U.S. patent application number 14/744174 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-08 for stoking and rearranging combustible matter of a fire.
The applicant listed for this patent is James Olson. Invention is credited to James Olson.
Application Number | 20150285508 14/744174 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54209451 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150285508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olson; James |
October 8, 2015 |
STOKING AND REARRANGING COMBUSTIBLE MATTER OF A FIRE
Abstract
The present invention is directed toward a system for stoking
and arranging materials in a fire. An air flow generator is
configured to flow air down a passage in a hollow rod that is
configured to prod and rearrange the combustible matter of a
burning fire. The hollow rod is durable enough to poke and
reposition the combustible materials in a fire. While this poking
and repositioning is occurring, air sent from the air flow
generator is conducted at an outlet of the hollow rod, thereby
stoking the flame burning the combustible matter while the
combustible matter is also being poked and prodded at. The hollow
rod can be configured to be a telescoping hollow rod that is
permitted to extend and collapse on itself for more convenient
storage and transport options.
Inventors: |
Olson; James; (Overland
Park, KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Olson; James |
Overland Park |
KS |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54209451 |
Appl. No.: |
14/744174 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14087583 |
Nov 22, 2013 |
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14744174 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
431/2 ; 110/101A;
126/77 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24B 15/005 20130101;
F24B 15/002 20130101; F23K 3/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24B 1/19 20060101
F24B001/19; F23K 3/00 20060101 F23K003/00 |
Claims
1. A system for stoking and arranging materials in a fire,
comprising: an air flow generator connected to a power source; and
a hollow rod connected to the air flow generator, wherein the
hollow rod is configured to conduct air sent from the air flow
generator at an outlet of the hollow rod.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source that is
connected to the air flow generator comprises a battery.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source that is
connected to the air flow generator comprises a power cord and
electrical plug configured to plug into an electrical socket that
is electrically energized.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the hollow rod is further
configured to attach and detach from the air flow generator.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the hollow rod further comprises
a hook attached at the end of the rod furthest from the air flow
generator.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the hollow rod is further
configured as a telescoping hollow rod.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the telescoping hollow rod
further comprises a hook at the end of the rod furthest from the
air flow generator.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the telescoping hollow rod
further comprises a handle at the end of the rod closest to the air
flow generator.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the telescoping hollow rod is
configured to extend into an extended position and to collapse into
a compacted position.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the telescoping hollow rod is
configured to stoke a fire with air generated by the air flow
generator, and further comprising a locking mechanism configured to
lock the telescoping hollow rod when extended in an extended
position.
11. The system of claim 6, wherein the telescoping hollow rod is
configured to withstand the force of positioning and repositioning
combustible matter of a fire.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the telescoping hollow rod is
configured to position and reposition logs in a fire while the air
flow generator is generating air that is conducted at the logs in
the fire through an outlet in the telescoping hollow rod.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the air flow generator is housed
by a housing, and further comprises a handle connected to the
housing of the air flow generator.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the air flow generator comprises
an electric motor and a fan connected to a rotatable shaft of the
electric motor.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the air flow generator is
configured to generate air when a control switch is toggled on, and
configured to stop generating air when a control switch is toggled
off.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the hollow rod is comprises
outlet holes concentrated at the end furthest from the air flow
generator, wherein the outlet holes are configured to conduct air
from the air flow generator around.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the housing for the air flow
generator is comprised of a design theme.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the design theme comprises a
sports-related theme.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the sports-related theme
comprises a baseball design, a football design, a football helmet
design, a basketball design, a soccer ball design, a hockey puck
design, or a racecar design.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the design theme comprises a
custom-made design.
