BLOW STICK FIRE TOOL

Abstract

An apparatus for stoking a fire may include: at least one tube including a proximal region comprising a first aperture, a distal region comprising a second aperture, and hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other; and a plate extending distally from the distal region of the tube, wherein the plate includes at least one fuel-engaging feature and a fluid-diverting region, wherein the fluid diverting region diverts fluid emitted from the second aperture, such that a path of the fluid changes.

Description

BACKGROUND

Generally, this application relates to fire tools for stoking fires. A blow stick (or blowpipe) may be one such tool. A blow stick may deliver fluid (e.g., air) to a selected location in a fire area. For example, a user may blow into one region of a blow stick, and corresponding fluid may be emitted at an opposite region of the blow stick.

SUMMARY

According to embodiments, an apparatus for stoking a fire includes: at least one tube including a proximal region comprising a first aperture, a distal region comprising a second aperture, and hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other; and a plate extending distally from the distal region of the tube, wherein the plate includes at least one fuel-engaging feature and a fluid-diverting region, wherein the fluid diverting region diverts fluid emitted from the second aperture, such that a path of the fluid changes. The second aperture may be angled inwardly towards the plate. The second aperture may be angled inwardly towards the plate at an angle of between substantially 10 degrees and 89 degrees (e.g., approximately 60 degrees or 56 degrees). The second aperture is located in a distal surface of the at least one tube. The plate may not be formed together with the at least one tube in a single integrated piece. The plate may include two fuel-engaging features. The at least one fuel-engaging feature may extend downwardly, such that the lowest elevation of the at least one fuel-engaging feature is below the second aperture. The fluid-diverting region of the plate may include a planar region. The plate may be a single, integrated piece. The at least one tube may include a plurality of tubes configured to be connected in series with each other, wherein each of the plurality of tubes includes a proximate region including a first aperture, a distal region including a second aperture, and a hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other, and wherein the plurality of tubes are configured to be connected in series with each other, such that, when the plurality of tubes are connected in series with each other, the first aperture of a proximate-most one of the plurality of tubes is in fluid communication with the second aperture of the distal-most one of the plurality of tubes.

According to embodiments, an apparatus for stoking a fire includes: at least one tube including a proximal region comprising a first aperture, a distal region comprising a second aperture, and hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the second aperture is configured to direct fluid in a direction with a downward component; and a plate extending distally from the distal region of the tube, wherein the plate includes at least one fuel-engaging feature and a fluid-diverting region, wherein the fluid diverting region diverts fluid emitted from the second aperture, such that the downward component of the direction of the fluid emitted from the second aperture is discontinued. The second aperture is angled inwardly towards the plate at an angle of between substantially 10 degrees and 89 degrees (e.g., approximately 56 or 60 degrees). The second aperture may be located in a distal surface of the at least one tube. The plate may not be formed together with the at least one tube in a single integrated piece. The plate may include two fuel-engaging features. The at least one fuel-engaging feature may extend downwardly, such that the lowest elevation of the at least one fuel-engaging feature is below the second aperture. The fluid-diverting region of the plate may include a planar region. The at least one tube may include a plurality of tubes configured to be connected in series with each other, wherein each of the plurality of tubes includes a proximate region including a first aperture, a distal region including a second aperture, and a hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other, and wherein the plurality of tubes are configured to be connected in series with each other, such that, when the plurality of tubes are connected in series with each other, the first aperture of a proximate-most one of the plurality of tubes is in fluid communication with the second aperture of the distal-most one of the plurality of tubes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a blow stick, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates the disassembled blow stick, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the blow stick taken along the primary axis, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the blow stick, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of the blow stick, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a portion of the blow stick and provides exemplary angles, according to embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a portion of the blow stick and provides exemplary angles, according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a portion of the blow stick and provides exemplary angles, according to embodiments.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain techniques of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, certain techniques are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the drawings is one of many ornamental appearances that can be employed to achieve the stated functions of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a blow stick 100 according to various embodiments disclosed herein. The blow stick 100 may include a proximal region 110 and a tube 120 (which, together, may be considered a single tube). As used herein, proximate, proximal, distant, and distal are in reference to the user's mouth when using the blow stick 100. As used herein, a tube includes an outer surface and an inner hollow region through the length of the tube, such that ends are open (form at least two apertures, such that one aperture is in one end of the tube and another aperture is in another end of the tube). The outer surface of the tube may have a cross-sectional shape of a circle, an ellipse, a square, a pentagon, or other polygonal shape, or irregular shape. The outer surface of the tube may have a constant diameter or the diameter may vary along the length of the tube (e.g., taper). The hollow interior region of the tube may have a cross-sectional shape of a circle, an ellipse, a square, a pentagon, or other polygonal shape, or irregular shape. The hollow interior region of the tube may have a constant diameter or the diameter may vary along the length of the tube (e.g. taper). As such, the region between the inner diameter of the tube and the outer diameter of the tube may be constant or may vary accordingly. In the case that there is a connection between two tubes, a connection region(s) (e.g., male and female threaded regions) may have a varying inner diameter such that, when the two tubes are connected fully, the formed tube may have a constant inner diameter, or an inner diameter that is continuous (no substantial discontinuity) along the length of the connection. The centerline of a tube, as viewed cross-sectionally with respect to either the inner diameter or the outer diameter, may be substantially straight along the length of the tube, or may vary along the length of the tube (e.g., an “S” shape).

A proximal end of the proximal region 110 (e.g., handle) may have a first aperture 111. According embodiments, proximate region 110 has a constant inner diameter along the length of proximal region 110 of between 6.35 mm and 25.4 mm (e.g., 18 mm). According to embodiments, proximate region 110 has an outer diameter that varies, and tapers downwardly towards a distal area of the proximate region 110. The proximal region 110 may be made of or include a material such as wood (e.g., acacia) or silicone. The proximal region 110 may be considered a tube. The proximal region 110 and tube may connect together to form a larger tube. The proximal region 110 may be in a proximal region of tube 120, such as in tube 122 (when such an embodiment is implemented). The first aperture 111 and the second aperture 127 (in tube 120) may be in fluid communication with each other.

The tube 120 may include a plurality of tubes 122, 124, 126 configured to be connected in series with each other, wherein each of the plurality of tubes 122, 124, 126 includes a proximate region including a first aperture, a distal region including a second aperture, and a hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other, and wherein the plurality of tubes 122, 124, 126 are configured to be connected in series with each other, such that, when the plurality of tubes 122, 124, 126 are connected in series with each other, the first aperture of a proximate-most one of the plurality of tubes 122 is in fluid communication with the second aperture of the distal-most one of the plurality of tubes 126. Connections may be, for example, male and female threaded regions, as shown in FIG. 2. The plurality of tubes 122, 124, 126 may be considered one tube 120. Three tubes 122, 124, 126 are shown, but more or less tubes may be possible. The plurality of tubes 122, 124, 126, in combination with proximal tube 110 may be considered one tube. The tube 122 may have a length of between 382 mm and 432 mm (e.g., 407 mm). The tube 124 may have a length of between 400 mm and 450 mm (e.g., 425 mm). The tube 126 may have a length of between 387 mm and 437 mm (e.g., 412 mm). The tube 120 may be formed from a fire-resistant material, such as steel or aluminum.

The second aperture 127 may be configured direct fluid outwardly in a direction with a downward component. The second aperture 127 may be angled, as shown. The angle(s) in the second aperture 127 may result in the emitted fluid having both vertical and horizontal components. The interior region of tube 120 may also be angled or varied to cause fluid emitted from the second aperture 127 to have both vertical and horizontal components. In the horizontal direction, the fluid may spread outwardly as it travels away from the second aperture 127 or may be substantially constant (laminar flow), at least for shorter distances until turbulence ends the laminar flow.

A plate 130 may extend distally from the distal region of the tube 120, wherein the plate 130 may have at least one fuel-engaging feature 134 (two shown, although one or three or more are possible). The fuel-engaging feature(s) 134 may engage with fire fuel, such as logs or charcoal. The fuel-engaging feature(s) 134 may have a hook-like shape, as shown. The fuel-engaging feature(s) 134 may have sharp point(s) or truncated or rounded point(s). Each fuel-engaging feature 134 may have multiple points.

The plate 130 may include a fluid-diverting region 132 that diverts fluid emitted from the second aperture 127, such that a path of the fluid changes. As shown, the fluid-diverting region 132 may stop downward motion of fluid emitted from the second aperture 127. The second aperture 127 may be angled inwardly towards the plate. The second aperture 127 may be angled inwardly towards the plate 130 (e.g., the fluid-diverting region 132) at an angle of between substantially 10 degrees and 89 degrees (e.g., approximately 56 or 60 degrees). The second aperture 127 may be located in a distal surface of the at least one tube 120.

The arrangement of the plate 130 and the second aperture 127 may beneficially reduce the amount of debris (e.g., ashes or soot) that may undesirably enter into tube 120 and/or otherwise obstruct passage of fluid through second aperture 127. For example, the arrangement of the angled second aperture 127 and the fluid-diverting region 132 may reduce the number of pathways from external debris sources to the second aperture 127. The second aperture 127 may be partially sheltered by plate 130 and partially sheltered by the portions of tube 120 above the second aperture 127. The fluid diverting region 132 may be substantially flat or may have a non-flat shape, such as an indentation or one or more grooves (e.g., groove(s) extending away from the tube 120).

