GB2600017A

GB2600017A - A log store

Info

Publication number: GB2600017A
Application number: GB2114705.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Brickell Sean
Original assignee: Groovy Group Ltd
Current assignee: Groovy Group Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-14
Filing date: 2021-10-14
Publication date: 2022-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2041-10-14
Also published as: GB202020268D0; GB202016298D0; GB2587927B; GB202114705D0; GB2600017B; GB2587927A

Abstract

A log store comprising a covered housing with at least one weatherproof panel which has openings 4 to permit air to flow through the housing, a loading hopper and a base portion 9, the base portion comprising a plurality of spaced apart bars 6 with gaps 4 between them to enable air to circulate from underneath, the base is angled in order to direct logs from the loading hopper to a removal shute so that logs loaded first are removed from the log store in a substantially similar sequence. The log store may have a front stopper 5 provided along a bottom of an edge of the removal shute. The log store may comprise a pitched roof 7, hinged for opening. The roof may be adapted to be slid off via side runners comprising sliding portions or rollers. The roof may be secured by a catch or clip.

Description

A Log Store

Field

The invention relates to an outdoor log store for wood and logs and more particularly, but not exclusively, to wood and logs intended for burning, and especially for burning as fuel in a wood burning stove or wood burner or open fireplace.

Background

Traditionally logs have been stored in a shed or store and removed as and when required for use as fuel. During especially cold spells there is a faster throughput of wood and sometimes the wood is removed from the shed or store before it has had a chance to dry properly.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is that there is a tendency that a user takes and then uses the newest logs from the top of a log pile and not, because they will have likely been stored there longer, the oldest and more seasoned logs because they are still at the bottom of that pile of logs.

As more logs are stored, due to the growing weight of the pile of logs, it becomes increasingly difficult to access the logs at the bottom of a pile: that is the ones that will burn the best.

Such wet or damp logs are therefore difficult to dry in a log store. Prior Art An example of a log drying system is described in Chinese utility model CN-U-2159539 (Beiffang Machinery) which discloses a drying room with an air inlet valve, an air discharge valve and an airtight door.

An example of a straw drying system is described in Chinese utility model CN-U-208360987 (Jiangsu Sinuoda Rubber Tech). The system receives straw raw through a feed inlet on the body.

A fan is provided within the body to dry straw so that only dry straw is removed from a base of the body after the straw is transported through the system on a car which moves on slide rail by way of a pulley drive system.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a log store comprising: a covered housing with at least one weatherproof panel which has openings to permit air to flow through the housing, a loading hopper and a base portion, the base portion comprises a plurality of spaced apart bars with gaps between them to enable air to circulate from underneath, the base is angled in order to direct logs from the loading hopper to a removal shute so that logs loaded first are removed from the log store in a substantially similar sequence.

The covered housing may include a shuttered or at least one weatherproof panel which has openings to permit air to flow through the housing in order to promote the drying of logs stored therein.

The invention solves a long-held problem with existing outdoor log stores available on the market that means that people have been and still are often burning or risk burning wood that is not seasoned enough or that may even be green, meaning it does not burn efficiently, glowingly or safely which is not improved by the design on prior existing log stores.

Firstly, when burned, damp wood produces more smoke than dry logs. This includes tiny particulates known as PM2.5 that are more harmful than bigger flakes of soot because they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and bloodstream. According to a report published by the UK Government the figures (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/em issions-of-air-pollutants/em issions-o f-air-pollutants-in-the-uk-1970-to-2018-summary) show that wet wood (and coal) is responsible for 38% of PM2.5 pollution in the UK which is substantially greater than pollution arising due to road transport.

Secondly, burning damp logs produces a heavy smoke that condenses onto the cooler sides of a flue or chimney, producing tar and acidic residues which cause thick deposits to build up. This is a major cause of chimney fires and these compounds also cause damage to the stove and flue.

