometry of the modular heating device and the cover 500 may also be customized with a desired appearance, e.g., color, pattern, logos, etc.

[0056] As described above, the modular heating device may include a frame that supports the outer housing (e.g., provides a rigid structure to which the outer housing conforms), the fire pan, and, optionally, an audio system. For example, an electronic receiver and electrical components powering the electronic receiver may be secured to the frame. The electronic receiver may be configured to receive an audio signal from one or more of an aux input, a mobile device, a personal computing device, and a control mechanism of the modular heating device, such as control mechanisms 314 of FIG. 3. The frame may also maintain the outer housing, and the frame itself, spaced away from the inner components of the modular heating device that are enclosed by the frame and the outer housing. A first example of a frame 600 for the modular heating device is illustrated in FIG. 6 in a perspective, simplified view. The frame 600 of FIG. 6 has a rectangular geometry, which may be suitable for an outer housing similar to the outer housing 202 of FIG. 2 and the outer housing 306 of FIG. 3.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, the frame 600 has a plurality of horizontally-aligned bars 602 (e.g., aligned with the x-z plane) and vertically-aligned bars 604 (e.g., parallel with the y-axis). In one example, the horizontally-aligned bars 602 includes an upper set of bars 602a and a lower set of bars 602b. Each set of bars includes four bars arranged as a square or rectangle with the upper set of bars 602a arranged at a top of the frame and the lower set of bars 602b arranged at a bottom of the frame. In one example, the square/rectangle formed by the upper set of bars 602a may be similar in dimensions to the square/rectangle formed by the lower set of bars 602b. In other examples, the upper set of bars 602a may form a square/rectangle with different dimensions than that formed by the lower set of bars 602b or may form a geometric shape different from the lower set of bars 602b.

[0058] In some examples, an electronic receiver 601 may be coupled to the frame 600. Although the electronic receiver 601 is shown attached to one of the upper set of bars 602a, the electronic receiver 601 may be coupled to various other regions of the frame 600, such as a different bar of the upper set of bars 602a or a bar of the lower set of bars 602b. Further, the frame 600 may be coupled to a base, such as the base 210 of FIG. 2 and the base 320 of FIG. 3. For example, the lower set of bars 602b may be positioned above and in contact with the base such that the frame 600 is elevated above a ground surface. In other examples, the lower set of bars 602b may form the base of the modular heating device and be in direct contact with the ground surface.

[0059] The upper set of bars 602a may be coupled to one another at ends of the upper set of bars 602a and the lower set of bars 602b may be similarly coupled to one another at ends of the lower set of bars 602b. In some examples, the upper set of bars 602a may be fixedly coupled to one another by fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, or welded to one another. The lower set of bars 602b may be similarly fixedly coupled to one another. In other examples, the sets of bars may instead be removably coupled to the bars in their respective sets. For example, the bars in each set may be attached to one another by fasteners which may be decoupled by hand, such as bolts coupled to wing nuts, snap-fit fasteners, etc.

[0060] The vertically-aligned bars 604 may extend between the upper set of bars 602a and the lower set of bars 602b of the horizontally-aligned bars 602, thereby maintaining the upper set of bars 602a above and aligned with the lower set of bars 602b along the y-axis. The vertically- aligned bars 604 may be strategically positioned to provide maximum structural support to the modular heating device, such as proximate to corners formed by the square/rectangular geometry of the horizontally-aligned bars 602. Upper ends of the vertically-aligned bars 604 may be attached to the upper set of bars 602a of the horizontally-aligned bars 602 and lower ends of the vertically- aligned bars 604 may be attached to the lower set of bars 602b of the horizontally-aligned bars 602. The vertically-aligned bars 604 may be coupled to the horizontally-aligned bars 602 by coupling mechanisms 605 for either fixed coupling, e.g., bolts, or removable coupling, e.g., snap- fit fasteners. However, regardless of a type of coupling, the coupling mechanisms 605 may be configured to allow the ends of the vertically-aligned bars 604 to rotate about the coupling mechanisms 605, as indicated by arrow 607.

