GAS BURNER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a gas burner, and more particularly, a plurality of flames and illuminated glass beads arranged to resemble an image, picture, object, etc. (e.g., yin/yang symbol, martini with olive, etc.).

Gas burners may be purchased in many different sizes and shapes for different purposes. For example, one type of gas burner is a gas grill for cooking. Typically, a gas grill has an enclosure with a gas line routed to the enclosure. The gas line may be connected to two pipes with a plurality of gas apertures. The two pipes may be positioned parallel with respect to each other and disposed within the enclosure. To light the gas burner, gas is introduced into the gas line. The gas is transferred from the gas line to the two pipes. Gas is ejected out of the gas apertures. The user may ignite the ejected gas thereby resulting in flames. A grilling plate may be disposed over the flames to cook hamburgers, meat, and other food products (e.g., vegetables, etc.). Unfortunately, gas grills are unaesthetically pleasing.

Another type of gas burner is a gas fireplace. The gas fireplace will have a firebox. One or more pipes with a plurality of gas apertures will be placed in the firebox. A gas line will be connected to the pipe(s) and be operative to introduce combustible gas into the pipes. Non-burning logs may be placed within the firebox over the pipes. In use, combustible gas is introduced into the gas line and transferred into the pipes. The combustible gas will be ejected out of the gas apertures. At this point, the user may ignite the ejected gas thereby resulting in flames. The combination of flames and non-burning logs resembles a wood burning fireplace.

Unfortunately, the flames and non-burning logs may not be rearranged to resemble other symbols, pictures, objects, etc.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved gas burner.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The gas burner discussed herein addresses the needs discussed above, discussed below and those that are know in the art. The gas burner when lit may have an outline of an image produced by flames. Glass beads may be disposed adjacent the flames and illuminated by the flames. The flames and illuminated glass beads may collectively resemble the image.

The outline of the image may be formed by the flames. By way of example and not limitation, the gas burner may have an outline of an image formed by the flames resembling a yin/yang symbol, a glass of martini with an olive and stirrer, or other image. For example, to form the outline of the yin/yang symbol, the gas burner may have a first set of gas apertures having a circular configuration. Additionally, a second set of gas apertures may have a reverse S configuration joining opposite sides of the first set of gas apertures. Gas may be introduced into the gas burner which releases the gas through the first and second sets of gas apertures. The gas reiased through the gas apertures may be ignited with a match, lighter or any other ignition device. Upon ignition, the resulting flames may have an outline of the image formed by the flames in a configuration of the yin/yang symbol. To form an outline of a different image, the gas burner may one or more sets of gas apertures configured and arranged to resemble the outline of the image. The flames may illuminate glass beads adjacent thereto such that the glass beads and flames collectively resemble the image. In relation to the yin/yang symbol, the gas burner may have a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion. The outer periphery of the first recess portion and the second recess portion may be defined by the first and second sets of gas apertures. First and second sets of glass beads may be disposed within the first and second recessed portions. In particular, the first set of glass beads may have a white color when illuminated by the flames. The first set of glass beads may be generally dispersed throughout the first recessed portion. The second set of glass beads may have a dark color when illuminated by the flames. The second set of glass beads may be aggregated and disposed centrally at the upper portion of the first recessed portion.

The second recess portion may also have first and second sets of glass beads generally disposed therein. In particular, the second set of glass beads may be generally

dispersed within the second recessed portion. Also, the first set of glass beads may be aggregated and disposed centrally at the lower portion of the second recessed portion. When gas of the gas burner is ignited, flames are produced at the first and second sets of gas apertures. The flames illuminate the first and second sets of glass beads within the first and second recessed portions. The first set of glass beads is illuminated in a light color such as white, whereas, the second set of glass beads is illuminated in a dark color such as black. As a result, the flames and illuminated glass beads collectively resemble a yin/yang symbol.

The gas burner may be fabricated such that the flames and illuminated glass beads resemble other images. By way of example and not limitation, one or more sets of gas apertures may be formed to have an outline of a martini glass. Recessed portions may be formed adjacent the sets of gas apertures. The recessed portions may receive glass beads which may be illuminated by adjacent flames. Glass beads having different colors and shades may be selectively positioned within the recessed portions such that the flames and illuminated glass beads collectively resemble a martini glass with an olive.