The invention helps overcome all of these problems because of its unique design. It does this by making sure the wood that is placed in a log store first will be the wood that is subsequently removed first. In other words, a 'first in, first out -or FIFO basis, and not a last in, first out basis as has been the case with other log stores.

Ideally the log store has a covered housing which includes front and rear panels connected by side panels, the front, rear and side panels surround a base portion and the panels.

In some embodiments a front stopper is provided along a bottom of an edge of the removal shute in order to retain dried logs, which have dropped through the housing, within the housing until required. The front stopper ideally comprises an elongate section, such as a plank, which is angled to retain logs in a trench whose nadir is defined by the intersection of the base portion and the elongate section. However, the front stopper may be curved or corrugated, or it may consist of webbing or mesh or similar material for retaining dried logs.

Preferably an upper slant section is provided along an upper edge of the removal shute and is angled towards the rear panel in order to define a narrowing of the hopper and assist directing logs towards the removal shute.

Ideally the panel comprises a plurality of spaced apart parallel slats. In some embodiment the front, the rear and side panels comprise a plurality of spaced apart parallel slats. The slats are ideally arranged in a single plane as a plurality of spaced apart parallel slats. Ideally at least two adjacent parallel slats are separated one from another by a gap. The width of the gap is smaller than the width of a slat.

Preferably the width of a slat is between 25 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 10 cm.

Preferably the size of a gap is between 3 cm and 7 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 5.5 cm.

In some embodiments the base portion comprises a plurality of spaced apart parallel bars which may be formed from metal, such as steel or aluminium, but are preferably formed from wooded planks arranged so that they are spaced apart to allow air to flow past them and into the housing.

When deployed the log store ideally rests on a support base which raises the housing above ground level to promote airflow through the base portion and upwards through the housing. The support base is defined by a plurality of wooden struts, such as joists, which are spaced one from another. Alternatively other materials may be used. The struts are disposed parallel one to another.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the log store is deployed with the front, rear and two side panels arranged in the form of a parallelepiped.

In some embodiments the log store has a pitched roof which may be hinged to allow it to be opened. The pitched roof is advantageously larger than a footprint of the base portion and is sized so that rainwater runs off and beyond the footprint of the base portion.

It will be appreciated that the log store may be supplied in the form of a kit or pack as separate panels, base portion and pitched roof in prefabricated parts or sections for self-assembly.

In some versions of the pack a support base, such as joists, may be included in the pack.

Ideally all of the panels are ideally pressure-treated so as to render them waterproof and prolong their life.

In some embodiments the roof is adapted to be slid off in order to be removed from the housing.

Optionally the roof has side runners which are retained in, and slide over, cut-outs formed in the housing of the log store. The side runners may comprise sliding portions or rollers in tracks, which act as hinges and from which the roof is suspended when removed from the housing of the log store.

Roof panels may be flat and adapted to lie on a sloping side guides or have tapering portions and sit atop level edges of walls of the log store.

The roof has a catch prior to being able to be slid off the housing of the log store.

Optionally the roof has a clip or catch which is disengaged prior to the lid being slid off the housing of the log store.

In some embodiments a retaining lip is provided at a rear edge of the roof.

Optionally other accessories, such as guttering, clips for connecting the guttering, downpipes and water storage butts may be included in a kit.

In another embodiment a solar panel may be provided for fitting to the roof or a side panel and a heater which is used to warm air within the log store and thereby encourage convective airflow through the housing.

Brief Description of the Drawinqs

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view from one side of a log store; Figure 2 shows a front elevation; Figure 3 shows a cross-section view from the front and depicts the base portion and the base supports; Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view from one side of an alternative embodiment of the log store; Figure 5 shows a front elevation of the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a cross-section view from the front of the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 and shows the base supports; Figures 7A, 8A and 9A show side views of the log store which illustrate sequential, schematic views of its roof being removed; Figures 7B, 8B and 9B show side views of an alternative embodiment of the log store which illustrates sequential, schematic views of a flat roof being removed from sloping side supports; Figure 9C shows an under plan view of the flat roof shown in 7B, 8B and 9B; Figure 10 shows a front elevation of the log store with the roof removed and depicts slots which receive side runners of the roof; and Figures 11 to 17 show views of an alternative embodiment in which the roof is connected to the housing by virtue of bolts or screws.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention If logs are not properly seasoned not only do they burn badly, if at all, they also do so inefficiently. Additionally burning unseasoned wood can impact on health and wellbeing of people exposed to smoke particles and have other negative environmental impacts.

