PORTABLE MULTI-UTILITY FIREPLACE AND COOKING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A portable multi-utility fireplace and cooking assistive device comprising, a cuboidal body 101 crafted with an opening that enables a user to fill combustible fuel inside the body 101, plurality of telescopic rods 102 for supporting the body 101 on a fixed horizontal surface, an imaging unit 103 determine average height of individual present in proximity of body 101, plurality of burners 201 connected with a liquid petroleum gas cylinder 202 that dispense the gas within the burner 201, an electric lighter 203 to lighten the burner 201 for providing heating to the body 101, a rack arrangement 104 to provide a stable structure for allowing the user to accommodate a cooking utensil over the rack arrangement 104, an electronic nozzle 204 for spraying a neutralizing gas stored within the chamber 205 around the body 101.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to portable multi-utility fireplace and cooking assistive device that is capable of facilitating a user in using a portable fireplace for multiple purposes such as cooking and heating. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of monitoring temperature of the heat produced by ignition of the flame in accordance to display the determined temperature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Utilizing a fireplace for cooking purposes inculcate a sense of tradition and rustic charm into culinary traditions. The warmth and ambiance of the crackling fire serves not only as a source of heat but also as a versatile cooking apparatus. With a fireplace, cooking becomes an immersive experience that allows individuals to reconnect with traditional cooking methods. The fireplace offers a variety of cooking techniques from direct grilling over open flames to slow-roasting and smoking with the use of wood chips or logs. Meats, vegetables, and even bread are cooked to perfection that are infused with smoky flavors and aromas that only a fireplace imparts. Additionally, the radiant heat from the fire provides a consistent and even cooking environment that result in deliciously flavorful dishes and aromatic textures. Moreover, the fireplace fosters a sense of community and togetherness as friends and family gather around to share stories and laughter while savoring the delicious meals prepared over the flames.

[0003] Traditionally, utilizing a fireplace involves pots or pans directly over the open flames or placing them on a grate within the fireplace. Controlling the temperature is quite challenging as the intensity of the fire fluctuates in a very unpredictable manner. This inconsistency results in uneven cooking, burnt or undercooked food. Additionally, the exposure to smoke and ash poses health risks and lead to respiratory issues if proper ventilation is lacking while cooking over fireplace. Furthermore, the limited cooking space restricts the variety and quantity of dishes prepared simultaneously. The constant maintenance of the fire including adding fuel and managing ashes is quite time-consuming and labor-intensive. Despite its rustic charm and nostalgic appeal, the conventional method of cooking with a fireplace is not always practical or efficient.

[0004] CA2008002A1 discloses about an invention which provides for translation a grill or other cooking device in three orthogonal directions. The device has a wall assembly which attaches to the sidewall of the fireplace and maintains a mechanism to raise or lower a grill or other cooking device. Attached to the wall assembly are a series of elements which are pivotably mounted to provide planar translation of a grill or other cooking device. Although, CA'002 discloses about a method for grilling or other cooking as per the requirement of the user. However, the cited invention lacks in monitoring presence of air pollutants in surroundings along with level of the pollutants.

