System, components and method of a functional fire starter tool

Abstract

A new and useful fire starter system, method and system components are that can be transported by a person (e.g. a hiker) in the wilderness and used to start a fire for that person.

Description

INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Heretofore the usual method in early times, percussion fire making was often used to start fires. Before the advent of steel, a variety of iron pyrite was used with flint and other stones to produce a high-temperature spark that could be used to create fire, there are indication that “iceman” may have used iron pyrite to make fire from the iron age forward, until the invention of the friction match the use of flint and steel was a common method of fire-lighting. Percussion starting was prevalent in Europe during ancient times, the Middle Ages and the Viking age. When flint and steel were used, the fire steel was often kept in a metal tinderbox together with flint and tinder.

In Japan, percussion fire-making was performed, using agate or quartz. It was also used as a ritual to bring good luck or ward off evil. Besides using flint with the steel, many other hard, non-porous rocks can be used, that can take a sharp edge, such as chert, jasper or chalcedony.

The sharp edge of the flint is used to strike the fire steel at an acute angle. With practice, small pieces of steel are shaved off the fire steel. The friction of shaving the steel off the fire steel and the pyrophoricity of the steel heats the pieces to a molten state. Char-cloth or amadou (tinder fungus), is sometimes used as tinder with flint and steel to catch the low-temperature sparks, which can then can be brought to other tinder and blown into flame.

However, many woodsmen of previous centuries had to do without charred cloth or fire fungus and kept charred plant material in their tinderboxes.

Comparison with ferrous-cerium: Flint and steel used to strike sparks were superseded by Ferrous cerium, this man-made material, when scraped with any hard, sharp edge, produces sparks that are much hotter than obtained with natural flint and steel, allowing use of a wider range of tinder. Because it can produce sparks when wet and can start hundreds or thousands of fires when used correctly, ferrous-cerium is commonly included in survival kit.

Survival kit are been used for a long period of time, these gadgets and tools have been carried for a person or group of persons, individually or in group;

New adaptations and modifications had been given, resulting in the creation of new survival gadgets. Always in the search of perfection and reliability; the most reliable way is that they can be carried all the time along with the person, a good reason to start making them lighter and smaller; Then after, these survival tools became personal items. One main and the most important, as well, considered the most valuable element of any survival kit is the Fire Starter Kit.

They have been around since ancient times, these personal item with a touch of ornament, carry by a person, more specifically in pouches, saddle bag, nosebag, haversack and satchels, has been a crucial element of survival.

Over time materials, sizes and design used to build fire starter kits have changed and new improvements and adaptations have been applied in order to make them more reliable, manageable, and easy to carry.

Now the new method of starting a fire, it is with the use of ferrous-cerium rod, commonly call it ferro-rod; And a piece of metal called “scraper” or “striker”, this method begin by holding both pieces with both hand; In one hand holding the ferro-rod by the handle and the other hand holding the striker, then, proceeding to place one sharp edge of the striker to the nearest end of the ferro-rod, then moving the metal piece (striker) forward while plying some pressure (scraping) over the ferro-rod all the way to the opposite end of the ferro-rod, with the result of the creation of sparks which initiate the combustion of the fuel to produce fire. Once the fire starter has been used and need it no more; The method to storage it, is variable, can be put it away in a pouch, in the pockets, hang it on backpacks, on loops, as a necklace and even in a bracelet. Since the most commune design of all are: one piece of ferro-rod (flint)with a piece of metal or plastic in one end that works as a handle (which provides a grip) and the striker both are tied together with a piece of cord by their correspondent orifice; After all this procedures, it is necessary to keep it on sight and know where has been storage it, by the time you need it, the worst case scenario would be losing it, or forget to place it along with the preparedness.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved method, component and system for a fire starter kit which avoids the above mentioned objections, and, in particular, which it refers to misplace and/or lost sight of fire starter, as well, the ferro-rod's handle, that is part of the fire starter kit, which does not provides a strong grip and for the same reason doesn't provide a steady position.