[0061] The vertically-aligned bars 604 may be divided into two segments: a first, upper segment 604a and a second, lower segment 604b. A length of the first segment 604a may be substantially similar to a length of the second segment 604b, the lengths defined along the y-axis, such that each segment is approximately half of an overall length of the vertically-aligned bars 604. The segments may be aligned with one another along the y-axis and coupled by a joint 606 at each of the vertically-aligned bars 604. The joint 606 may be a hinge about which the first segment 604a and the second segment 604b may pivot relative to one another. The joint 606, in one example, may be configured to automatically lock, e.g., self-locking, when the first segment 604a and the second segment 604b are aligned with one another along the y-axis (e.g., along a length of the vertically-aligned bars 604). The joint 606 may be unlocked by applying pressure, such as pressing with a hand, against the joint 606 in directions indicated by arrows 608.

[0062] For example, the joint 606 may be configured to allow the first and second segments 604a, 604b of the vertically-aligned bars 604 to pivot such that the joint 606 translates only along the directions indicated by arrows 608 and not along opposite directions, relative to arrows 608. In other words, each joint 606 may lock in a direction opposite to arrows 608 at each of the vertically-aligned bars 604. The vertically-aligned bars 604 may collapse and fold, causing a height 609 of the frame 600 to decrease as each joint 606 translates along the y-z plane, as ends of the segments coupled at the joints rotate about the joint 606, and as ends of the vertically-aligned bars 604 pivot around the coupling mechanisms 605. Further, the translation of the joints 606 along the y-axis plane cause the joints 606 of two of the vertically-aligned bars 604 at a front side 610 of the frame 600 to move towards one another and the joints 606 of two of the vertically-aligned bars at a rear side 612 of the frame 600 to move towards one another. The upper set of bars 602a and the lower set of bars 602b of the horizontally-aligned bars 602 may concurrently move towards one another, as indicated by arrows 614.

[0063] The vertically-aligned bars 604 may continue folding until the upper set of bars 602a and the lower set of bars 602b of the horizontally-aligned bars 602 are in contact with one another. The frame 600 may be reduced in size to a compact, folded configuration and easily transported to another location or stored. In some examples, the horizontally-aligned bars 602 may also include joints or hinges, allowing the horizontally-aligned bars 602 to be folded and collapsed instead of or in addition to the vertically-aligned bars 604. Furthermore, in other examples, the vertically- aligned bars 604 may be folded differently than indicated in FIG. 6 and described above. For example, the vertically-aligned bars 604 may all fold in one common direction. In yet other examples, the frame 600 may be readily separated into individual bars. The bars may be connected by snap-fit couplings, for example, which may be pulled apart and completely detached from one another, thereby along the frame 600 to be fully dissembled. Alternatively, some portions of the frame 600 may be detached while other portions may remain coupled. As a result, some portions of the frame 600 may be separated while the other portions may remain in an original configuration or folded to a more compact geometry. For example, the vertically-aligned bars 604 may be removed, e.g., detached from the horizontally-aligned bars 602 but each set of the horizontally- aligned bars 602 may be fixedly coupled to other bars within their respective set. In addition, in some examples, the joints 606 and/or the coupling mechanisms 605 may instead be multi directional elbow connections, allowing a wide range of relative motion of the bar segments connected thereto.

[0064] In some examples, one or more of lower set of bars 602b of the horizontally-aligned bars 602 may have an inner ledge 652. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner ledge 652 may be positioned co-planar with the x-z plane. In an example, each of the lower set of bars 602b of the horizontally- aligned bars 602 may include the inner ledge 652. The inner ledge 652 may support one or more lighting devices 654, such as a lighting array as described in more detail with regard to FIG. 10. The lighting devices 654 may be positioned to project light primarily upward (along the y-axis), vertically, with respect to gravity, and/or outward away from a center of the frame 600 in the x-z plane. In this example, gravity is in the negative y-direction.

[0065] The frame 600, and other examples of frames for the modular heating device described herein, may be formed of a variety of heat-resistant and flame-proof materials. In one example, the frame may be formed of a metal. In other examples, however, the frame may be formed of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, nylon, a resin, or nylon-infused glass. In yet other examples, the frame may be formed of combinations of different materials, both metallic and non-metallic. The frame may be rigid or may have a degree of flexibility, e.g., rigid enough to support the outer housing and fire pan but may be able to bend to absorb applied forces. By forming the frame of a material other than metal, a weight of the modular heating device may be reduced, enabling the modular heating device to be transported with less effort and energy expenditure.

