Collapsible fire ring

Abstract

A collapsible fire ring product and associated methodology are described. The fire ring product ( 100 ) includes flat panels ( 102 ) connected by hinges ( 106 ). The panels ( 102 ) are formed from an inflammable material such as steel. The hinges ( 106 ) may be positioned in a space between adjacent panels ( 102 ) or may be provided adjacent to the inner faces or outer faces of adjacent panels ( 102 ). In the latter case, successive hinges may alternate between the inner faces and outer faces of the panels to allow the panels to collapse in an accordion configuration for storage or carrying. The hinges also allow the panels to be deployed in an extended configuration to form the fire ring. One of the panels ( 102 ) may define a spine ( 108 ) that extends across the combined thickness of the panels in the collapsed configuration. A detachable or fixed handle ( 104 ) may be attached to the spine ( 108 ).

1 . A fire ring apparatus, comprising:
 a number of flat panels interconnected by hinges such that said panels can be arranged in a first configuration, wherein said panels form a ring, and in a second configuration, wherein said panels are stacked for compact storage or transportation.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising at least six of said flat panels. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said hinges are arranged such multiple ones of said flat panels are in an aligned, stacked position in said second configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein, in said first configuration, said flat panels circumscribe a circle having a diameter between about 12-36 inches. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of said flat panels has a width, measured between hinged edges of said flat panel, of between about 6-10 inches. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle for carrying said fire ring apparatus. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein one of said flat panels defines a spine including one or more mounting elements for mounting an accessory. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said spine has a width at least about equal to a combined thickness of said other ones of said flat panels when arranged in an aligned, stacked configuration. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a detachable handle assembly for connecting to said spine using said mounting elements. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said handle assembly comprises a hollow tube with at least one detachable cap that is removable to access an interior of said hollow tube and can be secured to an end of said hollow tube to enclose said interior. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said accessory comprises one of an axe, a shovel, a flashlight, and a cooking accessory. 
     
     
         16 . A method for using a fire ring product, comprising:
 providing a fire ring product including a number of flat panels interconnected by hinges;   disposing said fire ring product in a first configuration, wherein said panels form a ring; and   folding said fire ring product to a second configuration, wherein said panels are stacked for compact storage or transportation.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said fire ring product comprises at least six of said flat panels. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said hinges are arranged such multiple ones of said flat panels are in an aligned, stacked position in said second configuration. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein, in said first configuration, said flat panels circumscribe a circle having a diameter between about 12-36 inches. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein each of said flat panels has a width, measured between hinged edges of said flat panel, of between about 6-10 inches. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein one of said flat panels defines a spine including one or more mounting elements, and said method further comprises using said mounting elements for mounting an accessory to said fire ring product. 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said spine has a width at least about equal to a combined thickness of said other ones of said flat panels when arranged in an aligned, stacked configuration. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising providing a detachable handle assembly and connecting said detachable handle assembly to said spine using said mounting elements. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said handle assembly comprises a hollow tube with at least one detachable cap that is removable to access an interior of said hollow tube and can be secured to an end of said hollow tube to enclose said interior. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said accessory comprises one of an axe, a shovel, a flashlight, and a cooking accessory.