The present invention relates to a new and useful fire starter structure that can be transported by a person (e.g. a hiker) in the wilderness and used to start a fire for that person. The invention also comprises a method for use in the wilderness for starting a fire.

The fire starter structure comprises a support member configured for attachment to a piece of outdoor gear (e.g. a hiking boot), and the support member is coupled with fire starter elements that include a rod that is designed to produce sparks for initiating a fire and a striker for applying friction to the rod to produce sparks. A pouch with tinder is also carried by the footwear, and the support member can be detached from the piece of footwear and the fire starter elements and the tinder utilized to initiate a fire.

The fire starter structure preferably comprises a clip for attachment to the laced portion of the piece of the hiking boot, the rod is integrally connected with the clip, the striker is held against the clip by a retention device (e.g. a chord) that overlies the clip and the striker, and the pouch is coupled with the clip by means of the retention device (e.g. by an extension of the chord). The chord is at least partially wrapped about a portion of the laced portion of the piece of footwear. The tinder comprises a mass of tinder material and one or more tinder sticks, and wherein the pouch is configured to protect the tinder from environment conditions external to the piece of footwear.

In a method according to a preferred form of the present invention, the support member and the chord are configured to be separated from the piece of footwear and formed into a handle for the rod, to facilitate its use in producing sparks for initiating a fire.

Thus, the present invention relates to a new useful system, method and components of a portable device (preferably a functional fire starter system) for helping a person to survive in certain different scenarios when the person find him/her self trapped in while performing some outdoor activities, in a manner that is efficient and effective, and in a manner that is designed in a compact and low profile design, in a manner that is lightweight, comfortable and easy to carry, and a manner that is handy and helpful.

The present invention provides a system, system components and a method for helping and supporting a person to survive while performing some outdoor activities. The components and system preferably include an Anchor-clip (preferably composed of one piece); a ferrous-cerium rod coupled with the anchor-clip; A piece of cord (preferably a shock cord, also called “bungee cord”); A pouch (preferably made of fabric); Tinder tabs; A piece of cord (preferably para-cord); And a piece of metal that function as striker. The components and system are preferably formed in a single unit; and according into a preferred embodiment, this unit can be coupled, attached or adapted to most shoe-lace or webbing system.

Still further, according to the preferred embodiment the fire starter parts mentioned above, that include one or more (and more preferably all) are brief described below:

a. ANCHOR-CLIP: This element is the preferred version of the support member and is useful in a manner that it is the base of the whole system, is the element that supports and holds the rest of all elements.

b. FERRO-ROD; This element is useful in a manner that is the one who produce the sparks in order to initiate fire.

c. STRIKER: This element is useful in a manner that can be use to produce the heat as result of the friction against the ferro-rod, which in turn produces the sparks to initiate the fire.

d. BUNGEE CORD: this element is the preferred version of the retention device, is also known as shock cord, and element is useful in a manner that can be used to hold and secure the Striker with the Anchor.

e. POUCH: This element is useful in a manner that can be used to hold and protect in its interior different elements, in this specific case, can keep inside the tinder pack. a LABEL that is coupled to pouch in order to display some information of fire-starter.

f. TINDER STICKS: These elements are useful in a manner that can be used as a fuel to ignite some fire.

g. TINDER PACK: This element is useful I a manner that can be used to hold and protect the tinder sticks, more preferably a vacuum sealed bag.

h. CORD: or more preferably Para-cord, this element is useful in a manner that can used to keep together the two major elements that form the fire starter kit as one single unit.

According to one preferred form of the present invention, the fire starter has been designed in a manner that this device can be securely coupled to shoes (e.g. hiking boots), by using one of the shoe laces and weaving it through the Anchor-clip's openings by interlacing them, and thus tie the Anchor-clip down to hold it in place among the shoe, providing a safe place where it can be storage and can't be misplaced it, as well, always at hand when is need it.