The gas burner may have a top plate, bottom plate and a gas dispersing chamber. The top plate may have an outer peripheral lip. The outer peripheral lip may have any configuration to follow the general motif of the image. For example, in the yin/yang symbol, the outer peripheral lip may have a circular configuration to match the general overall motif of the yin/yang symbol. The outer peripheral lip may have other configurations such as square configuration, pentagonal configuration, etc.

The outer peripheral lip of the top plate may have a vertical riser extending from an inner periphery of the lip. The vertical riser may be tapered inwardly. A recess plate may join the inner periphery of the riser. The recess plate may have a gas aperture frame attached to the recess plate. In relation to the yin/yang symbol gas burner, the gas aperture frame has an outline of the yin/yang symbol. The cross- sectional configuration of the gas aperture frame may have an inverted V configuration. The gas apertures may be formed in the gas aperture frame. The gas apertures of the frame may be equidistantly spaced apart from each other.

The bottom plate may have a generally mirror configuration of the top plate. In particular, the bottom plate may also have an outer peripheral lip. The outer peripheral Hp of the bottom plate may match the outer peripheral lip of the top plate.

The outer peripheral lip of the bottom plate may be placed in contact with the outer peripheral Hp of the top plate. The outer peripheral lips of the top and bottom plates may be joined to each other by crimping, welding or other known methods of joining. The bottom plate may also have a riser which extends downwardly from an inner periphery of the outer peripheral lip of the bottom plate. An enclosure plate may join the inner periphery of the riser. A central portion of the enclosure plate may have a gas inlet aperture through which gas may be introduced into the gas chamber of the gas burner. The gas chamber is defined by the cavity between the top plate and the bottom plate. A gas dispersing chamber may be formed within the gas chamber. In particular, the gas dispersing chamber may comprise a baffle and a stand. The baffle may be disposed above the gas inlet aperture of the bottom plate. The stand may have a circular cylindrical configuration and may be interposed between the baffle and the enclosure plate. The baffle may rest on the stand and be attached thereto. Also, the stand may be fixedly attached to the enclosure plate. The stand may have a plurality of dispensing apertures such that gas introduced through the gas inlet aperture of the enclosure plate may be dispersed throughout the gas chamber.

The gas burner may be ground mounted or tabletop mounted. More particularly, when the gas burner is mounted within the ground, the ground may be excavated. A gas line may be disposed within the ground and connected to the gas inlet aperture of the enclosure plate. When the gas burner is table mounted, a table top may have a recess sized and configured to receive the gas burner. A gas line may be routed to an underside of the gas burner and connected to the gas inlet aperture for introducing gas into the gas chamber. In use, the gas line may be opened for allowing gas to flow therethrough. The gas may be introduced into the gas dispersing chamber which in turn distributes the gas throughout the gas chamber. Gas may then be ejected out of the gas apertures. The user may ignite the gas thereby producing flames in the outline of an image. The flames may illuminate glass beads within recessed portions. The glass beads may be illuminated in different colors. The flames and the illuminated glass beads may collectively resemble the image.

The glass beads may comprise Aquatic Glassel glass beads manufactured by Moderustic of Rancho Cucamonga, California as described in U.S. Patent Publication

Nos. US2005/0126225A1 and US20060101854A1, the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein. However alternative or substitute glass and/or silica is contemplated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a gas burner; Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the gas burner shown in Figure 1 which is table top mounted;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the gas burner shown in Figure 4 which is ground mounted; and

Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a gas burner with flames and glass beads arranged so as to resemble a martini glass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings which are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of a gas burner 10 and not for the purpose of limiting the same, Figure 1 is an exploded view of the gas burner 10. The gas burner 10 shown in

Figure 1 when ignited produces a plurality of flames 12 (see Figure 2) and illuminated glass beads 14 (see Figure 2) which collectively resemble a yin/yang symbol. Although the gas burner 10 discussed herein is in relation to the yin/yang symbol, the flames 12 and illuminated glass beads 14 (see Figure 2) may be organized and arranged so as to resemble other images and/symbols. By way of example and not limitation, the plurality of flames 12 and illuminated glass beads 14 may resemble a martini with an olive (see Figure 4), football, etc.