21. A method for stoking a fire and rearranging combustible matter
in a fire, comprising: generating a flow of air at an air flow
generator; flowing the flow of air from the air flow generator
through a hollow rod that is connected to the air flow generator at
a near end of the hollow rod; stoking a fire with a far end of the
hollow rod, wherein the far end of the hollow rod is configured to
outlet the flow of air generated by the air flow generator; and
altering a position of combustible matter in the fire with the far
end of the hollow rod while the flow of air is conducted through an
outlet of the hollow rod.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the flow of air is generated by
an electric motor and a fan connected to a rotatable shaft of the
electric motor.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the hollow rod is configured to
extend and collapse on itself.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the hollow rod is configured to
include a hook or a prong mechanism at the far end of the hollow
rod.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the electric motor is housed by
a custom-made design theme.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/087,583, Filed Nov. 22, 2013, the contents
of which are incorporated by reference as if set forth in their
entirety herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various outdoor and indoor activities incorporate and are
centered around an open source of fire, from log bonfires to wood
burning stoves. As the popularity of hiking and camping and other
recreational activities increase, more individuals will be
utilizing open fires, like log fueled fires, to provide heat for
cooking and warmth, among other things. Outdoor tailgates at
football and other sporting events often include charcoal barbeque
grills. Indoor fireplaces that are fueled, at least in part, by
wooden logs or the equivalent, as well as the types of outdoor
fires mentioned, require to be properly ignited and maintained.
[0003] Proper ignition and maintenance of a log or charcoal fire,
or the equivalent, can include providing enough air to circulate
oxygen and fuel areas of the fire while it kindles. Other ways to
maintain a camp or cook fire include rearranging the material
fueling the combustion so that air can be more evenly and
efficiently circulated around the burning matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Various features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following description of embodiments of the
invention, given by way of example only, which is made with
reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of the fire
stoking and poking system;
[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates a system operable according to
embodiments of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates a system that retracts via a telescoping
hollow rod, and operable according to embodiments of the present
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2C illustrates a system that extends via a telescoping
hollow rod, and operable according to embodiments of the present
invention;
[0009] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3I, 3J, 3K, 3L, 3M,
and 3N are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of a fire
stoking and poking system including a design theme; and
[0010] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram showing a method of
providing oxygen to a fire while rearranging the burning
combustible matter of the fire.
SUMMARY
[0011] An example of the current techniques includes a system for
stoking a fire with air and arranging materials in a fire. The
stoking and poking system includes an air flow generator connected
to a power source. The system also includes a hollow rod connected
to the air flow generator, wherein the hollow rod is configured to
conduct air sent from the air flow generator at an outlet or number
of outlets of the hollow rod.
[0012] Another example includes a method for stoking a fire and
rearranging combustible matter in a fire. The method includes
generating a flow of air at an air flow generator, and flowing the
flow of air from the air flow generator through a hollow rod that
is connected to the air flow generator at a near end of the hollow
rod. The method also includes stoking a fire with a far end of the
hollow rod, wherein the far end of the hollow rod is configured to
outlet the flow of air generated by the air flow generator. The
method discloses altering a position of combustible matter in the
fire with the far end of the hollow rod while the flow of air is
conducted through an outlet of the hollow rod.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present disclosure provides systems and techniques for
stoking and poking combustible material in a fire. Exemplary
embodiments of the current system include providing air and oxygen
to select areas of a fire while simultaneously rearranging the
combustible particles into preferred positions. Through the system
disclosed herein, a user is able to prod the constituent matter of
the fire and reposition material for desired burning, while air is
being conducted at certain areas of the fire. The system can be
made from a hollow metal rod or a similar structure that is
configured to be resistant, at least in part, to damage from fire
and excessive heat.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of the fire
stoking and poking system 100. The system 100 is configured to
attach an air flow generator 102 to a hollow rod 104 at a point of
attachment/detachment 106, so the hollow rod 104 can be
disconnected from the air flow generator 102 when preferred. The
hollow rod 104 can be configured to include a handle 108. The air
flow generator 102 can be a battery powered blower, a fan system
including an electric motor and a fan connected to a rotatable
shaft of the electric motor (not shown). The air flow generator 102
can include an "On/Off" switch 110 that may be toggled to start or
stop generating a flow of air.
[0015] The air flow generator 102 can be housed by a housing. The
housing of the air flow generator 102 can include a handle 112, as
the hollow rod 104 can include a handle 108, for safer and easier
use of the system 100. The hollow rod 104 can include a hook 114 as
shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, or a prong structure
that is effective at moving burning wood, as embodied by another
example. The hook 114 permits a user to more effectively break-up
and relocate burning material in a fire. The air flow generator
102, together with the hook 114 and durable hollow rod 104, create
an effective tool for a user to stoke a flame with oxygen provided
by air generated by the air flow generator 102. The generated air
is configured to be conducted through an outlet or multiple outlets
at the end of the hollow rod 104.