[0066] The geometry of the frame of the modular heating device may adhere to a desired overall shape of the modular heating device. In some examples, the shape of the frame, and the overall shape of the modular heating device, may be selected to provide a desired acoustic effect, such as a 360 degree sound effect. For example, an alternate shape for the modular heating device is shown in FIG. 7 by a second example of a frame 700 for a modular heating device. The frame 700 may be formed of various materials, as described above and may be configured to support an outer housing with a spherical geometry.

[0067] The frame 700 may include a plurality of bars 702 arranged in a pattern to form both rectangular openings 704 and triangular openings 706. The plurality of bars 702 may be connected to one another as described above, via snap-fit couplings, elbow connections, and other hand- detachable coupling mechanisms or fixed coupling mechanisms, e.g., non-detachable without applying tools. The coupling mechanisms may be arranged at intersections 708 of the plurality of bars 702. When the plurality of bars 702 are attached using hand-detachable coupling mechanisms, the frame may be rapidly dissembled into individual bars. Furthermore, in some examples, the frame 700 may be reassembled into a different shape, e.g., other than the shape of frame 700 shown in FIG. 7, using the same plurality of bars 702. As such, the frame 700 may be reconfigurable and the shape of the frame may be readily customizable.

[0068] A third example of a frame 800 for a modular heating device is depicted in FIG. 8. The frame 800 has a square geometry, e.g., each side 802 of the frame 800 is a square, and the frame 800 forms a cube. Each side 802 is formed of a grid arrangement of rods 804, the rods 804 arranged either parallel with the y-axis or perpendicular to the y-axis. The sides 802 may be coupled to one another to form the cube via wires 806 wound along edges of the sides 802 and weaving across the rods 804 of adjacent sides 802.

[0069] In comparison to the bars of the first example of the frame 600 of FIG. 6, the rods 804 of the frame 800 of FIG. 8 may be thinner and more flexible than the bars. However, a resistance of the frame 800 to deformation may be similar to that of the frame 600 of FIG. 6 due to the grid arrangement of the rods 804. In one example, the frame 800 may not be collapsible or reconfigurable but may offer a lighter weight option relative to the frames of FIGS. 6 and 7. [0070] For each of the frames depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the frames may be coupled to a base of the modular heating device, as described above. Alternatively, a bottom side of the frames may directly interface with a ground surface.

[0071] A third example of a modular heating device 900 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The modular heating device 900 has a rectangular geometry and may include a frame 902 similar to the frame 600 of FIG. 6, for example, and a fire pan 904 that forms an entire top of the modular heating device 900. The fire pan 904 has heating elements 906 that are arranged in an “X” configuration and may also include an igniter 905. The igniter 905 may be, for example, an electronic device that generates a spark when actuated. The modular heating device 900 also has a control knob 908, e.g., for controlling a fuel flow and corresponding flame size and intensity at the heating elements 906, protruding from a side of the modular heating device 900.

[0072] An outer housing of the modular heating device 900 may include four individual panels 910. The panels 910 may be snap-fit into the frame 902 of the modular heating device 900 such that an outer surface of the panels 910 is flush with outer surfaces of vertical bars 912 (e.g., parallel with the y-axis) of the frame 902, the outer surfaces of the vertical bars 912 being co- planar with the panels 910. As shown in FIG. 9, the vertical bars 912 are positioned at vertical edges of the modular heating device 900 and are not enclosed by panels 910 of the outer housing. Instead, the panels 910 of the outer housing are separated from one another by the vertical bars 912.

[0073] The panels 910 of the outer housing may be formed of silicone or plastic, as described above, and may be translucent to light. By configuring the outer housing to be translucent to light, the modular heating device 900 may be illuminated by lighting elements arranged inside of the modular heating device 900. In other words, the lighting elements may be enclosed by the outer housing and illuminate an interior of the modular heating device 900. Illumination of the interior of the modular heating device 900 may allow the modular heating device 900 to be used for lighting as well as imparting an attractive visual effect to the device. For example, the modular heating device 900 may be illuminated with a desired brightness, and/or the illumination may be pulsed, e.g., flashing, synchronously with music. In some examples, a color of the modular heating device 900 may be modified by replacing the lighting elements with lighting elements of a different color.