[0005] US4086905A discloses about an invention that has a novel combination fire grate and fireplace cooking apparatus is described wherein a modular design facilitating the use of any of a variety of sizes of fossil fuels, e.g. coal, charcoal or wood, may be efficiently burned, while at the same time providing a heat source for cooking food placed on a cooking grill or grills which track along adjacent fireplace grate members. A novel compression assembly of modular fireplace grate members facilitates the use of the present invention in fireplaces of any width, as well as the easy disassembly and assembly of the unit for shipping or to adjust the unit to accept various sizes of fuels. A lightweight handle with a novel coupling configuration is provided for repositioning the cooking grill with respect to the fire, and/or for removing the cooking grill and food from the fire. This coupling means is designed to quickly and positively engage the cooking grill when inserted from a direction approximately perpendicular to the cooking surface. As the handle is then displaced arcuately towards the plane of the cooking surface, a novel hook-shaped tip portion and basal portion of the coupling means of the handle matably engage appropriately formed surfaces on the cooking grill because the secure inner connection of the handle and cooking grill. Further arcuate displacement of the handle then causes a tracking portion formed on the cooking grill to disengage from stops to thereby allow the cooking grill to be moved freely to any of a variety of cooking positions, or to be removed entirely for serving. Though, US'905 discloses about a method for providing a heat source for cooking food placed on a cooking grill or grills which track along adjacent fireplace grate members. However, the cited invention lacks in detecting intensity of wind blowing in surroundings in order to prevent extinguishing of the produced flame by providing shade.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market that aid the user in using portable fireplace as means of cooking food. However, the cited invention lacks in determining presence of air pollutants in surroundings alongside level of the pollutants and accordingly neutralizes the pollutants in view of protecting the individuals from potential health risks. In addition, the mentioned devices also fall short in determining the temperature of the heat produced by ignition and accordingly displaying the detected temperature.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a means to the user for using portable fireplace as per the requirement and accordingly using the fireplace for carrying out the cooking process. Also, the proposed device is capable of monitoring presence of air pollutants in vicinity to the body along with level of the pollutants for protecting the individuals from potential risks.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a portable fireplace to a user that is accessed by the user for multiple purposes which includes but not limited to cooking and heating.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring presence of air pollutants in surroundings along with level of the pollutants and accordingly neutralizes the pollutants in view of protecting the individuals from potential health risks.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring temperature of the heat produced by ignition of the flame in accordance to display the determined temperature.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting intensity of wind blowing in surroundings in order to prevent extinguishing of the produced flame by providing shade.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a portable multi-utility fireplace and cooking assistive device that is capable of carrying out coking process on portable fireplace as per requirement of user. In addition, the proposed device is capable of detecting intensity of wind blowing in surroundings in order to prevent extinguishing of the produced flame by providing shade.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portable multi-utility fireplace and cooking assistive device, comprises of a cuboidal body carved with an opening that enables a user to fill combustible fuel inside the body, plurality of telescopic rods installed underneath the body for supporting the body on a fixed horizontal surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit configured on the body to determine average height of individual present in proximity to the body, plurality of burners arranged on bottom portion of the body coupled with a liquid petroleum gas cylinder hat dispense the gas within the burner, an electric lighter to lighten the burner for providing heating to the body in view of providing a portable fireplace to the user and an insulating padding is furnished on bottom portion of the body for preventing over-heating of bottom portion of the body due to continuous exposure to heat of the flame.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a rack arrangement constructed in upper portion of the body via a pair of motorized hinge to provide a stable structure for allowing the user to accommodate a cooking utensil over the rack arrangement, a motorized sliding unit linked within the arrangement for arranging multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods, an AQI (Air Quality Index) sensor embedded on the body for monitoring presence of air pollutants in vicinity to the body along with level of the pollutants, an electronic nozzle for spraying a neutralizing gas stored within the chamber around the body, thereby protecting the individuals from potential health risks, a temperature sensor is installed on the body for detecting temperature of heat produced by ignition of the flame, a touch interactive display panel aligned on the body for displaying the detected temperature, an ultrasonic anemometer embedded on the body for detecting intensity of wind blowing in vicinity to the body, a pair of extendable plates attached with the body for extending to prevent extinguishing of the produced flame by providing shade and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a portable multi-utility fireplace and cooking assistive device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an inner view of the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a portable multi-utility fireplace and cooking assistive device that has the ability to enable a user to use portable fireplace as a means of cooking in a secured manner. Furthermore, the proposed device is capable of monitoring presence of air pollutants in surroundings along with level of the pollutants and accordingly neutralizes the pollutants in view of protecting the individuals from potential health risks.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a portable multi-utility fireplace and cooking assistive device and an isometric view of an inner view of the proposed device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal body 101 crafted with an opening that enables a user to fill combustible fuel inside the body 101, plurality of telescopic rods 102 are configured underneath the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, a rack arrangement 104 arranged in upper portion of the body 101, a motorized sliding unit 105 integrated within the arrangement 104 for arranging multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods ( 106, 107) integrated within the arrangement 104 and a touch interactive display panel 108 mapped on the body 101, plurality of burners 201 installed on bottom portion of the body 101, a liquid petroleum gas cylinder 202 associated with the device, an electric lighter 203 paired with the burners 201, an electronic nozzle 204 configured on the body 101 and connected with a chamber 205 assembled on the body 101.

[0024] The device disclosed herein includes a cuboidal body 101 that is developed to be positioned over the surface. The body 101 is crafted with an opening that allows a user to fill combustible fuel inside the body 101 in a secured manner. The body 101 is in the cuboidal shape which offers a large storage capacity for several mechanical and electrical units to be placed within the body 101. Also, the body 101 is light in weight and is cast with highly durable materials which are easy to be carried from one place to another as per the requirement of the user. The outer surface of the body 101 is coated with thin paint sheets which shield the body 101 from dust and water buildup, as well as prevent the body 101 from rusting if exposed to the outer atmosphere. The body 101 is equipped with multiple telescopic rods 102 that are attached on bottom portion of the body 101 in view of providing support to the body 101 on a fixed horizontal surface.