[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a system 200 operable according to
embodiments of the present invention. The system 200 shows how the
hollow rod 204 is configured to be telescoping, and is able to
collapse into a compacted position 220 or extend into an extended
position 222. The poking and stoking system 200 is configured to
attach an air flow generator 202 to a hollow telescoping rod 204 at
a point of attachment/detachment 206. Thus, the hollow telescoping
rod 204 can simply be connected and disconnected from the air flow
generator 202 when preferred, and the telescoping rod 204 retreated
to meet compact storage needs.
[0017] The hollow telescoping rod 204 can be made of a series of
hollow rods of progressively smaller diameters. The hollow rods of
various diameter are coupled at various diameter sleeves 208 along
the hollow telescoping rod 204. The hollow rods of various diameter
can extend and retract and the orientation of the diameter sleeves
208 will dictate where the various points of expansion and
retraction may occur. When fully extended, the hollow telescoping
rod 204 can optionally be configured to lock in the extended
position, adding to the durability and ensuring the desired
repositioning functionality.
[0018] The hollow telescoping rod 204 can be lightweight, and can
be configured to include a handle 210. The air flow generator 202
can be a fan system including an electric motor and a fan connected
to a rotatable shaft of the electric motor (not shown). The air
flow generator 202 can be powered from a variety of sources,
including a standard lithium or alkaline battery, or other types of
batteries, an electrical connection via a power cord and energized
electrical outlet, or even a battery configured to store energy
generated by solar or wind power. The air flow generator 202 can
include an "On/Off" switch 210. The switch 210 can be toggled by a
user to start or stop generating a flow of air. The fan of the air
flow generator 202 can optionally be a variable speed fan, and an
additional switch (not shown) for controlling the speed of the fan
can also be implemented.
[0019] The air flow generator 202 can be housed by a housing. The
housing of the air flow generator 202 can optionally include a
handle 212, and the hollow rod 204 can include a handle 210, for
more safe and easy use of the poking and stoking system 200. The
hollow telescoping rod 204 can include a hook 216 as shown in the
exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2. The hook 216 permits a user to more
effectively break-up and relocate burning material in a fire. The
hollow telescoping rod 204 must be configured to withstand damage
from flames and excessive heat. The telescoping hollow rod 204 is
also configured to be strong enough to withstand the force of
repositioning combustible materials, like wooden logs, in a fire
without the fully-extended rod 204 bending or breaking.
[0020] The air flow generator 202, together with the hook 214 and
durable telescoping hollow rod 204, create an effective tool for a
user to stoke a flame with oxygen provided by air generated at the
air flow generator 202. Air that is generated is configured to be
conducted through an outlet 218 at the end of the hollow
telescoping rod 204. There can be one or more than one outlet 218
at the end of the hollow telescoping rod 204 where the generated
air is directed to flow out. The generated air may fuel the flames
of a fire while the hook 214 or prong at the end of the hollow
telescoping rod 204 can prod material into desired positions.
Furthermore, the telescoping design of the hollow rod 204, in
addition to the attachment/detachment interface 206, allows users
to conveniently break down, and more easily store and carry the
poking and stoking system 200. The end of the hollow rod can be
pointed as indicated for more effective poking and moving of
materials. The air from the air flow generator 202 can still flow
out of the far end of the hollow rod 204, but will exit through an
outlet 218 upstream of the pointed end.
[0021] The system 200 described herein is useful for individuals on
the move, and with limited space for packing a conventional device
for fire maintenance. The system 200 is configured to
advantageously maintain a non-gas lit fire, whether burning indoors
outdoors, by stoking some areas and materials while simultaneously
pulling and prodding around other areas and materials of the
fire.
[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates a system 200 that retracts via a
telescoping hollow rod, and operable according to embodiments of
the present invention. The figure shows how only a small amount of
space 220 is occupied by the hollow telescoping rod when the rod
has been retracted into its most compact position. The hollow
telescoping rod 204 is configured to attach and detach from the air
flow generator 202 for easy storage and accessibility.