[0074] The lighting elements may be strategically positioned within the modular heating device to illuminate the interior of the device without casting shadows from interior components of the modular heating device, such as fuel tanks, fuel pipes, connectors, etc. In other words, the interior of the modular heating device may be illuminated such that the interior components do not interfere with or block light beams emitted from the lighting elements. In one example, the lighting elements may be a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) embedded in or coupled to a frame of the modular heating device, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0075] Turning now to FIG. 10, an interior portion 1000 of a modular heating device, such as the modular heating device 900 of FIG. 9 is depicted. The interior portion 1000 may be a view of a section of the modular heating device similar to a region of the modular heating device 900 of FIG. 9 indicated by dashed area 950. It will be noted that the view shown in FIG. 10 is taken from a different perspective, e.g., from inside the heating device, from that shown in FIG. 9.

[0076] The interior portion 1000 includes an outer housing 1002, which may be translucent, and a bar 1004 of a frame of the modular heating device. The bar 1004 may be similarly positioned as one of the lower sets of bars 602b of the horizontally-aligned bars 602 of FIG. 6 and may be in contact with the outer housing 1002. A plurality of LEDs 1006 may be arranged evenly spaced apart along a length, e.g., parallel to the x-axis, of the bar 1004 along an upward-facing (e.g., relative to the y-axis) surface 1008 of the bar 1004. The plurality of LEDs 1006 may be coupled to the upward-facing surface 1008 of the bar 1004 by a backing plate 1010 of the plurality of LEDs 1006, allowing the plurality of LEDs 1006 to be easily exchanged with or replaced by a different set of LEDs or a different type of lighting element. In other examples, the plurality of LEDs 1006 may be recessed into the bar 1004 or fixedly attached to the bar 1004. In such instances the plurality of LEDs 1006 may not be detached from the bar 1004.

[0077] The plurality of LEDs 1006, when coupled to the upward-facing surface 1008 of the bar 1004, may emit light upwards, along the y-axis, from a bottom of the modular heating device to a top of the modular heating device, inside of the outer housing 1002, along an inner surface of the outer housing 1002, e.g., substantially parallel with the inner surface. A path of the light emitted from each of the plurality of LEDs 1006 is therefore offset from inner components of the modular heating device and unimpeded by the inner components. Formation of shadows cast by the inner components, due to cross-illumination of the inner components, is thereby mitigated.

[0078] In other examples, the lighting elements of the modular heating device may additionally or alternatively be positioned in other regions of the frame without causing visible shadowing of the inner components. For example, the lighting elements may instead be coupled to upper horizontally-aligned bars of the frame, along surfaces of the bars facing downwards. In yet other examples, the lighting elements may be coupled to vertically-aligned bars of the frame and positioned such that the light elements emit light beams horizontally (e.g., along the x-z plane) across inner surfaces of side panels of the outer housing.

[0079] As described above, the modular heating device may be customized and reconfigurable with respect to color, shape, texture, illumination, portability, etc. The customizability of the modular heating device may also be applied to a desired use of the modular heating device. For example, in addition to use as a fire pit, the modular heating device may be a patio decoration or a table decoration, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0080] A fourth example of the modular heating device 1100 is depicted in FIG. 11. The modular heating device 1100 is configured to resemble a jack-o-lantern, having a rounded geometry and an outer housing 1102 textured similarly to an outer surface of a pumpkin. The outer housing 1102 may be supported by a spherical frame, such as the frame 700 of FIG. 7. The outer housing 1102 has openings 1104 shaped and positioned to form a face, e.g., eyes, nose, mouth, of the jack-o-lantern, which may also fluidically couple air and gases inside of the modular heating device 1100 to air outside of the modular heating device 1100. Heating elements may be arranged inside of the modular heating device (e.g., enclosed by the outer housing 1102) and the modular heating device 1100 may include lighting elements to illuminate an interior of the modular heating device 1100. The modular heating device 1100 may be used to enhance a decorative theme of an environment while providing heat and light.