The gas burner 10 may comprise a top plate 16 and a bottom plate 18. A lip 20 of the top plate 16 may be attached or joined to a lip 22 of the bottom plate 18. The lips 20, 22 of the top plate 16 and the bottom plate 18 may be hermetically sealed so as to provide a gas tight seal therebetween. The purpose of the gas tight seal is to prevent any leakage of combustible gas from within a gas chamber 24 (see Figure 2) to the environment at the outer peripheries of the top plate 16 and the bottom plate 18.

By way of example and not limitation, the lip 20 of the top plate 16 may be joined or attached to the lip 22 of the bottom plate 18 via sonic welding, arc welding, adhering, nut and bolt connections, etc. !

As shown in Figure 1, the lips 20, 22 of the top plate 16 and the bottom plate 18 may have identical configurations. For example, the lips 20, 22 of the top plate 16 and the bottom plate 18 shown in Figure 1 have a circular configuration to match the yiπ/yang symbol. It is also contemplated that the gas burner 10 may be fabricated such that the plurality of flames 12 and illuminated glass beads 14 may resemble other images or symbols. For example, if the plurality of flames 12 and glass beads 14 were arranged so as to resemble football, then the lips of the top plate and bottom plate may be fabricated so as to have a general configuration of a football.

The gas burner 10 may have a plurality of gas apertures 26 (see Figure 2). The plurality of gas apertures 26 may be configured as an outline of the symbol or image. When combustible gas is introduced into the gas chamber 24, the combustible gas escapes out of the gas chamber 24 via the plurality of gas apertures 26. The user may ignite the combustible gas to produce flames 12. The ignited flames 12 may have a configuration resembling an outline of the image or symbol. As shown in Figure 1, a first set 28 of gas apertures 26 may have a circular configuration. A second set 30 of gas apertures 26 may be circumscribed by the first set 28 as a reverse S-shaped configuration. When combustible gas is introduced into the gas chamber

24, the combustible gas escapes out of the gas chamber 24 via the first and second sets 28, 30 of gas apertures 26. The user may ignite the combustible gas which produces flames 12 along the first and second sets 28, 30 of gas apertures 26. The resulting flames 12 have a configuration resembling the outline of the image or symbol. ;

The plurality of gas apertures 26 may be formed in a frame 32 (see Figure 2). The frame 32 may have any configuration such that the resulting flames 12 have a configuration resembling the outline of the image or symbol. By way of example and not limitation, a first frame 34 (see Figure 1) having the first set 28 of gas apertures 26 may be formed in a circular configuration on the top plate 16. Also, a second frame

36 (see Figure 1) having the second set 30 of gas apertures 26 may be circumscribed by the first frame 34 in a reverse S shaped configuration. As shown in Figure 2, the gas apertures 26 may proceed through the frames 34, 36 and release gas at a pinnacle

38 of the frame 32. Each of the gas apertures 26 may have a central axis 40 (see Figure 2) which is generally perpendicular to the top plate 16. When the combustible gas ejected out of the gas apertures 26 is ignited, the flames 12 are also directed perpendicular to the top plate 16. The frame 32 may be formed to a recess plate 42 of the top plate 16.

The lip 20, a riser 44, frame 32 and recess plate 42 may collectively define the top plate 16. The recess plate 42 may have a generally flat configuration and may also be generally parallel with the ground. The frame 32 may be attached to the recess plate 42 and sealed to the recess plate 42 such that the combustible gas may not escape out of the gas chamber 24 between the frame 32 and the recess plate 42. By way of example and not limitation, the frame 32 may be welded to the recess plate 42. Alternatively, the frame 32 as well as other features of the top plate 16 may be formed via a hydroforming process discussed further below. The recess plate 42 may be attached or formed onto the lip 20 of the top plate 16 via the riser 44. The riser 44 may have a frustal conical configuration wherein an inner periphery of the riser 44 is attached to the outer periphery of the recess plate 42 and an outer periphery of the riser 44 is attached to the inner periphery of the Hp 20 of the top plate 16.

The recess plate 42, frame 32 and a mounting base 46 may form a plurality of recesses. By way of example and not limitation, in relation to the yin/yang gas burner, the first and second frames 34, 36, recess plate 42 and the mounting base 46 shown in Figures 1 and 2 form a first recess 47a (see Figure 1), a second recess 47b (see Figure 1) and a third recess 47c (see Figure 1). The first and second recesses 47a, b are defined by the recess plate 42 and the first and second frames 34, 36. The third recess 47c is defined by the first frame 34, recess plate 42 and the mounting base 46 (see Figure 2).

Glass beads 14 may be disposed within the first, second and third recesses 47a, b, c. Although the gas burner 10 shown and discussed herein has three recesses 47a, b, c, it is contemplated that the gas burner 10 may have one or more recesses. The glass beads 14 may be illuminated by the ignited flames 12 produced at the first and second sets of gas apertures. The ignited flames 12 may have a generally blue bottom portion and a generally yellow upper portion. The flames 12 may illuminate the glass beads 14 disposed within the first, second and third recesses 47a, b, c. The glass beads 14 may be illuminated into different colors and shades of light. For

example, the glass beads 14 may be illuminated as a yellow color, white color, black color, blue color, green color and other colors by the ignited flames 12.

The gas burner 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 may have flames 12 and illuminated glass beads 14 arranged so as to resemble the yin/yang symbol. To this end, the first, second and third recesses 47a, b, c may be filled with first and second sets of glass beads 14. The glass beads 14 may generally lay lower than the pinnacle 38 of the frames 34, 36 (see Figure 2) such that the resulting flame is generally above the glass beads 14. The first set of glass beads 14 may have a generally black color when illuminated. The first set of glass beads 14 may be generally disposed throughout the first recess 47a except for a central portion 48 of a top portion of the first recess 47a. The second set of glass beads 14 may have a generally white color when illuminated by the resulting flames 12. The second set of glass beads 14 may be disposed within the central portion 48 of the top portion of the first recess 47a. The second set of glass beads 14 may be aggregated in a circular configuration. The second recess 47b may have first and second sets of glass beads 14 disposed therein. The first and second sets of glass beads 14 disposed in the second recess 47b may have a reverse configuration as that of the first recess. In particular, the second set of glass beads 14 may be generally disposed throughout the second recess 47b except for a central portion 50 of a lower portion of the second recess 47b. The first set of glass beads 14 may be disposed within the second recess 47b at the central portion 50 of the lower portion of the second recess 47b. The first set of glass beads 14 may be aggregated into a circular configuration.

The third recess 47c may have the first set or second set of glass beads 14 generally disposed therewithin. After the glass beads 14 are disposed within the first, second and third recesses

47a, b, c the gas chamber 24 may be filled with combustible gas. The combustible gas may be ejected vertically upward out of the gas apertures 26 formed in the first and second frames 34, 36. The user may ignite the combustible gas. Once ignited, flames 12 are produced along the gas apertures 26 of the first and second sets 28, 32. The flames 12 may illuminate the glass beads 14 such that the flames 12 and the illuminated glass beads 14 collectively resemble the yin/yang symbol. The flames may also illuminate the glass beads 14 disposed within the third recess 47c to complete the yin/yang symbol.

The glass beads 14 may be tumbled, polished and tempered, as further explained in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2005/0126225 Al and

US20060101854A1, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. The glass beads 14 may have different shapes such as spherical, tear drop, or any other configuration.

The bottom plate 18 may comprise the lip 22, a riser 52 and an enclosure plate 54. The riser 52 may have a frustal conical configuration. The riser 52 of the bottom plate 18 may have a mirror configuration compared to the riser 44 of the top plate 16. The Hp 22 of the bottom plate 18 may be joined to the lip 20 of the top plate 16. An inner periphery of the riser 52 of the bottom plate 18 may also be joined to the outer periphery of the enclosure plate 54. The enclosure plate 54 may have a generally flat configuration and be parallel with respect to the recess plate 42. When the lips 20, 22 of the top and bottom plates 16, 18 are joined, the top and bottom plates 16, 18 form the gas chamber 24. A gas inlet 56 (see Figure 2) may be formed through the enclosure plate 54. Preferably, the gas inlet 56 is centrally disposed in the enclosure plate 54. The gas inlet 56 may be sized and configured to receive a gas line 58 (see Figure 3) which may be remotely turned on to introduce combustible gas into the gas chamber 24 and off to prevent the introduction of combustible gas into the gas chamber 24. A gas disbursing chamber 60 (see Figure 2) may also be disposed within the gas chamber 24. The disbursing chamber 60 may comprise a baffle 62 and a stand 64. The baffle 62 may have a generally circular configuration and be fabricated from a solid piece of material. The stand 64 may have a generally cylindrical configuration and may circumscribe the gas inlet 56. A plurality of dispersing apertures 66 (see Figure 1) may be formed through the stand 64 which disperses the combustible gas throughout the gas chamber 24. A lower end of the stand 64 may be attached to the top surface of the enclosure plate 54. Also, a bottom surface 68 of the baffle 62 may be attached to the upper end of the stand 64. When gas line 58 is turned on, combustible gas is introduced into gas line 58 and the gas dispersing chamber 60. The combustible gas flows onto the bottom surface 68 of the baffle 62 and is dispersed radially outward and toward the dispersing apertures 66 formed in the stand 64, as shown in Figure 2. The combustible gas exits the dispersing chamber and enters the gas chamber 24, as shown in Figure 1. The combustible gas fills the gas

chamber 24 and exits the gas chamber 24 through the gas apertures 26 formed in the frames 34, 36.

The gas burner 10 may be mounted within a table, as shown in Figure 2. The table may comprise a table top 70 (see Figure 2) and .four legs. The four legs may be positioned vertically and the table top 70 secured to the upper most ends of the legs.

The table top 70 may define a length, width and depth. The length and width of the table top 70 may be greater than a length and width of the gas burner 10. Also, the depth of the table top 70 may be greater than a thickness of the gas burner 10. To mount the gas burner 10 in the table top 70, an upper surface 72 of the table top 70 may be formed with a cavity 74. The cavity 74 may be sized and configured to receive the gas burner 10. More particularly, the length and width of the cavity 74 may be greater than the length and width of the gas burner 10. Also, the depth of the cavity 74 may be greater than the thickness of the gas burner 10. An aperture 76 may be formed through a bottom surface 78 of the cavity 74 to permit the gas line 58 to connect to the gas inlet 56. The aperture 76 may be sized, configured and positioned to receive the gas inlet 56 of the bottom plate 18. Once the cavity 74 is formed, the gas burner 10 is disposed within the cavity 74. An outer periphery 80 of the mounting base 46 may have a configuration that corresponds to an inner periphery 82 of the cavity 74. Also, the bottom end 84 of the mounting base 46 may have a configuration that corresponds to the riser 44 ahd lip 20 of the top plate 16. The mounting base 46 may be secured (e.g., adhesive, bolt connection, etc.) to the table top 70 so as to secure the gas burner 10 within the table top 70.

Alternatively, the gas burner 10 may be mounted within the ground 85, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. To mount the gas burner 10 in the ground, a hole 86 may be dug within the ground 85. The hole 86 may be sized and configured to receive the gas burner 10. More particularly, the length and width of the hole 86 may be greater than the length and width of the gas burner 10. Also, a depth of the hole 86 may be greater than the thickness of the gas burner 10. The gas line 58 may be routed to a bottom surface 88 of the hole 86 such that the gas line 58 and the gas inlet 56 may be connected to each other. Once the hole 86 is formed, the gas inlet 56 of the gas burner 10 may be connected to the gas line 58. Also, the gas burner 10 may be disposed in the hole 86 and leveled. Similar to the table top mounted gas burner 10, the outer periphery 80 of the mounting base 46 may have a configuration that

corresponds to the inner periphery 90 of the hole 86. Also, the bottom end 84 of the mounting base 46 may have a configuration that corresponds to the riser 44 and lip 20 of the top plate 16. The mounting base 46 may be secured (e.g., adhesive, bolt connection, etc.) to the ground so as to secure the gas burner 10 within the ground. The top plate 16 may be fabricated via a hydroforming process. By way of example, a sheet of aluminum or other malleable material may be placed within a negative die having a configuration of the top plate 16. The die is pressurized with fluid to force the sheet to have the shape of the negative die. In particular, the negative die may have a mirror configuration in relation to the top plate 16, namely, the Hp 20 of the top plate 16, the riser 44 of the top plate 16, the frame 32 and recess plate 42. A sheet of material (e.g., aluminum, etc.) may be placed within the die. The die and sheet may be pressurized with fluid to force the sheet to have the shape of the negative die. After the sheet's shape is formed, the gas apertures 26 may be formed in the frame 32 to complete fabrication of the top plate 16. The bottom plate 18 may also be fabricated via the hydroforming process.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.