Other aspect of the preferred form of invention is, the Anchor-clip is weaved with the shoe's lace, and secured in place; the Bungee-cord has one end (preferably a loop shape)that is coupled to the Anchor-clip's base(preferably the bottom edge), then using the other loose end of the bungee cord and passing it throughout the two orifices of the Striker, thereby secures, holds and keeps Striker in place, in which, the Anchor-clip, Bungee-cord and Striker in conjunction take form of a Fire-starter kit all in one single, low-profile and practical unit.

One other aspect of the preferred form of the present invention, is that the Anchor-clip in conjunction with the Bungee-cord, can be used as a handle; By grabbing and holding the Anchor-clip by its body with one hand and proceeding to wrap the Bungee-cord around the fingers(preferably index and middle fingers), then plying the thumb from the same hand against the Anchor, this method provides a better, steady and strong grip at the moment of scrapping the Striker against the Ferro-rod (in order to produce Sparks) that is coupled to one end the Anchor-clip; Saying this, the anchor-clip has two functions as an anchor as well as a handle.

Another further object of the preferred form of the present invention, is that it has been designed to support some type of protective sheath in which, this sheath or Pouch holds and protects in its interior different elements, in this specific case, keeps inside the Tinder tabs which in turn are protected inside of a vacuum sealed bag; This Pouch can be placed and secured down by using the shoe laces, in the same way as the Anchor-clip is secure; Also, can be provide it, in this specific case, with a piece of Para-cord, that is tied to the upper end of the Anchor-clip, and it runs underneath and through the shoe lace until is coupled with the Pouch in which the cord function is to keep both elements together, working as a one single, low-profile and concealed Fire-starter kit unit.

Other aspect of the present invention will become apparently from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawing and exhibits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND EXHIBITS

FIG. 1 is s a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed, the shape of the Fire-starter in a mode for beginners or amateurs, and some of the elements that make up the Fire-starter, according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed, the shape of the Fire-starter in a mode for experts called “Mountain man”. And some elements that make up the Fire-starter, according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view illustration of the embodiment of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed; Which include Anchor-clip, Striker, Ferro-rod and Bungee cord;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustration of the embodiment of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed; Which include Anchor-clip, Striker, Ferro-rod and Bungee cord;

FIG. 5 is a schematic upper view illustration of the Bungee cord that forms part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 6 is a schematic upper view illustration of the Anchor-clip and Ferro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 7 is a schematic bottom view illustration of the Anchor-clip and Ferro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view illustration of the Anchor-clip and Ferro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 9 is a schematic back view illustration of the Anchor-clip and Ferro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 10 is a schematic right-side view illustration of the Anchor-clip and Ferro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 11 is a schematic left side view illustration of the Anchor-clip and Ferro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 12 is a schematic upper view illustration of the Striker (preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed, which includes two orifices situated each other apart at its correspondent ends of striker;

FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view illustration of the Striker (preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;.

FIG. 14 is a schematic right side view illustration of the Striker (preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 15 is a schematic left side view illustration of the Striker (preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 16 is a schematic front view illustration of the Striker (preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 17 is a schematic back view illustration of the Striker (preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the Pouch (preferably fabric, which its function is to protect the tinder pack) a second unit of Fire-starter is formed, the shape of the Pouch, and some of the elements like Hook & loop tabs, that make up the Fire-starter, according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the Pouch is receiving the Tinder pack (preferably a vacuum sealed plastic bag) which is part of the Fire-starter, the shape of the Pouch, and some of the elements that make up the Fire-starter, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the Pouch holds and keeps the Tinder pack protected from outside elements (e. g. humidity) which is part of the Fire-starter, the shape of the Pouch, tinder pack and some of the elements that make up the Fire-starter, according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the Pouch is showing in a total folded position in order to protect the Tinder pack which is part of the Fire-starter, the shape of the pouch, Hook & Loop tabs, Label and some of the elements that make up the Fire-starter, according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic isometric illustration of the Ferro-rod, and some others elements of the assembly, according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration showing how the system components and method provide a fast, efficient and easy way to provide and utilize the fire starter structure of the invention to ignite, light and maintain a fire, in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a hiking boot with the fire starter structure coupled therewith.

