Fire-Starting Kit

Abstract

A fire-starting kit. The fire-starting kit includes a housing having an open first end opposite a second end, wherein the housing includes a fan therein. A motor is disposed within the housing and is operably connected to the fan, such that the motor rotates the fan when the motor is activated. Upon activation, the fan draws air into the housing through an air intake disposed on the second end, and expels air from the first end. A nozzle extends from the open first end. A light source is disposed on the housing and can emit light towards the open first end when activated. An electric fire-starter that can ignite a fuel is secured to the housing. A fan control and a light control are each disposed on the housing, and can activate the fan and the light source, respectively, when actuated.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fire-starting kits. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a fire-starting kit including a hand-held fan operated blower device having a light source and an electric fire-starter thereon, wherein the same can be used to ignite and stoke a fire.

Many people enjoy grilling or camping, however starting and maintain a fire for a campfire, grill, or the like can be a difficult process. In order to properly start a fire, one requires heat, oxygen, and fuel, however, once a fire is ignited, it must be properly maintained to achieve a desired temperature or intensity for the desired purpose, such as cooking. Additionally, inclement weather often interferes with the starting and maintenance of a fire, as rain, snow, or the like can increase the time and effort required to start and maintain the fire. During periods of low-light, a user may also have difficulty identifying the location of hot spots to stoke or fuel to ignite. Therefore, a device that allows a user to easily start and maintain a fire in various surrounding conditions is desired.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing fire-starting kits. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of fire-starting kits now present in the known art, the present invention provides a fire-starting kit wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when igniting and stoking a fire in various conditions.

The present system comprises a housing having an open first end opposite a second end, wherein the housing further comprises a fan therein. A motor is disposed within the housing and is operably connected to the fan, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the fan when activated. When in an active state, the fan is configured to draw air into the housing through an air intake disposed on the second end and expel air from the open first end. A nozzle extends from the open first end and is in fluid communication with the housing, such that air expelled from the open first end passes therethrough. A light source is disposed on the housing, wherein the light source is configured to emit light towards the open first end when the light source is activated. An electric fire-starter is removably securable to a lateral side of the housing, wherein the electric fire-starter is configured to ignite a fuel when activated. A fan control is disposed on the housing, wherein the fan control is configured to selectively activate the fan when the fan control is actuated. A light control is disposed on the housing, wherein the light control is configured to selectively activate the light source when the light control is actuated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit.

FIG. 2A shows a close-up side view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit in a collapsed position.

FIG. 2B shows a close-up side view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit in an extended position.

FIG. 2C shows a close--up side view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit in various pivotable positions.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of the handle of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of the housing of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the fire-starting kit. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit. The fire-starting kit 11 comprises a housing 12 having an open first end 13 opposite a second end 14. In the illustrated embodiment, a nozzle 20 is affixed to the open first end 13 such that the nozzle 20 is in fluid communication with an interior of the housing 12. A motor (as shown in FIG. 5, 16) is disposed within the housing 12 and is operably connected to a fan 15, wherein the fan 15 is configured to draw air through an air intake 17 disposed through the second end 14 of the housing 12 and expel the air through the open first end 13 and the attached nozzle 20. In some embodiments, the air intake 17 comprises a plurality of openings evenly distributed across the second end 14, such that air can be evenly and consistently drawn into the housing 12 via the fan 15. In this way, the user can be assured that air delivered through the housing 12 and out of the open first end 13 is maintained at a constant flowrate. The air can then be directed towards a fire or ignition source, such that the user can stoke the fire by providing a desired amount of oxygen thereto.

An electric fire-starter 25 is removably secured to the housing 12 along a lateral side (as shown in FIG. 4, 26) thereof, wherein the electric fire-starter 25 is configured to ignite a fuel source when actuated. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric fire-starter 25 comprises an extended protrusion having a distal end configured to create a spark when an activation switch is actuated, however, alternate methods of fuel ignition are contemplated. In some embodiments, the fire-starting kit 11 further comprises a fuel brick having an accelerant therethrough, wherein the accelerant is configured to increase combustibility of the fuel brick, thereby allowing easier ignition thereof via the electric fire-starter 25.

In the illustrated embodiment, a light source 21 is removably secured to the housing 12 along an upper side (as shown in FIG. 4, 33) thereof, wherein the light source 21 is configured to emit light when actuated. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 21 is configured to direct light towards the nozzle 20 when actuated, such that a surrounding area is illuminated. In this way, the specific area a user is directing air expelled from the nozzle 20 towards is illuminated, allowing the user to easily visualize the area to more efficiently direct air towards a desired location.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 further comprises a handle 18 extending perpendicularly therefrom, wherein the handle 18 is configured to provide a gripping surface for the user. In some embodiments, the handle 18 further comprises a textured exterior surface to provide increased surface area in contact with the user's hand, and thereby increase frictional engagement therewith. In an alternate embodiment, a material coating having a coefficient of friction greater than one is disposed over the exterior surface of the handle 18 to provide a greater frictional engagement therewith.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, there is shown a close-up side view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit in a collapsed position, a close-up side view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit in an extended position, and a close-up side view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit in various pivotable positions, respectively. In the illustrated embodiments, the nozzle 20 comprises a first section 28 affixed to the open first end 13, and a second section 29 telescopically affixed to the first section 28. The second section 29 is configured to telescopically move within the first section 28 between an extended position, as shown in FIG. 2B, and a collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 2A. In the illustrated embodiments, a distal end 30 of the first section 28 is coplanar with a far end 31 of the second section 29, such that the nozzle 20 comprises a minimal form factor when the nozzle 20 is in the collapsed position. In this way, the user can easily store and transport the fire-starting kit.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, the nozzle 20 further comprises a tip 32 removably securable within the far end 31 of the second section 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip 32 comprises an annular member having a lip extending orthogonally away from an interior diameter thereof, such that the lip is removably securable within the far end 31. The tip 32 comprises a material having a greater heat resistance than the material of the nozzle 20, such that the far end 31 is thermally insulated. In this way, prolonged exposure to significant heat does not damage the far end 31 of the nozzle 20. As the tip 32 is removably securable, the user can easily replace the tip 32 should it become damaged, or if the user wishes to vary the amount of heat resistance of the tip 32.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2C, the nozzle 20 is pivotably connected to the open first end 13 via a ball joint 37. In this way, the user can easily position the nozzle 20 relative to the housing along a full 360-degree range of motion to more directly control where air expelled from the nozzle 20 is directed. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball joint 37 further comprises an aperture 38 therethrough, wherein nozzle 20 is affixed to the ball joint 37 about the aperture 38. In this way, the aperture 38 is configured to provide fluid communication between the nozzle 20 and the housing as the nozzle 20 is pivoted.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a close-up view of the handle of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 further comprises a handle 18 extending perpendicularly away from a lower side 19 of the housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 18 further comprises a power source 34 removably securable within a base 35 of the handle 18, wherein the power source 34 is in electrical communication with the motor. In the shown embodiment, the power source 34 comprises a rechargeable battery, however alternate power sources 34 are contemplated. In this way, the fire-starting kit is easily portable and can be used in remote locations away from electrical outlets, such as may be found when camping. Alternatively, the power source 34 can comprise a traditional wall outlet, wherein a cord extending from the base 35 is removably securable thereto, such that the motor is in electrical communication with the power source 34.

The handle 18 comprises a plurality of controls thereon, including a fan control 22, a light control 23, and a potentiometer 24. In this way, the fan control 22, light control 23, and potentiometer 24 are within easy reach of the user when the fire-starting kit is in use, such that the plurality of controls can be easily actuated when desired. The fan control 22 is configured to activate the motor to rotate the fan when actuated, such that air is moved through the housing 12 and expelled through the nozzle. The light control 23 is configured to activate the light source when actuated, such that the area surrounding the nozzle is illuminated thereby. The potentiometer 24 is configured to vary the rotation speed of the fan, such that the user can carefully control the volumetric flowrate of air through the nozzle, such that the fire can be stoked at a desired rate.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a close-up view of the housing of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 21 is removably securable to the housing 12 via a mount 36 disposed on the upper side 33 thereof. The mount 36 comprises a cutout dimensioned to removably secure the light source 21 therein via friction fit. In this way, the user can remove the light source 21 as desired to replace elements, such as light bulbs or LEDs, or to otherwise perform maintenance thereof. The mount 36 is further configured to electrically connect the light source 21 to the housing 12, such that the user can control the light via the light control and provide power thereto via the power source.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electric fire-starter 25 comprises a body having a button thereon, and a protrusion extending therefrom, wherein a distal end of the protrusion is configured to ignite a fuel source when the button is actuated. In the illustrated embodiment, a spark is generated between a pair of prongs disposed on the distal end when the button is actuated, however, alternate methods of ignition are contemplated, such as generating an open flame at the distal end. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric fire-starter 25 is removably securable to the housing 12 via a pair of clamps 27 disposed on a lateral side 26 of the housing. The pair of clamps 27 are dimensioned to secure the electric fire-starter therebetween via friction fit. In this way, the user can easily remove the electric fire-starter 25 to ignite a fuel source disposed at a desired location.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a schematic view of an embodiment of the fire-starting kit. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 34 provides power to the motor 16 and the light source 21. A light control 23 is operably connected to the light source 21, such that the light source 21 is illuminated when the light control 23 is actuated. The motor 16 is operably connected to the fan control 22, such that the fan 15 is activated when the fan control 22 is actuated. The user can then vary the speed of rotation of the fan 15 via the potentiometer 24. The potentiometer 24 is operably connected to the motor 16, such that the motor 16 outputs torque as desired by the user.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A fire-starting kit, comprising: a housing having an open first end opposite a second end, wherein the housing further comprises a fan therein;a motor disposed within the housing and operably connected to the fan, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the fan when actuated;wherein when the motor is in an active state, the fan is configured to draw air into the housing through an air intake disposed on the second end and expel air from the open first end;a nozzle extending from the open first end, wherein the nozzle is in fluid communication with the housing;a light source disposed on the housing, wherein the light source is configured to emit light towards the open first end when activated;an electric fire-starter removably securable to a lateral side of the housing, wherein the electric fire-starter is configured to ignite a fuel;a fan control disposed on the housing, the fan control configured to selectively activate the fan when the fan control is actuated; anda light control disposed on the housing, the light control configured to selectively activate the light source when the light control is actuated.

2. The fire-starting kit of claim 1, further comprising a potentiometer disposed on the housing, wherein the potentiometer is configured to selectively adjust a rate of rotation of the fan.

3. The fire-starting kit of claim 1, further comprising a handle affixed to the housing at a lower side of the second end and extending perpendicularly therefrom, wherein the light control and the fan control are disposed thereon.

4. The fire-starting kit of claim 1, further comprising a pair of clamps disposed on the lateral side configured to removably secure the electric fire-starter therebetween by friction fit.

5. The fire-starting kit of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is pivotally adjustable about the second end.

6. The fire-starting kit of claim 1, wherein the nozzle further comprises a first section affixed to the second end and a second section telescopically affixed to the first section, such that the nozzle is selectively movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

7. The fire-starting kit of claim 6, wherein when the nozzle is in the retracted position, a distal end of the second section is coplanar with a far end of the first section.

8. The fire-starting kit of claim 1, wherein a tip of the nozzle comprises a material having a greater heat resistance than the nozzle.

9. The fire-starting kit of claim 8, wherein the tip is removably securable to the nozzle.

10. The fire-starting kit of claim 1, wherein the light source is removably securable to the housing.

11. The fire-starting kit of claim 10, further comprising a mount disposed on the housing, wherein the mount is configured to removably secure the light source thereto via friction fit.

12. The fire-starting kit of claim 1, wherein the light source is disposed on an upper side of the housing opposite the handle.

13. The fire-starting kit of claim 3, further comprising a power source removably securable within a base of the handle, wherein the power source is in electrical communication with the light source and the motor.

14. The fire-starting kit of claim 13, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

15. The fire-starting kit of claim 1, wherein the nozzle comprises a thermally insulating material.