[0025] The telescopic rods 102 are powered by a pneumatic unit including a pneumatic cylinder, air compressor, electronic valve, cylinder and piston. The valve is an electronic valve that allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the rods 102, for supporting the body 101.

[0026] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 configured on the body 101 in order to capture multiple images of the surroundings for determining the average height of an individual present in contiguity of the body 101. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 103 refers to a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images or videos captured by the camera, enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision- making. The camera captures images or records videos by the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals.

[0027] The captured data is pre-processed to enhance its quality and prepare it for artificial intelligence (AI) analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, images stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data that is further transmitted to an inbuilt microcontroller pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device.

[0028] Based on the received data, the microcontroller directs the rods 102 to extend/retract for positioning the body 101 at an optimum height from the surface as per the requirement of the user. Multiple burners 201 are configured on bottom portion of the body 101 that are attached with a liquid petroleum gas cylinder 202 associated with the device in order to dispense the gas within the burners 201. Upon dispensing of the gas in the burners 201, the microcontroller activates an electric lighter 203 to lighten the burners 201 in view of providing heating to the body 101 for providing a portable fireplace to the user.

[0029] The electric lighter 203, also known as a plasma lighter that uses electricity from the power source of the device to produce a high-voltage electric arc that is able to ignite combustible fuel. Upon actuation the electricity flows in an internal circuitry of the lighter 203 that sends a high-voltage, low-current electric current to a set of electrodes. These electrodes are typically made of a conductive material, such as tungsten or ceramic. The high-voltage current creates a potential difference between the electrodes, which results a small but intense electric arc or plasma to form between the electrodes. This arc burns the fuel gas and thus the burner is ignited for generating heat for providing the portable fireplace to the user. Herein, an insulting padding is configured on bottom portion of the body 101 in view of preventing over-heating of bottom portion of the body 101 due to continuous exposure to eat of the flame.

[0030] The microcontroller actuates a motorized sliding unit 105 configured within a rack arrangement 104 installed in upper portion of the body 101 by means of a pair of motorized hinges. The rack arrangement 104 is constructed with multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods ( 106, 107) that gets arranged via sliding unit 105 for providing stable structure in view of allowing the user to accommodate a cooking utensil over the rack arrangement 104.

[0031] The sliding unit 105 mentioned herein consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit 105 results in arranging multiple horizontally and vertically link rods ( 106, 107).

[0032] An AQI (Air Quality Index) sensor embedded on the body 101 in view of monitoring the presence of air pollutants in proximity of the body 101 alongside level of the pollutant. Herein, in case the determined intensity exceeds a threshold limit, an electronic nozzle 204 attached with a chamber 205 installed on the body 101 gets actuated by the microcontroller in view of spraying a neutralizing gas stored within the chamber 205 around the body 101 for protecting the individuals from potential health risks. The neutralizing gas includes but not limited to hydroxyl radicals (OH), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

[0033] Furthermore, a temperature sensor is embedded on the body 101 in view of detecting the temperature of heat produced by ignition of the flame in accordance to which the microcontroller directs a touch interactive display panel 108 installed on the body 101 for displaying the detected temperature. The temperature sensor consists a conductive sensing element. Upon varying the temperature, the resistance of conductive element deviates which results in fluctuation in voltage flow across the sensing element. The voltage fluctuation causes the current to flow across the sensing element is detected by the microcontroller in form of electric pulse. Further the microcontroller evaluates the amplitude of the electric pulse to determine the temperature of the heat produced by the ignition of the flame.

[0034] The touch interactive display panel 108 mapped herein consists of multiple tiny electrically active wires. When user touch the mapping illustrated over the panel, the wires are pressed together and circuit is completed. Which results in flow of voltages across the circuit. That voltage flow is detected by the microcontroller linked with the panel in form of electric signals. Further the signals are processed by the microcontroller for displaying the detected temperature.

[0035] In addition, an ultrasonic anemometer is installed on the body 101 for detecting intensity of wind blowing in vicinity to the body 101. The ultrasonic anemometer is a wind speed and direction measuring instrument developed based on the principle of ultrasonic waves. This uses the transmitted sound wave pulse to measure the time or frequency (Doppler transform) difference at the receiving end to calculate wind speed and direction. The sensor simultaneously measure the instantaneous values of wind speed and wind direction.