Figure 1 shows how this invention makes easy access to the oldest and most seasoned wood so that it burns more efficiently, more glowingly and as safely as possible. Not only that, the standard sized version (Height: 1.85m Width: 1.0m Depth: 0.9m) can store about 1.5 cubic metres of wood (which is the equivalent of about 400 logs of mixed sizes) while outside, making sure it is protected from the elements while also allowing the wood to breathe to help speed up the seasoning process.

The log store is sturdy and will last for many years due to two key factors: Firstly, the design and structure and, secondly, the quality wood used in its construction that is ideally pressure treated. Pressure treated wood involves a process that forces a chemical preservative deep into the wood. Another term is that the wood is tanalised. The two terms are describing exactly the same timber treatment. But the benefits of this process are significant as it can make the wood last longer than 15 years. Pressure treating the wood also helps make it weather resistant.

High quality, rust proof, specialist outdoor (20mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm) wood screws are used throughout the construction which means everything binds together much more securely than if using nails.

Figure 1 shows that the way the log store functions as logs are placed in through the top opening at the front of the structure before the logs are directed to the extraction shute at the bottom of the front section of the housing.

Figures 3 and 5 show how this is achieved by an inner front wall, with narrow horizontal gaps for air circulation, that is braced to withstand the weight of the logs as they pile up, that has a slanted bottom section that slopes inwards. This has two purposes: Firstly, it creates a protective barrier to the wood extraction point immediately below it, making it easy to remove the wood when required. Secondly, it directs the logs onto a series of sturdy bars 9 that are sloped steeply from the back of this log store towards the front where the logs roll or are pushed naturally towards the extraction point or shute where they are stopped by a braced strip of wood angled outwards and upwards, again enabling the logs to be removed easily from the log store. This process is also helped by the weight of the logs as the logs help to push out the oldest ones first.

Figure 3 shows how solid angled apart parallel bars so that vertical gaps between them are enough to enable air to circulate from underneath, but close enough so that some logs do not get snagged in the gaps. This means that as newer logs are being stored, they have time to dry and season while passing to the hopper.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show they are protected from the rain with a roof made of feather edged panels that overlap at the front and the sides. In addition, unlike existing log stores, in some embodiments of the invention the log store has a roof that slopes forwards. This means the rain runs off the front and not the back.

As log stores tend to be placed up against walls it means that if rainwater comes off the back it goes down the wall against which is positioned. This causes damp in the wall and therefore can create a risk of making the logs at the back of the store become damp too. But this does not happen with this design.

And while being stored, all the logs enjoy excellent ventilation from vents in all four walls and in the base, as seen in Figure 1.

The vents are designed to allow enough air to circulate in and out but are not so big that they allow rain, hail and other such weather to easily get in risk dampening the logs.

An alternative embodiment of the log store is shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals. This embodiment includes one or more base portion support(s) 11 located towards the base of the log store 10 at opposite side panels. Base portion supports 11 may be provided in the middle and/or at the rear of the log store. The base portion supports 11 may be adjustable by way of, for example adjustments means, such as bolts (not shown), which enables the base portion supports 11 to be raised or lowered, thereby enabling the user to alter the rake or angle of inclination of the base portion 9.

It is appreciated that one or some of the aforementioned items may be supplied as a self-assembly or as a in a pre-assembled form. Optionally the support base may be included, for example as separate wooden joists.

Likewise the pack may include guttering and clips for connecting the guttering to a downpipe.

It is sometimes desirable to remove the roof 7, for example when taking delivery of a load of logs from a loader or large bag. The roof 7 is removed in order to drop an entire load of logs into the log store, which is often quicker, easier and safer than filling the log store by hand. In one embodiment the roof 7 may be hinged. In another embodiment the roof 7 is removed by sliding it off the log store. However, to prevent the roof from inadvertent or accidental removal, suitable fixing means (not shown) may be provided in order to fix or clip the roof in place.

Referring now to Figures 7, 8 and 9 which show side views of the log store fitted with a removable roof and together illustrate how the roof 7 is removed by sliding it from the log store.

Firstly, as shown in Figure 7A, a clip or catch (not shown) is ideally located at a rear of the log store. In order to remove the roof 7 the clip or catch is retracted or unlatched. After the clip or catch has been retracted or unlatched the roof 7 is able to be raised, in the direction of arrow A. In the embodiment shown, a single user is able to lift the roof 7 in a reasonably straightforward manner by lifting lip 80 off a retaining ledge 82. Once the user has raised the lip 80, above the top of the housing, defined by upper edges 81a and 81b of the housing, the user is able to slide the roof 7 over and across the upper edges 81a and 81b, thereby enabling the released roof 7 to be slid off in direction of arrow B, as shown in Figures 8A and 9A, and so able to be removed from the log store.

Alternatively side runners (not shown) may be fitted to inner or outer faces of the side panels 8 so as to facilitate removal of the roof 7 by enabling it to be lifted, slid forwards on the runners, and lowered on hinges (not shown). In such an arrangement the roof is slid forwards and swings on the hinges or a similar retainer so that it rests against the front of the log store.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments the side runners may comprise sliding portions or rollers in tracks, which act as hinges and from which the roof may be suspended when removed from the top of the log store.

In one embodiment (not shown) a pair of substantially horizontal rails may be mounted in opposite side walls of the log store.

Figures 7B, 8B and 9B show side views of an alternative embodiment of the log store (in which like parts bear the same reference numerals) and which illustrate sequential, schematic views of a flat roof being removed from sloping side supports. Figure 9C shows an under plan view of the flat roof shown in 7B, 8B and 9B.

Figure 10 shows a front elevation of another embodiment of the log store with the roof 7 removed therefrom. Figure 10 depicts cut-outs 78a and 78b which receive side runners 79 defined by battens (not shown) that are fitted to an underside of the roof 7.

In the embodiments shown the side runners or battens 79, which may be wooden, slide along the cut-outs 78 and thereby guide the removal of the roof 7. The battens 79 sliding in the cut-outs 78 assist in the controlled and safe removal of the roof 7.

A recess (not shown) is formed in an underside of the roof 7 and is dimensioned and arranged to fit over a ledge or rebate 76 formed in an uppermost front panel 8 of the log store. In this embodiment the front edge of the roof 7 fits within an opening defined between the two side panels so that the roof 7 is retained laterally between two side panels.

In this embodiment there is no need for a retaining lip at a rear edge of the roof as the roof is prevented from accidentally sliding off the log store by the recess or rebate that fits over the front panel. Once slid and located on the log store, the roof may be fixed to it by way of bolts or clips or other connections, such as screws or bolts. These ensure inadvertent removal of the roof.

Figures 11 to 17 show views of alternative embodiments in which the roof is connected to the housing by virtue of bolts or screws.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the aforementioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

List of Parts 1 Direction of wood (for insertion and extraction) 2 Support Post(s) 3 Front Slant section(s) 4 Air ventilation space(s) Front Stopper 6 Base Support(s) 7 Roof (slanted) 8 Side & Back Wall Panel(s) 9 Base portion bars Front Stopper Support 11 Base Portion Support(s) 76 Ledge or rebate 78 Cut-outs 79 Side runner Lip 82 Retaining ledge

Claims

Claims 1 A log store comprises: a covered housing with at least one weatherproof panel which has openings to permit air to flow through the housing, a loading hopper and a base portion, the base portion comprises a plurality of spaced apart bars with gaps between them to enable air to circulate from underneath, the base is angled in order to direct logs from the loading hopper to a removal shute so that logs loaded first are removed from the log store in a substantially similar sequence.
2 A log store according to claim 1 wherein the covered housing includes front and rear panels connected by side panels, the front, rear and side panels surround a base portion and the panels.
3. A log store according to claim 1 wherein a front stopper is provided along a bottom of an edge of the removal shute.
4. A log store according to claim 3 wherein the front stopper comprises an elongate section which is angled to retain logs in a trench whose nadir is defined by the intersection of the base portion and the elongate section.
A log store according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein an upper slant section is provided along an upper edge of the removal shute and is angled towards the rear panel in order to define a narrowing region and direct logs towards the removal shute.
6. A log store according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the front panel comprises a plurality of spaced apart parallel slats.
7 A log store according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the rear panel comprises a plurality of spaced apart parallel slats.
8. A log store according to any of claims 2 to 7 wherein at least one side panel comprises a plurality of spaced apart parallel slats.
9. A log store according to claim 8 wherein at least two side panels comprise a plurality of spaced apart parallel slats.
10.A log store according to any of claims 6 to 9 wherein the plurality of spaced apart parallel slats are defined in a single plane.
11.A log store according to claim 10 wherein at least two adjacent parallel slats are separated one from another by a gap.
12.A log store according to claim 11 wherein the width of the gap is smaller than the width of a slat.
13.A log store according to any of claims 6 to 12 wherein the width of a slat is between 25 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 10 cm.
14.A log store according to either claims 12 or 13 wherein the size of a gap is between 3 cm and 7 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 5.5 cm.
15.A log store according to any preceding claim wherein the housing sits on a support base which raises the housing above ground level to promote airflow through the base portion and upwards through the housing.
16.A log store according to claim 15 wherein the support base is defined by a plurality of struts which are spaced one from another.
17.A log store according to claim 15 wherein the struts which are disposed parallel one to another.
18.A log store according to any of claims 2 to 17 wherein the front, rear and two side panels are arranged in the form of a parallelepiped.
19.A log store according to any preceding claim wherein a pitched roof is provided.
20.A log store according to claim 19 wherein the pitched roof is hinged to allow it to be opened.
21.A log store according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the pitched roof is larger than a footprint of the base portion and is sized so that rainwater runs off and beyond the footprint of the base portion.
22. A log store according to any preceding claim includes base supports located on opposite side panels, at a middle and/or rear, of the log store.
23. A log store according to claim 22 wherein the, or each, base support has an adjustment means which enables the, or each, base support to be raised or lowered, thereby altering the rake or angle of inclination of the base portion.
24. A log store according to any preceding claim includes base supports located on opposite side panels, at a middle and/or rear, of the log store.
25. A log store according to claim 24 wherein the, or each, base support has an adjustment means which enables the, or each, base support to be raised or lowered, thereby altering the rake or angle of inclination of the base portion.
26 A log store according to claim 20 wherein the roof is adapted to be slid off in order to be removed from the housing.
27. A log store according to claim 26 wherein the roof has side runners which are retained in, and slide over, cut-outs formed in the housing of the log store.
28. A log store according to claim 26 wherein the roof has side runners which comprise sliding portions or rollers in tracks, which act as hinges and from which the roof is suspended when removed from the housing of the log store.
29. A log store according to any of claims 26 to 28 wherein the roof has a catch prior to being able to be slid off the housing of the log store.
30. A log store according to any of claims 26 to 29 wherein the roof has a clip or catch which is disengaged prior to the lid being slid off the housing of the log store.
31.A log store according to any of claims 26 to 30 wherein a retaining lip is provided at a rear edge of the roof.
32.A pack includes the log store according to any of claims 20 to 30 wherein the panels, base portion and pitched roof are supplied as prefabricated parts for self-assembly.