The present invention relates to fire starting implements which may be used to ignite a multitude of devices.
Many devices and processes exist which require a fire starter, in one form or another, to serve as a primary ignitor. Some examples may include candles, fireworks, barbeque and campfire starters, and fire logs for home use. These devices are typically provided to the consumer without a means for igniting the product. In the current arts, the most common options are matches, lighters, and torches. While many of these items were commonplace in the past, the reduction in the prevalence of smoking has left many homes without the ever-present need for a lighter.
Butane lighters may perhaps be the most common source of ignition for users in the developed world. While effective, they rely on an adequate supply of butane as a fuel source and are therefore not a permanent ignition solution. Further, some users feel uncomfortable having a flammable chemical in their home near children. While matches are relatively safe in comparison, they can become inactivated in areas of high moisture and require some degree of finesse to light properly. The user must also be conscious of the match burning their finger while it is ignited.
With the aforementioned limitations, improvements in the arts related to fire starters is warranted as a self-igniting starter is both useful and desirable to consumers. The following disclosure provides embodiments having such improvements.
Embodiment described herein provide for a self-igniting assembly having a main portion and a flammable member at least partially disposed therein. An ignition assembly is in ignitable communication with the flammable member such that a flame may be produced on the flammable member as a result of a friction and chemical reaction.
In an embodiment, the ignition assembly further comprises a cavity within the main portion such that the cavity is configured to at least partially receive the flammable member and a handle portion. An ignition surface is separated from the flammable member via a safety point while at least one match-like component disposed between the flammable member and the ignition surface.
In an embodiment, the flammable member may be provided as a wick or match-like member. The end of the flammable member has an adhesive permitting the engagement between the flammable member and an ignitable device such as a log, candle, firework, briquette bag, or fire starter.
In yet another aspect, a self-igniting system is provided having the self-igniting assembly, as described herein, along with a user performing the steps of gripping a handle portion provided with the assembly followed by tugging on the handle to impart friction which results in a chemical reaction within the assembly. The wick is ignited by the reaction and a flame is sustained for a suitable length of time.
Embodiments described herein also provide for a self-igniting candle which forgoes the need for an auxiliary lighting component such as a match, lighter, or other flame source. The candle assembly has a combustible body with a wick at least partially disposed within the body.
An ignition assembly is in ignitable communication with the wick such that the ignition assembly may light the wick producing a flame thereon.
The flame is sustained by the wick and fuel source of the body. Commonly, the fuel source is a paraffin wax or similar component commonly used in the candle making arts.
In an embodiment, the ignition assembly has a housing with a cavity therein. The cavity is configured to at least partially receive the wick. An ignition surface is in communication with the wick while a match-like material is disposed between the wick and the ignition surface.
In an aspect of the invention, the assembly also has an end member which fittingly engages the ignition assembly. The end member is comprised of a cavity dimensioned to retain a second self-igniting candle assembly therein such that candle assemblies may be stacked atop one another to facilitate a longer burn time as desired by the user.
In yet another aspect, a plurality of indicators corresponding to a measurement of time as a result of the candle assembly burning are provided with the body of the candle.
A grip portion may be provided and anchored at least one anchor portion of the housing.
In an embodiment, a bottom having a complimentary edge fittingly engages a tapered portion.
The present invention also provides for a self-igniting candle system having a combustible body with a top member and a bottom, the top member defined as a tapered portion disposed between the body and a wick, wherein the wick is at least partially disposed in the body. An ignition assembly in ignitable communication with the wick such that the ignition assembly chemically ignites the wick as a result of imparted friction to produce a flame thereon. A user performs the steps of gripping a handle disposed on the housing and then tugs the handle to impart friction to the ignition surface. The wick is then ignited, and the flame is sustained until it is extinguished via the user or elimination of all available fuel.
A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.
Any reference to “invention” within this document is a reference to an embodiment of a family of inventions, with no single embodiment including features that are necessarily included in all embodiments, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, although there may be references to “advantage's” provided by some embodiments, other embodiments may not include those same advantages, or may include different advantages. Any advantages described herein are not to be construed as limiting to any of the claims.
Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the system and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements.
Specific quantities, dimensions, spatial characteristics, compositional characteristics and performance characteristics may be used explicitly or implicitly herein, but such specific quantities are presented as examples only and are approximate values unless otherwise indicated. Discussions and depictions pertaining to these, if present, are presented as examples only and do not limit the applicability of other characteristics, unless otherwise indicated.
In general, the invention described herein relates to a releasable tag assembly 1 which may be affixed to a variety of flammable, pyrotechnic, or ignitable components commonly purchased by consumers. These items may include, but are not limited to fireworks, candles, fire starters and accelerants, matches, fire logs, emergency flares, and barbeque starters. Alternatively, the assembly may be provided by itself as a means for generating a flame for any application desired by the user.
In reference to
The waterproof casing 25 provides a unique advantage over matches commonly used in the arts. While matches may be provided with a waterproof packaging or storage container, these items only serve to protect the matches when not in use. The present invention has a waterproof casing 25 that is permanently affixed and does not require the user to remove it to ignite the flame.
Both the wick embodiment and match-like embodiment in
In a preferred embodiment the safety point contains the potassium chlorate within a pocket, thus separating the chemicals. Once the user tugs the assembly 1, the potassium chlorate is revealed from the pocket and presented to the red phosphorous resulting in the desired chemical reaction.
The main portion shown is a single unit folded upon itself. While this is one embodiment, certainly those ski fled in the arts may appreciate that separate components having an adhesive may be adhered to one another resembling opposing “stickers” adhered about the flammable member.
Each embodiment is comprised of an ignition assembly which may be comprised of the main portion 9, flammable member, match-like material, and handle as well as their associated components as described herein.
In an embodiment, each match-like component 32 is adhered to the inner surface 36. A waterproof coating or sealant may be provided so long as an adequate flame may still be produced. Typically, matches known in the arts contain an oxidizing agent such as potassium chlorate together with tetraphosphorus trisulfide, glass, and a binding agent. The assembly may utilize red phosphorus and potassium chlorate as well as other known chemicals used in the arts. The chemicals utilized are shock sensitive, meaning that a striking force, when applied, results in a violent chemical reaction to produce the desired flame. For safety, the red phosphorus and potassium chlorate are provided separately to ensure they are not accidentally combusted.
Referencing
In an embodiment, the tug tag assembly 1 may be provided as a standalone source of flame without being affixed to another flammable or ignitable device.
Now referring to
Now referring to
One skilled in the arts may appreciate that any number of tag assemblies 1 may be affixed to any of the ignitable devices herein, as deemed useful or advantageous by the user or provider of the product.
In specific reference to
The fire log may be defined by a wood log, a log made of organic materials, a flammable device of any other materials utilized in the current arts.
One skilled in the arts will appreciate that magnesium or similar elements may be included with a number of embodiments and ignitable devices.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention,
In an alternate embodiment, a bundle of prepared evergreen wood products may be utilized as a fuel source for a fire starter. In this manner, the tag assembly 1 may be affixed to the bundle to ignite the fuel source.
A system for operation is provided. The user first procures the assembly described herein which may or may not be provided with an ignitable device attached thereto. The user then grips the handle and tugs to ignite the flammable member within the main portion. The flame is then sustained on the flammable member until it is transferred to the ignitable device, or until fuel sources are depleted.
In any embodiment, a wick of any ignitable item may be dipped in potassium chlorate and provided with the assembly 1 as shown and described herein. In this manner, the assembly 1 may be sold and provided as a standalone item to be engaged with a multitude of ignitable devices.
In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a self-igniting candle which forgoes the need to be ignited with a lighter. As is well known in the art, the candle assembly TOO is comprised of at least one wick 104 disposed within a body 108. The body 108 may be formed in almost any size or shape imaginable. Typically, the body 108 is formed as a cylinder, rectangular cube, cube, or similar relatively simple geometric structure however one skilled in the art could produce a variety of configurations utilizing a mold. The candle body 108 is solid at room temperature and melts to a liquid phase proximate the wick 104 by the heat of the flame 112 present on the wick 104. The flame 112 is sustained by the fuel comprising the liquefied candle body 108. The body 108 may be formed of any suitable low melting point solid fuel source. It is common in the arts to use paraffin wax for its favorable qualities, however, many formulations exist.
In alternative embodiments, the body may be formed of a triacylglycerol-based wax having a triacylglycerol component and a polyol fatty acid partial ester component. In another embodiment, hydrogenated triglycerides having an iodine content in addition to paraffin wax is utilized as the body to prevent the formation of soot, an undesirable by-product of candles when ignited. Other embodiments may include various perfumes, coloring agents, and various wax-like components disclosed in the current arts.
The candle body may also include various adjuvants including dyes, aromatic agents, and/or decorative elements. Traditionally, these candles are ignited by an external source of flame such as a match or lighter. Unlike these traditional candles, the invention herein does not require an external flame source.
In an embodiment the ignition assembly 116 is frictionally engaged with the wick 104 permitting the user to forcibly remove the ignition assembly 116 to ignite the wick 104 during a time of activation of the candle.
In the embodiment described in
In a preferred embodiment, each candle 100 has an end member 148 having a cavity 132 disposed within its bottom-most end. This cavity 132 is dimensioned to receive the ignition assembly 116 of a separate candle 100 of the same type. This permits candles to be connected top 152 to bottom 156 making a taller candle having a longer burn time. Preferentially, the end member 148 has a snap fit with the ignition assembly 116 to retain the two components together such that the candle may be stood straight on its bottom surface 160. The embedded wick 136 will ignite and not disrupt the burn cycle of the candle of the flame reaches it during use.
Now referring to
In a preferred embodiment, each embodiment illustrated in
A plurality of indicators are presented on the body of the candle. Each indicator may correspond to a measurement of time, such as an hour. This allows the user to track the amount of time the candle has burned. In use, this may be utilized as a time-tracking device in the wilderness, during periods of lost electrical power, or as otherwise deemed useful.
In each embodiment, the body 108 has a top member 224 having the tapered portion 128, wick 104, and ignition assembly 116 thereon. Segmented regions 228 extend down the body 108 to the end member 148. Segmented regions 228 form the shape of the body 108 of the candle 100.
Now referring to
Now referring to
As the user tugs, they impart friction resulting in a chemical reaction to ignite the wick. The flame will then continue to burn until the user extinguishes the flame, or all source of fuel are eliminated, and the flame self-extinguishes.
The flammable head pyrotechnic material (match head, lighter, etc.) potassium chlorate and sulfur as active ingredients, may include various filler and the like. When struck, such as by moving against a rough surface, the ignition assembly 116 ignites from the chemical reaction, and generates a flame. The flame in turn lights the wick 104, thus lighting the candle 100 without requiring an external source of flame, such as a match or lighter. Note that on candles having multiple wicks, one, some or all of the wicks may include an ignition assembly 116.
In one embodiment, the flammable head 116 is of the type found on “strike-anywhere” matches (also commonly known as “kitchen matches”), which exhibit the feature of igniting when struck against any sufficiently rough surface. In this embodiment, the ignition assembly 116 may comprise a two-part or multi-part formulation, as necessary or desired.
In another embodiment, the ignition assembly 116 is of the type found on conventional book matches, which must be struck against a particular frictional surface provided on the match book or box, or similar surface. In this embodiment, the candle 100 may include a striking surface affixed to the candle body, as depicted in
The ignition assembly 116 may be formed over the entire portion of the wick 104 extending from the candle body 108. In this embodiment, at least an exposed portion of the wick may comprise a structurally rigid, flammable member formed from a flammable material such as wood, cardboard or the like. Such structural rigidity may be necessary to facilitate striking the flammable head 116 against a rough surface or against a striking surface. Additionally, the structurally rigid, flammable member may be broken between the candle body 108 and the ignition member 116 to provide a “match,” which may be ignited by striking, and subsequently used to light the wick 104, as well as other candles 100.
In this embodiment, the entire wick 104 may comprise the structurally rigid, flammable member. Alternatively, the structurally rigid, flammable member may comprise only an exposed portion of the wick 104 (or any other portion of the wick 104), with the remainder of the wick formed from string, twine, or other traditional wick material.
In an embodiment, the wick 104 may be coated with a stiffening agent having a relatively low burning point. The stiffening agent may be comprised of a wax-like substance to aid the wick 104 in standing upright throughout the burn period as well as during storage. The stiffening agent aids in promoting an even and controlled burn of the candle throughout its use. Further the low burning point promoted the ignition of the wick during the ignition phase.
In an embodiment, the candle may be provided as a single unit having the ability to break apart into multiple candles as shown and described above. Further, smaller candles may be provided to allow the user to “stack” each candle atop one another.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/492,483 filed May 1, 2017 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62492483 | May 2017 | US |