[0081] In this way, a modular heating device, such as a fire pit and/or a table/patio decorative item, may be portable, customizable, and enhanced with effects (e.g., lighting, synchronization of flame pulsing with music) at low cost. A frame and an outer housing of the modular heating device may be formed of a lightweight material, thereby reducing a weight of the device relative to conventional, metal-based heating devices. The outer housing may be removable and exchanged for a different outer housing, allowing a user to select the outer housing according to a desired appearance of the modular heating device. The frame may be configured to be collapsible and/or easily dissembled and reassembled. Furthermore, in some examples, the frame may be dissembled and reassembled into a different shape. The modular heating device may therefore offer a customizable, reconfigurable, easily transportable, and durable device that provides heating, cooking, lighting, and entertainment capabilities.

[0082] FIGS. 1-11 show example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elements may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example, components laying in face sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example.

[0083] The disclosure also provides support for a heating device, comprising: an outer housing element removably coupled to a collapsible frame, the outer housing element formed of a non-metallic material and configured to combust a fuel to generate an open flame at a top side of the heating device. In a first example of the system, the outer housing element is a flexible skin comprising silicone, and wherein the outer housing element is a single continuous unit configured to slide on and off the collapsible frame. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the outer housing element is a plurality of panels, each of the plurality of panels attached to a side of the collapsible frame by snap-fit coupling. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the collapsible frame is formed of nylon-infused glass, and wherein the outer housing element is translucent. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through third examples, the collapsible frame has joints along bars of the collapsible frame, the joints coupling a first segment of the bars to a second segment of the bars, and wherein the first segment and the second segment of the bars pivot relative to one another at the joints. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, the collapsible frame collapses when pressure is applied to the joints, and wherein, when collapsed, the collapsible frame is reduced in size relative to when the collapsible frame is not collapsed at least in a vertical direction. In a sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fifth examples, the collapsible frame has a plurality of bars connected to one another by one or more of removable couplings and multi-directional elbow connections, and wherein the collapsible frame is configured to be dissembled. In a seventh example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through sixth examples, the collapsible frame is configured to be reassembled into different geometries. In a eighth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through seventh examples, a fire pan is coupled to the top side of the outer housing element. In a ninth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through eighth examples, the system further comprises: a cook top removably coupled to the fire pan and positioned above the fire pan, wherein the outer housing element is translucent, the heating device further comprising an internal light positioned to project light upward and/or outward through the outer housing element. In a tenth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through ninth examples, the system further comprises: a plastic base coupled to a bottom side of the heating device.

[0084] The disclosure also provides support for a modular heating device, comprising: a frame formed from a non-metallic material, heating elements positioned at a top of the frame, the heating elements coupled to a fuel source, an outer housing configured to be coupled to the frame, and an electronic receiver supported by the frame, the electronic receiver configured to receive an audio signal from an input and adjust a flow of fuel from the fuel source to the heating elements in response to the audio signal. In a first example of the system, the modular heating device is one or more of a fire pit, a table decoration, and a patio decoration, and wherein the input is one or more of an aux input, a mobile device, a personal computing device, and a control knob at the modular heating device. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, a plurality of lighting elements are coupled to the frame and oriented to emit light parallel and proximate to inner surfaces of side panels of the outer housing, and wherein the outer housing is translucent to allow the light to be transmitted therethrough. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the system further comprises: one or more control mechanisms protruding from a side panel of the outer housing, the one or more control mechanisms configured to control one or more of a flame intensity and flame size, a pulsing of a flame synchronously with the audio signal, and illumination of the modular heating device. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through third examples, the modular heating device is configured to pair wirelessly with other fire devices, the other fire devices including fire pits and torches. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, the fuel source is one or more fuel tanks enclosed by the frame and the fuel is a combustible fuel, and wherein the frame and the outer housing are formed of flame-proof, heat tolerant materials.