Exhibits A, B and C are a series of photographs showing the manner in which a Fire-starter's prototype, according to the invention, is form and used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, one aspect of the present invention relates to a new and useful structure and method and components of a portable fire starter system for helping a person to survive in certain situations at different scenarios which the person may encounter, while performing outdoor activities. The invention is designed to be efficient and effective, designed in a compact and a low- profile design, and is designed to be lightweight comfortable and easy to carry it, in a manner that is handy and helpful. The principles of the invention are described herein in connection with a Fire-starter system and method can be used with outdoor gear such as a hiking boot (FIG. 24), and from that description, the manner in which the principles of the invention can be applied to various types of outdoor gear e.g. a “webbing strap system” (this new fashion is a series of straps sewn to any outdoor pack: mostly back packs and pouches) will be apparent to these in the art.

As illustrated in the figures, a system according to the invention includes a Fire-starter system (or assembly) that is primarily formed by two assemblies, 1 and 2 of various components: Assembly (1): including the anchor-clip (05), having a coupled ferro-rod (10). a striker (15) that is hold down by preferably a bungee cord (20) Assembly (2): including the pouch (25), having a tinder pack (40) inside, tinder sticks (45), closure device (30) more preferably Hook & loop other element is a label (50) more preferably at front face of the pouch (25). As shown in FIG. 22, the assemblies 1 and 2 are preferably coupled with a hiking boot.

As described above the present invention relates to a new and useful system, system components and method, some of the components or elements of the Fire-starter (i) can be used separately or in conjunction, depending on the ability or experience of the person who is using it. Assembly (1) can be use it independently from assembly (2), if the person is consider with some experience in the field; By using the Ferro-rod (10) that is coupled with the anchor-clip (5), as well the bungee cord (20) that can be wrapped around his/her finger to excel a better steady hold, and by scraping off the Striker (15) over the ferro-rod (10) he/her can produce some fire.

A person who has no experience at all, in order to light some fire, it might have to use the assembly (1) in conjunction with assembly (2) to increase the possibility of create fire; By using the tinder pack (40) which is inside of Pouch (25) and using one single tinder stick (45) and unbraiding one end to separate and expose the strand in order to capture more sparks from Ferro-rod (10), and then inserting the opposite end of the tinder stick (45) between the elements bungee cord (20) and Anchor-clip (5), more specifically at the base of the Anchor-clip (5) in some way that the unbraided end of the tinder stick (45) can make contact with Ferro-rod (10), in order to capture most of the sparks produced by the action of scraping the Striker (15) over Ferro-rod (10). Following this method in which by using both, assembly (1) and assembly (2), an inexperienced person can ease the effort and increase the possibility to light and maintain some campfire.

As described above, FIG. 1 illustrates some of the components or elements that are part of the Fire-starter (i) that is showing in a full display. The components are: Anchor-clip (5) this element is one of the main components of assembly (1), in which functions as the base of the system, it holds and keeps in place the rest of the elements of assembly (1), also functions as a handle for the Ferro-rod (10) to perform its job in an easy way. Other elements are:

a. Ferro-rod (10) this element is useful in a manner that can be used to produce the sparks that ignite the fire.

b. Bungee cord (20) This element is useful in a manner that can be used to wrap secure and hold in place the next element:

c. Striker (15) This element is useful in a manner that can be used as a scraper to Shave off a particle of the steel that exposes iron which reacts with oxygen from atmosphere and can ignite the proper tinder d. Pouch (25) This element is useful in a manner that is one of the main components of Assembly (2), its function is to keep and protect its content inside from outside environment elements (e. g. humidity, dust, etc.)

e. Hook and Loop (30) These elements are useful in a manner that can be used as some type of closure that keeps the Pouch (25) folded and closed, in order to maintain inside its content well secured.

f. Cord (35) or more preferably Para-cord, this element is useful in a manner that can be used to keep together the two major elements of the system (Assembly 1 and Assembly 2) that conform the fire starter kit (i) as a one single unit. Also to tie the Striker (15) in order to increase its stability while performing its job.

g. Label (50) This element is useful in a manner that can be used to display some information about the Fire-starter (i) system (logotype, a company name, personal name, instructions, etc.) more preferably attached to the front of the Pouch (25).

h. At least two orifices (55) each other apart at the correspondent ends of striker i. Serrated side (60) and sharp side (65).

FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric illustration of the configuration of assembly (1), in a passive position, according to the present invention. The system comprises the following components: Anchor-clip (05) this element is useful in a manner that it is the base of the whole system, is the element that supports and holds the rest of all elements. Ferro-rod (10) this element is useful in a manner that is the one who produces the sparks in order to light the fire. Bungee cord (20) this element is useful in a manner that can be use to wrap, to secure and hold in place the next element: Striker (15) in which this element is useful in a manner that can be used as a scrape to shave off a particle that exposes iron which reacts with oxygen and can ignite the proper tinder. Orifice (55) this element is useful in a manner that can be used to hold in place the Striker (15), serrated side (60) and Sharp side (65) these elements are useful in a manner that can be used to scrap the Ferro-rod (10) and other tasks.

FIG. 3. Is a schematic front view of the configuration of assembly (1), illustrates some of the components or elements that are part of the Fire-starter (i), these are: Anchor-clip (05), Ferro-rod (10), Striker (15) and Bungee cord (20). Their functions are mentioned above.

FIG. 4. Is a schematic side view of the configuration of assembly (1), illustrates some of the components or elements that are part of the Fire-starter (i), these are: Anchor-clip (05), Ferro-rod (10), Striker (15) and Bungee cord (20). There functions are mentioned above.

FIG. 5. Is a schematic upper view of the Bungee cord (20), showing its form and its function is mentioned above.

FIG. 6. Is a schematic upper view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05) and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 7. Is a schematic bottom view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05) and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2)

FIG. 8. Is a schematic front view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05) and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2)

FIG. 9. Is a schematic back view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05) and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 10. Is a schematic right side view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05) and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 11. Is a schematic left side view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05) and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 12. Is a schematic upper view illustration of the Striker (15) showing the orifices (55), serrated side (60) and sharp side (65), according to the present invention, configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 13. Is a schematic bottom view illustration of the Striker (15) showing the orifices (55), serrated side (60) and sharp side (65), according to the present invention, configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 14. Is a schematic right side view illustration of the Striker (15) showing the serrated side (60), according to the present invention, configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 15. Is a schematic left side view illustration of the Striker (15) showing the orifices(55), and sharp side (65), according to the present invention configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 16. Is a schematic front view illustration of the Striker (15) showing the orifice (55), according to the present invention, configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 17. Is a schematic back view illustration of the Striker (15) showing the orifice(55), according to the present invention, configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 18. Is schematic illustration of the Pouch (25), in open or unfolded position, displaying some other elements: Hook and Loop (30) in which these elements are useful in a manner that can be use as some type of closure that keeps the Pouch (25) folded and closed, in order to protect its content well secured, according to the present invention.

FIG. 19. Is schematic illustration of the Pouch (25), in semi folded position, where the elements Hook and Loop (30) are present, as well showing the Tinder pack(40) that it is been insert inside the Pouch(25) in order to protect the Tinder pack(40) from not to be misplaced, Tinder pack (40) is useful in a manner that it is designed to protect and preserve its content, (more preferably a vacuum sealed bag), according to the present invention.

FIG. 20. Is schematic illustration of the Pouch (25), in semi folded position, where the elements Hook and Loop (30) are present, as well showing the Tinder pack(40), that is inside the Pouch(25) in order to protect the Tinder pack(40) from not to be misplaced, according to the present invention.

FIG. 21. Is schematic isometric illustration of the Assembly (2) showing some of the elements as: Pouch (25), in folded position, Hook and Loop (30) are showing how they keep the Pouch (25) tightly closed. Other element showed is the Label (50), this element is useful, in a manner, that can be used to display some information about the Fire-starter (i) (logotype, a company name, instructions, etc.) more preferably attached to the front face of the Pouch (25), according to the present invention.

FIG. 22. Is a schematic isometric illustration of the Ferro-rod(10), and some others elements of the Assembly (1): showing the Anchor-clip (05) working in conjunction with Bungee cord(20), both elements holding the Tinder stick(45) in a position in which make it easier to work with the Tinder stick (45), in order to catch the most possible number of sparks performing a better and easy way, at moment of light the Tinder stick(45), this element is useful in a manner that works as fuel to catch the sparks from Ferro-rod(10), and promptly ignites to start the fire. According to the present invention.

Is a schematic isometric illustration of the configuration of the assembly(1 showing some elements of the system: Anchor-clip (05) is working in conjunction with Bungee cord (20), both elements holding the Tinder stick (45) in between in a position in which make it easier to work with the Tinder stick (45), in order to catch the most possible amount of sparks that can be produced by the Striker (15), by which this element can be used as a scraper to shave off a particle of steel from Ferro-rod (10) that exposes iron which reacts with oxygen and can ignite the Tinder stick (45).

FIG. 23. Is showing the system, system components and method to how perform a better, fast and easy way to ignite, light and maintain a fire; By grabbing the Anchor-clip (05) with one hand and leaving some part exposed, in which the Ferro-rod (10) is showing in full, therefore, with the other hand holding the Striker (15) by leaving some part exposed, Cord (35) can be tied to the bottom part, preferably through one of the orifice (55) of the Striker (15) for a better grip, this means better control equals better performance and better results; Then proceeding to place the Striker (10) by setting the long sharp side (65) on top of the Ferro-rod (10) to the nearest end from the user's body, then proceeding to move the Striker (15) forward, applying some pressure over the Ferro-rod (10), more preferably as a scraping force, while running the Striker (15) all the way to the opposite end of the Ferro-rod (10), in order to produce a bigger number of sparks, in which, the Tinder stick (45) is able to catch the most sparks as it is possible; Once the Tinder stick (45) is lighted, the user can transfer these flames to the suitably flammable material that can be set, preferably on the ground, to start a campfire or bonfire, according to the present invention.

As seen from the foregoing description, applicant has provided a new and useful fire starter structure that can be transported by a person (e.g. a hiker) in the wilderness and used to start a fire for that person. The applicant has also provided a method for use in the wilderness for starting a fire.

The fire starter structure comprises a support member configured for attachment to a piece of outdoor gear (e.g. a hiking boot), and the support member is coupled with fire starter elements that include a rod that is designed to produce sparks for initiating a fire and a striker for applying friction to the rod to produce sparks. A pouch with tinder is also carried by the footwear, and the support member can be detached from the piece of footwear and the fire starter elements and the tinder utilized to initiate a fire.

The fire starter structure preferably comprises a clip for attachment to the laced portion of the piece of the hiking boot, the rod is integrally connected with the clip, the striker is held against the clip by a retention device (e.g. the chord that overlies the clip and the striker,) and the pouch is coupled with the clip by means of an extension of the chord. The chord is at least partially wrapped about a portion of the laced portion of the piece of footwear. The tinder comprises a mass of tinder material and one or more tinder sticks, and wherein the pouch is configured to protect the tinder from environment conditions external to the piece of footwear.

In a method according to the present invention, the support member and the chord are configured to be separated from the piece of footwear and formed into a handle for the rod, to facilitate its use in producing sparks for initiating a fire.

Exhibits A, B and C are a series of photographs showing the manner in which a Fire-starter's prototype, according to the invention, is formed and used. Exhibit A shows the Firestarter coupled with a piece of outdoor gear that is a “webbing strap system” (this new fashion is a series of straps sewn to any outdoor pack: mostly back packs and pouches). Exhibits B and C show the Firestarter coupled with a hiking boot.

Thus, applicant has described here a utility Fire-starter system and a related assembly method, in which, according to the preferred embodiment, an Anchor- clip piece that has a Ferro-rod coupled more preferably at the broader bottom, has other removable elements on top, those elements are: Bungee cord that is tied at the bottom of the Anchor-clip, this component holds the Striker in place; some of these components (preferably all) conform the Assembly 1 of the system. The elements that are part of Assembly 2 are: A pouch that has a series of Hook and Loop attached, that work as some type of closure to allow the Pouch to fold and unfold, this Pouch holds and protect in its interior a series of Tinder stick, which in turn these are protected inside of a pack (more preferably a vacuum sealed bag) these two elements form the Tinder pack, another element is the Label this element is useful in a manner that can be use to display some information about the Fire-starter (i) system (logotype, a company name, instructions, etc.) more preferably attached to the front of the Pouch. Assembly 1 and Assembly 2 both along with a piece of cord more preferably a Para -cord form the entire Fire-starter system. Assembly (1) can be use it independently from assembly (2), if the person is considered with some experience in the field. A person who has no experience at all, in order to light some fire, it might have to use the assembly (1) in conjunction with assembly (2) to increase the possibility to start a fire. With the foregoing disclosure in mind the manner in which a Fire-starter system can be designed, assembled and disassembled and its components reassembled, into other useful devices will be apparent to those in the art.

Claims

1. A fire starter assembly comprising: a) a support member configured for attachment to a lacing of a hiking boot, the support member having contained therein a rod adapted to produce sparks for initiating a fire, a striker for applying friction to the rod to produce sparks; and,b) a pouch having tinder therein, andwherein, said support member includes a positioning mechanism adapted to position, during operation, sparks from the rod engage the tinder.

2. The fire starter assembly of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism includes an elastic member adapted to sandwich the tinder between the support member and the elastic member.

3. The fire starter assembly of claim 2, wherein the support member includes a cord that is at least partially wrapped about a portion of the lacing when said support member is secured to the hiking boot.

4. The fire starter assembly of claim 3, wherein the pouch is configured to be secured to the hiking boot.

5. The fire starter structure of claim 4, wherein the support member and a retention device are joinable and configured to form into a handle for the rod.

6. A piece of footwear having a detachable support member having a rod and a striker designed to produce sparks when the striker is struck against the rod, and a positioning mechanism adapted to position, during operation, sparks from the rod to engage a tinder.

7. The piece of footwear of claim 6, wherein the positioning mechanism includes an elastic band adapted to press the tinder against the detachable support member.

8. The piece of footwear of claim 7, further including a pouch securable to the piece of footwear and containing the tinder prior to usage.

9. The piece of footwear of claim 8, wherein the detachable support member has a first member and a second member and wherein the first member and the second member are selectively secured to each other to form a handle holding the rod.

10. A fire starter assembly comprising a support member having a rod adapted to produce sparks for initiating a fire, a striker for applying friction to the rod to produce sparks and, a positioning mechanism adapted to position a tinder, during operation, sparks from the rod engage the tinder.

11. The fire starter assembly of claim 10, wherein the positioning mechanism includes an elastic member adapted to sandwich the tinder between the support member and the elastic member.

12. The fire starter assembly of claim 11, wherein the support member includes a cord adapted to secure the support member to an article of clothing.