[0036] Herein, in case the detected intensity exceeds a threshold limit, the microcontroller actuates a pair of extendable plates attached with the body 101 for extending to prevent extinguishing of the produced flame by providing shade. The extendable plates get extend/retract by means of drawer arrangement. The drawer arrangement includes sliding racks and rails, such that the plate is mounted over the racks that are electronically operated by the microcontroller for moving over the rails. Such that the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement. The
drawer arrangement is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated
by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The
motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into
mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force
provides the required power to the racks to provide sliding movement to the
plates for extending/retracting as required for preventing the extinguishing of the produced flame by providing shade.

[0037] Lastly, a battery (not shown in fig.) integrated with the device for supplying a continuous DC (direct current) voltage to the components such as motors, microcontrollers and various other components that are associated with device. The battery used in the invention is preferably Lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable once again after getting drained out for proper functioning of the components.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal body 101 crafted with an opening as disclosed in the proposed invention enables the user to fill combustible fuel inside the body 101 and fabricated with multiple telescopic rods 102 for providing support to the body 101 on the fixed horizontal surface. Now, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 captures multiple images of the surroundings for determining the height of individuals that are present in vicinity of the surroundings and accordingly the rods 102 extend/retract for positioning the body 101 at optimum height from the surface. Then, multiple burners 201 connected with the liquid petroleum gas cylinder 202 gets lighten up by means of the electric lighter 203 in view of providing heating to the body 101 alongside providing a portable fireplace to the user. Further, the rack arrangement 104 provides stable structure for allowing the user to accommodate cooking utensils over the rack arrangement 104 and the AQI (Air Quality Index) sensor monitors the presence of the air pollutants in vicinity to the body 101 along with level of the pollutants. In case the detected intensity exceeds the threshold limit, the electronic nozzle 204 sprays neutralizing gas for protecting the individuals from potential health risks. Also, the ultrasonic anemometer detects the intensity of the wind blowing in proximity to the body 101 and upon exceeding the threshold limit, the pair of extendable plates gets extended for preventing extinguishing of the produced flame by providing shade.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A portable multi-utility fireplace and cooking assistive device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101 crafted with an opening that enables a user to fill combustible fuel inside said body 101, wherein plurality of telescopic rods 102 are configured underneath said body 101 for supporting said body 101 on a fixed horizontal surface;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to determine average height of individual present in proximity to said body 101, wherein based on which said microcontroller actuates said rods 102 to extend/ retract for positioning said body 101 at an optimum height from said surface;
iii) plurality of burners 201 installed on bottom portion of said body 101, connected with a liquid petroleum gas cylinder 202 associated with said device that dispense said gas within said burner, followed by activation of an electric lighter 203 paired with said burners 201 to lighten said burner for providing heating to said body 101 in view of providing a portable fireplace to said user;
iv) a rack arrangement 104 arranged in upper portion of said body 101 via a pair of motorized hinge, wherein said microcontroller actuates a motorized sliding unit 105 integrated within said arrangement 104 for arranging multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods ( 106, 107) integrated within said arrangement 104 to provide a stable structure for allowing said user to accommodate a cooking utensil over said rack arrangement 104; and
v) an AQI (Air Quality Index) sensor mapped on said body 101 for monitoring presence of air pollutants in vicinity to said body 101 along with level of said pollutants, wherein in case said detected intensity exceeds a threshold limit, said microcontroller actuates an electronic nozzle 204 configured on said body 101 and connected with a chamber 205 assembled on said body 101 for spraying a neutralizing gas stored within said chamber 205 around said body 101, thereby protecting said individuals from potential health risks.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an insulating padding is fabricated on bottom portion of said body 101 for preventing over-heating of bottom portion of said body 101 due to continuous exposure to heat of said flame.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is installed on said body 101 for detecting temperature of heat produced by ignition of said flame and accordingly said microcontroller directs a touch interactive display panel 108 mapped on said body 101 for displaying said detected temperature.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic anemometer is positioned on said body 101 for detecting intensity of wind blowing in vicinity to said body 101 and in case said detected intensity exceeds a threshold limit, said microcontroller actuates a pair of extendable plates attached with said body 101 for extending to prevent extinguishing of said produced flame by providing shade.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said neutralizing gas includes but not limited to hydroxyl radicals (OH), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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