[0085] The disclosure also provides support for a fire pit, comprising: a collapsible, non- metallic frame enclosing a combustible fuel source, a plurality of lighting elements arranged along surfaces of the non-metallic frame, and a translucent outer housing enclosing the plurality of lighting elements and configured to be coupled to the non-metallic frame. In a first example of the system, the plurality of lighting elements are LEDs coupled to upward-facing surfaces of horizontally-aligned bars of the collapsible, non-metallic frame, and wherein the horizontally- aligned bars are in contact with the translucent outer housing. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, light beams emitted by the plurality of lighting elements are offset from inner components of the fire pit enclosed by the collapsible, non-metallic frame. [0086] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A heating device, comprising: an outer housing element removably coupled to a collapsible frame, the outer housing element formed of a non-metallic material and configured to combust a fuel to generate an open flame at a top side of the heating device.

2. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the outer housing element is a flexible skin comprising silicone, and wherein the outer housing element is a single continuous unit configured to slide on and off the collapsible frame.

3. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the outer housing element is a plurality of panels, each of the plurality of panels attached to a side of the collapsible frame by snap-fit coupling.

4. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the collapsible frame is formed of nylon- infused glass, and wherein the outer housing element is translucent.

5. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the collapsible frame has joints along bars of the collapsible frame, the joints coupling a first segment of the bars to a second segment of the bars, and wherein the first segment and the second segment of the bars pivot relative to one another at the joints.

6. The heating device of claim 5, wherein the collapsible frame collapses when pressure is applied to the joints, and wherein, when collapsed, the collapsible frame is reduced in size relative to when the collapsible frame is not collapsed at least in a vertical direction.

7. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the collapsible frame has a plurality of bars connected to one another by one or more of removable couplings and multi-directional elbow connections, and wherein the collapsible frame is configured to be dissembled.

8. The heating device of claim 7, wherein the collapsible frame is configured to be reassembled into different geometries.

9. The heating device of claim 1, wherein a fire pan is coupled to the top side of the outer housing element.

10. The heating device of claim 9, further comprising a cook top removably coupled to the fire pan and positioned above the fire pan, wherein the outer housing element is translucent, the heating device further comprising an internal light positioned to project light upward and/or outward through the outer housing element.

11. The heating device of claim 1, further comprising a plastic base coupled to a bottom side of the heating device.

12. A modular heating device, comprising: a frame formed from a non-metallic material; heating elements positioned at a top of the frame, the heating elements coupled to a fuel source; an outer housing configured to be coupled to the frame; and an electronic receiver supported by the frame, the electronic receiver configured to receive an audio signal from an input and adjust a flow of fuel from the fuel source to the heating elements in response to the audio signal.

13. The modular heating device of claim 12, wherein the modular heating device is one or more of a fire pit, a table decoration, and a patio decoration, and wherein the input is one or more of an aux input, a mobile device, a personal computing device, and a control knob at the modular heating device.

14. The modular heating device of claim 12, wherein a plurality of lighting elements are coupled to the frame and oriented to emit light parallel and proximate to inner surfaces of side panels of the outer housing, and wherein the outer housing is translucent to allow the light to be transmitted therethrough.

15. The modular heating device of claim 12, wherein further comprising one or more control mechanisms protruding from a side panel of the outer housing, the one or more control mechanisms configured to control one or more of a flame intensity and flame size, a pulsing of a flame synchronously with the audio signal, and illumination of the modular heating device.

16. The modular heating device of claim 12, wherein the modular heating device is configured to pair wirelessly with other fire devices, the other fire devices including fire pits and torches.

17. The modular heating device of claim 12, wherein the fuel source is one or more fuel tanks enclosed by the frame and the fuel is a combustible fuel, and wherein the frame and the outer housing are formed of flame-proof, heat tolerant materials.

18. A fire pit, comprising: a collapsible, non-metallic frame enclosing a combustible fuel source; a plurality of lighting elements arranged along surfaces of the non-metallic frame; and a translucent outer housing enclosing the plurality of lighting elements and configured to be coupled to the non-metallic frame.

19. The fire pit of claim 18, wherein the plurality of lighting elements are LEDs coupled to upward-facing surfaces of horizontally-aligned bars of the collapsible, non-metallic frame, and wherein the horizontally-aligned bars are in contact with the translucent outer housing.

20. The fire pit of claim 18, wherein light beams emitted by the plurality of lighting elements are offset from inner components of the fire pit enclosed by the collapsible, non-metallic frame.