Synthetic firelog and method for making same

Abstract

A synthetic firelog is made from substantially 100% leaves mixed with a binder. Preferably, the synthetic firelog is comprised of a base material that is substantially 100% tree leaves. The leaves may be from any of a variety of trees, including, but not limited to, oak, maple, poplar, or birch trees, or mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the leaves consist primarily of oak tree leaves. However, it will be appreciated that numerous varieties of tree leaves, and mixtures thereof, may be used. The binder is a wax material, preferably paraffin wax. A method for making the synthetic firelog is disclosed.

1 . A synthetic firelog comprising:
 a base material; and   a binder;   wherein the base material is comprised of substantially 100% tree leaves, and wherein the binder is comprised of a wax.   
     
     
         2 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein the tree leaves are shredded. 
     
     
         3 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 2  wherein the tree leaves are shredded to a size of about 1 to 3 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein the tree leaves are selected from a group consisting of oak leaves, maple leaves, poplar leaves, birch leaves and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein the wax is a paraffin wax. 
     
     
         6 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein the wax is selected from a group consisting of paraffin wax, refined wax, petroleum wax and commercial wax. 
     
     
         7 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein a volume of the base material is about equal to a volume of the binder. 
     
     
         8 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein a volume of the base material is different than a volume of the binder. 
     
     
         9 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein the firelog is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         10 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein the firelog is formed as a pellet. 
     
     
         11 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein the firelog has a density of about 30 pounds per cubic foot. 
     
     
         12 . The synthetic firelog of  claim 1  wherein the firelog has a density from between about 10 pounds per cubic foot to about 40 pounds per cubic foot. 
     
     
         13 . A method for making a synthetic firelog comprising the steps of:
 shredding a quantity of tree leaves to form a base material comprised of substantially 100% tree leaves;   melting a binder;   mixing a quantity of the base material with a quantity of the binder to form a mixture;   compressing the mixture to form a compacted mass;   extruding the compacted mass; and   allowing the extruded compacted mass to cool and harden.   
     
     
         14 . The method for making a synthetic firelog of  claim 13  wherein the tree leaves are shredded to a size of about 1 to 3 inches. 
     
     
         15 . The method for making a synthetic firelog of  claim 13  wherein the tree leaves are selected from a group consisting of oak leaves, maple leaves, poplar leaves, birch leaves and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The method for making a synthetic firelog of  claim 13  wherein the binder is a paraffin wax. 
     
     
         17 . The method for making a synthetic firelog of  claim 13  wherein the binder is selected from a group consisting of paraffin wax, refined wax, petroleum wax and commercial wax. 
     
     
         18 . The method for making a synthetic firelog of  claim 13  wherein the quantity of the base material is about equal to the quantity of the binder. 
     
     
         19 . The method for making a synthetic firelog of  claim 13  wherein the quantity of the base material is different than the quantity of the binder. 
     
     
         20 . The method for making a synthetic firelog of  claim 13  further comprising the step of cutting the extruded compacted mass to a desired length.