[0023] FIG. 2C illustrates a system 200 that extends via a
telescoping hollow rod, and operable according to embodiments of
the present invention. The figure indicates the extended length 222
of the hollow telescoping rod 204. When the system 200 is in this
extended position 222, some embodiments of the claimed method and
system can be utilized, i.e., poking and rearranging of burning
matter while simultaneously stoking the flame. In both FIGS. 2B and
2C, the handle 210 is facing in a downward direction, in the same
plane as the air flow generator. Also, both these figures show a
hook 216 that is oriented in the down position.
[0024] The schematic of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C is not intended to
indicate that the system 200 is to include all of the components
shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. Further, any number of additional
components may be included within the system 200, depending on the
details of the specific implementation. For example, additional
hooks or air flow outlets can be included to achieve the desired
stoking and poking of the combustible material of a fire.
[0025] FIG. 3A is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire
stoking and poking system 300 including a design theme. The design
theme can be a custom-made design theme functioning as a housing
for the system 300. Like-numbered components can be described, for
example, with respect to FIG. 1. The system 300 of FIG. 3A
illustrates a baseball-themed outer casing 301 that surrounds the
air flow generator 102. The outer casing 301 can be in the shape
and style of a baseball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for
the air flow generator 102 and system 300.
[0026] FIG. 3B illustrates a system 300 that extends and retracts
via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is
operable according to embodiments of the present invention.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 2. The system 300 of FIG. 3B illustrates a
baseball-themed outer casing 302 that surrounds the air flow
generator 202. The outer casing 302 can be in the shape and style
of a baseball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air
flow generator 202 and system 300.
[0027] FIG. 3C is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire
stoking and poking system 300 including a design theme.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 1. The system 300 of FIG. 3C illustrates a
football-themed outer casing 303 that surrounds the air flow
generator 102. The outer casing 303 can be in the shape and style
of a football, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air
flow generator 102 and system 300.
[0028] FIG. 3D illustrates a system 300 that extends and retracts
via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is
operable according to embodiments of the present invention.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 2. The system 300 of FIG. 3D illustrates a
football-themed outer casing 304 that surrounds the air flow
generator 202. The outer casing 304 can be in the shape and style
of a football, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air
flow generator 202 and system 300.
[0029] FIG. 3E is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire
stoking and poking system 300 including a design theme.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 1. The system 300 of FIG. 3E illustrates a
soccer-themed outer casing 305 that surrounds the air flow
generator 102. The outer casing 305 can be in the shape and style
of a soccer ball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air
flow generator 102 and system 300.
[0030] FIG. 3F illustrates a system 300 that extends and retracts
via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is
operable according to embodiments of the present invention.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 2. The system 300 of FIG. 3F illustrates a
soccer-themed outer casing 306 that surrounds the air flow
generator 202. The outer casing 306 can be in the shape and style
of a soccer ball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air
flow generator 202 and system 300.
[0031] FIG. 3G is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire
stoking and poking system 300 including a design theme.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 1. The system 300 of FIG. 3G illustrates a
basketball-themed outer casing 307 that surrounds the air flow
generator 102. The outer casing 307 can be in the shape and style
of a basketball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air
flow generator 102 and system 300.
[0032] FIG. 3H illustrates a system 300 that extends and retracts
via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is
operable according to embodiments of the present invention.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 2. The system 300 of FIG. 3H illustrates a
basketball-themed outer casing 308 that surrounds the air flow
generator 202. The outer casing 308 can be in the shape and style
of a basketball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air
flow generator 202 and system 300.
[0033] FIG. 3I is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire
stoking and poking system 300 including a design theme.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 1. The system 300 of FIG. 3I illustrates a
football-themed outer casing 309 that surrounds the air flow
generator 102. The outer casing 309 can be in the shape and style
of a football helmet, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the
air flow generator 102 and system 300.
[0034] FIG. 3J illustrates a system 300 that extends and retracts
via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is
operable according to embodiments of the present invention.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 2. The system 300 of FIG. 3J illustrates a
football-themed outer casing 310 that surrounds the air flow
generator 202. The outer casing 310 can be in the shape and style
of a football helmet, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the
air flow generator 202 and system 300.