The plate 130 may or may not be formed together with the at least one tube 120. The at least one fuel-engaging feature 134 may extend at least partially downwardly, such that the lowest elevation of the at least one fuel-engaging feature 134 is below the second aperture 127 and/or below the fluid-diverting region 132. The fluid-diverting region 132 of the plate 130 may include a planar region. The plate 130 may or may not be a single, integrated piece. The plate 130 may have an aperture that receives the tube 120. The plate 130 and tube 120 may be secured with each other by a fastener (not shown), brazing, welding, friction fit, or the like. The plate 130 may be formed from a fire-resistant material, such as steel or aluminum.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate exemplary angles in the blow stick 100. In FIG. 6, the angle labeled 7.7° may be between 5.7 and 9.7 degrees. The angle labeled 72.4° may be between 70.4 and 74.4 degrees. The angle labeled 53.4° may be between 51.4 and 55.4 degrees. In FIG. 7, the angle labeled 15.3° may be between 13.3 and 17.3 degrees. The angle labeled 18.6° may be between 16.6 and 20.6 degrees. In FIG. 8, the angle labeled 8.1° may be between 6.1 and 10.1 degrees. The angle labeled 60.0° may be between 58 and 62 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle labeled 60.0° is 56°. The angle labeled 54.9° may be between 52.9 and 56.9 degrees. Although all angles are shown as constant, one or more of the angles may vary.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the novel techniques disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the novel techniques without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the novel techniques not be limited to the particular techniques disclosed, but that they will include all techniques falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for stoking a fire, the apparatus comprising: at least one tube including a proximal region comprising a first aperture, a distal region comprising a second aperture, and hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other; anda plate extending distally from the distal region of the tube, wherein the plate includes at least one fuel-engaging feature and a fluid-diverting region, wherein the fluid diverting region diverts fluid emitted from the second aperture, such that a path of the fluid changes.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second aperture is angled inwardly towards the plate.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second aperture is angled inwardly towards the fluid-diverting region of the plate at an angle of between substantially 10 degrees and 89 degrees.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second aperture is angled inwardly towards the fluid-diverting region of the plate at an angle of approximately 60 degrees.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second aperture is located in a distal region of the at least one tube.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate is formed separately with the at least one tube in a single integrated piece.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises two fuel-engaging features.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one fuel-engaging feature extends downwardly, such that the lowest elevation of the at least one fuel-engaging feature is below the second aperture.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid-diverting region of the plate comprises a flat region.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises a single, integrated piece.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tube comprises a plurality of tubes configured to be connected in series with each other, wherein each of the plurality of tubes includes a proximate region including a first aperture, a distal region including a second aperture, and a hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other, and wherein the plurality of tubes are configured to be connected in series with each other, such that, when the plurality of tubes are connected in series with each other, the first aperture of a proximate-most one of the plurality of tubes is in fluid communication with the second aperture of the distal-most one of the plurality of tubes.

12. An apparatus for stoking a fire, the apparatus comprising: at least one tube including a proximal region comprising a first aperture, a distal region comprising a second aperture, and hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the tube is configured to direct fluid in a direction outwardly with a downward component; anda plate extending distally from the distal region of the tube, wherein the plate includes at least one fuel-engaging feature and a fluid-diverting region, wherein the fluid diverting region diverts fluid emitted from the second aperture, such that the downward component of the direction of the fluid emitted from the second aperture is discontinued.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second aperture is angled inwardly towards the fluid-diverting region of the plate at an angle of between substantially 10 degrees and 89 degrees.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second aperture is angled inwardly towards the fluid-diverting region of the plate at an angle of approximately 60 degrees.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second aperture is located in a distal surface of the at least one tube.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plate is not formed separately from the at least one tube in a single integrated piece.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plate comprises two fuel-engaging features.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one fuel-engaging feature extends downwardly, such that the lowest elevation of the at least one fuel-engaging feature is below the second aperture.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the fluid-diverting region of the plate comprises a flat region.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one tube comprises a plurality of tubes configured to be connected in series with each other, wherein each of the plurality of tubes includes a proximate region including a first aperture, a distal region including a second aperture, and a hollow interior region connecting the first aperture and the second aperture, such that the first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other, and wherein the plurality of tubes are configured to be connected in series with each other, such that, when the plurality of tubes are connected in series with each other, the first aperture of a proximate-most one of the plurality of tubes is in fluid communication with the second aperture of the distal-most one of the plurality of tubes.