Apparatus and method for heating an outdoor area

Abstract

An outdoor firepit comprises a vessel adapted to contain a combustible material. A plurality of conduits are within the vessel and are positioned to be in thermal communication with the combustible material. An air source forces air through the plurality of conduits and into an area surrounding the firepit. An apparatus for heating an outdoor area comprises a vessel adapted to contain a combustible material having an inner bowl and an outer bowl and a space therebetween. A plurality of conduits are within the vessel adjacent the inner bowl and are positioned to be in thermal communication with the combustible material. An air source forces air through the plurality of conduits and into the outdoor area surrounding the vessel.

1 . An outdoor firepit, comprising:
 a vessel adapted to contain a combustible material;   a plurality of conduits within the vessel and positioned to be in thermal communication with the combustible material; and   an air source forcing air through the plurality of conduits and into an area surrounding the firepit.   
   
   
       2 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conduits comprises a plurality of flow channels attached to the vessel. 
   
   
       3 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conduits comprise a manifold assembly engaging the vessel. 
   
   
       4 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 1 , wherein the each conduit further comprises a conduit nozzle proximate an exit to the conduit. 
   
   
       5 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 4 , wherein the exit velocity of the air flow is in the range of about 5 to about 40 feet per second. 
   
   
       6 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 1 , wherein the vessel is a dual-walled vessel having a space between a first wall and a second wall. 
   
   
       7 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 6 , wherein the space between the first wall and the second wall has an insulating material therein. 
   
   
       8 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 7 , wherein the space between the first wall and the second wall has a vacuum therein. 
   
   
       9 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 4 , further comprising a movable deflector attached to the nozzle. 
   
   
       10 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 1 , wherein the air source comprises a bladed air-moving device. 
   
   
       11 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 10 , wherein the air source further comprises a motor coupled to the fan. 
   
   
       12 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 1 , wherein the motor is chosen from the group consisting of: an AC motor, a DC motor, and an air motor. 
   
   
       13 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conduits comprises a plurality of flow channels at least partially formed into a wall of the vessel. 
   
   
       14 . The outdoor firepit of  claim 1 , further comprising an insulating material applied to a bottom surface of the vessel. 
   
   
       15 . An apparatus for heating an outdoor area comprising:
 a vessel adapted to contain a combustible material, the vessel having an inner bowl and an outer bowl and a space therebetween;   a plurality of conduits adjacent the inner bowl and positioned to be in thermal communication with the combustible material; and   an air source forcing air through the plurality of conduits and into the outdoor area surrounding the vessel.   
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a thermal insulating material disposed in the space between the outer bowl and the inner bowl. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of conduits comprises a plurality of flow channels at least partially attached to the vessel. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of conduits comprise a manifold assembly engaged with the vessel. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the air source comprises a bladed air-moving device. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the air source further comprises a motor wherein the motor is chosen from the group consisting of: an AC motor, a DC motor, and an air motor. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of conduits comprises a plurality of flow channels at least partially formed into a wall of the vessel.