[0035] FIG. 3K is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire
stoking and poking system 300 including a design theme.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 1. The system 300 of FIG. 3K illustrates a
hockey-themed outer casing 311 that surrounds the air flow
generator 102. The outer casing 311 can be in the shape and style
of a hockey puck, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air
flow generator 102 and system 300.
[0036] FIG. 3L illustrates a system 300 that extends and retracts
via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is
operable according to embodiments of the present invention.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 2. The system 300 of FIG. 3L illustrates a
hockey-themed outer casing 312 that surrounds the air flow
generator 202. The outer casing 312 can be in the shape and style
of a hockey puck, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air
flow generator 202 and system 300.
[0037] FIG. 3M is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire
stoking and poking system 300 including a design theme.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 1. The system 300 of FIG. 3M illustrates a
racecar-themed outer casing 311 that surrounds the air flow
generator 102. The outer casing 313 can be in the shape and style
of a stock car or racing vehicle, while functioning as a rigid
exterior for the air flow generator 102 and system 300.
[0038] FIG. 3N illustrates a system 300 that extends and retracts
via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is
operable according to embodiments of the present invention.
Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with
respect to FIG. 2. The system 300 of FIG. 3N illustrates a
racecar-themed outer casing 314 that surrounds the air flow
generator 202. The outer casing 312 can be in the shape and style
of a stock car or racing vehicle, while functioning as a rigid
exterior for the air flow generator 202 and system 300.
[0039] The schematics of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3I,
3J, 3K, 3L, 3M, and 3N are not intended to indicate that the system
300 is to include all of the components shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C,
3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3I, 3J, 3K, 3L, 3M, and 3N. Further, any number
of additional components may be included within the system 300,
depending on the details of the specific implementation. For
example, various additional themes can be used as functional
housings for an air flow generator that are aesthetically pleasing.
Custom-made design themes can also be used as examples for an outer
casing of the fire poking and stoking system described herein.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram showing a method of
providing oxygen to a fire while rearranging the burning
combustible matter of that fire. The method for stoking a fire and
repositioning combustible matter in a fire 400 begins at block 402,
where a flow of air is generated at an air flow generator. The air
flow generator can be a fan connected to a rotatable shaft of an
electric motor, and the electric motor can receive electrical power
from a variety of different sources. The air flow generator
effectively pumps oxygen to a fire to stoke combustion where the
air flow is directed.
[0041] The method 400 continues at block 404, when air from the air
flow generator is flowed through a hollow rod that is connected to
the air flow generator at a near end of the hollow rod. The near
end of the hollow rod is configured to readily attach and detach
from a point of attachment found on the housing of the air flow
generator. The fan or blower connected to the electric motor is
configured to pump air from the near end of the hollow rod to an
outlet at the far end of the hollow rod.
[0042] At block 406, a fire is stoked with the far end of the
hollow rod, wherein the far end of the hollow rod is configured to
outlet the flow of air generated by the air flow generator. There
can be a single outlet or there can be multiple outlets at the end
of the hollow rod. An outlet at the far end of the hollow rod is
configured to conduct a concentrated stream of air and oxygen
pumped from the near end of the hollow rod to fuel a particular
area of a fire.
[0043] At block 408, the position or placement of combustible
matter in the fire is altered by using the far end of the hollow
rod while the flow of air is conducted through an outlet of the
hollow rod. The hollow rod should be structurally configured to
endure, without significant bending, the force and stress
associated with altering, prodding, or repositioning heavy
combustible matter in a fire, such as a wooden log. The hollow rod
can optionally be aligned telescopically, wherein the hollow rod is
configured to extend and collapse on itself, thereby saving space
while maintaining functionality. The hollow rod can also be
configured to include a hook or a prong mechanism at the far end of
the hollow rod, making the task of arranging the combustible
material in a fire more simple and effective.
[0044] The process flow diagram of FIG. 4 is not intended to
indicate that the steps of the method 400 are to be executed in any
particular order, or that all of the steps of the method 400 are to
be included in every case. Further, any number of additional steps
not shown in FIG. 4 may be included within the method 400,
depending on the details of the specific implementation.
[0045] While the present techniques may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, the embodiments discussed
above have been shown only by way of example. However, it should
again be understood that the techniques are not intended to be
limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein. Indeed, the
present techniques include all alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents falling within the true spirit and scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *