U.S. patent application number 14/993780 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-14 for system, components and method of a functional fire starter tool.
The applicant listed for this patent is Luis A. Millan. Invention is credited to Luis A. Millan.
Application Number | 20160201907 14/993780 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56367284 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160201907 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Millan; Luis A. |
July 14, 2016 |
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.
Inventors: |
Millan; Luis A.; (Tucson,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Millan; Luis A. |
Tucson |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56367284 |
Appl. No.: |
14/993780 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62125118 |
Jan 14, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
431/6 ; 36/136;
44/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 19/00 20130101;
A43B 5/002 20130101; F23Q 1/06 20130101; F24B 15/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F23Q 1/06 20060101
F23Q001/06; A43C 19/00 20060101 A43C019/00; A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00; F24B 15/00 20060101 F24B015/00 |
Claims
1. Fire starter structure comprising a support member configured
for attachment to a piece of outdoor gear, the support member
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, and a pouch with
tinder, wherein the support member can be detached from the piece
of outdoor gear and the fire starter elements and the tinder
utilized to initiate a fire.
2. The fire starter structure of claim 1, wherein the support
member comprises a clip for attachment to a portion of the piece of
outdoor gear, the rod is integrally connected with the clip, the
striker is held against the clip by a retention device that
overlies the clip and the striker, and the pouch is coupled with
the clip by means of the retention device.
3. The fire starter structure of claim 2, wherein the retention
device comprises a chord that is at least partially wrapped about a
portion of the laced portion of the piece of footwear.
4. The fire starter structure of claim 3, wherein 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 outdoor gear.
5. The fire starter structure of claim 4, wherein the clip is
configured for attachment to the laced portion of a hiking
boot.
6. The fire starter structure of claim 1, wherein the support
member and the retention device are configured to be separated from
the piece of outdoor gear and formed into a handle for the rod, to
facilitate its use in producing sparks for initiating a fire.
7. The fire starter structure of claim 6, wherein the clip is
configured for attachment to the laced portion of a hiking
boot.
8. A piece of footwear with coupled fire starter structure,
comprising a support member configured for attachment to the piece
of footwear, the support member 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, and a pouch with tinder, wherein the support member
and the tinder can be detached from the piece of footwear and the
fire starter elements and tinder utilized to initiate a fire.
9. The piece of footwear and coupled fire starter structure of
claim 8, wherein the piece of footwear has a laced portion, the
support member comprises a clip for attachment to the laced portion
of the piece of footwear, the rod is integrally connected with the
clip, the striker is held against the clip by a retention device,
and the pouch is coupled with the clip by means of the retention
device.
10. The piece of footwear and coupled fire starter structure of
claim 9, wherein the retention device comprises a chord that is at
least partially wrapped about a portion of the laced portion of the
piece of footwear.
11. The piece of footwear and coupled fire starter structure of
claim 10, wherein 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 the environment external to the piece of
footwear.
12. The piece of footwear and coupled fire starter structure of
claim 11, wherein the piece of footwear comprises a hiking boot
with a laced portion, and the clip is configured for attachment to
the laced portion of the hiking boot.
13. The piece of footwear and coupled fire starter structure of
claim 10, wherein 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.
14. A method of starting a fire comprising providing a piece of
outdoor gear with coupled fire starter structure, the fire starter
structure comprising a support member configured for attachment to
the piece of outdoor gear, the support member 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, and the piece of outdoor gear carrying a
pouch with tinder, detaching the support member and the tinder from
the piece of outdoor gear and using the fire starter elements and
tinder to initiate a fire.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the piece of outdoor gear
comprises a piece of footwear has a laced portion, the support
member comprises a clip for attachment to the laced portion of the
piece of footwear, the rod is integrally connected with the clip,
the striker is held against the clip by a retention device, and the
pouch is coupled with the clip by means of the retention
device.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the retention device comprises
a chord that is at least partially wrapped about a portion of the
laced portion of the piece of footwear.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein 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.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the piece of footwear comprises
a hiking boot having a laced portion, and the clip is configured
for attachment to the laced portion of the hiking boot.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the support member and the
chord are 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.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the rod is supported by the
clip, and the chord is wrapped about a portion of the clip to form
the handle for the rod.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION/CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application is related to and claims the priority of
provisional Application No. 62/125,118, filed Jan. 14, 2015, and
entitled Buckle-lite fire starter kit, now renamed: R.A.S.C.A.L.
(Rapid Action Smart Concealed Alternative Lighter), which
provisional application is incorporated by reference herein.
INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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;
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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 outdoor
gear, and the support member can be detached from the piece of
outdoor gear and the fire starter elements and the tinder utilized
to initiate a fire.
[0014] 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 hiking boot. 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 hiking boot.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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: [0019] 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. [0020] b. FERRO-ROD; This element is useful in a manner
that is the one who produce the sparks in order to initiate fire.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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. [0023] 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. [0024] f TINDER STICKS: These
elements are useful in a manner that can be used as a fuel to
ignite some fire. [0025] 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. [0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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
[0032] 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;
[0033] 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;
[0034] 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;
[0035] 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;
[0036] 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;
[0037] 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;
[0038] 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;
[0039] 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;
[0040] 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;
[0041] 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;
[0042] 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;
[0043] 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;
[0044] 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;
[0045] 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;
[0046] 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;
[0047] 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;
[0048] 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;
[0049] 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;
[0050] 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;
[0051] 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;
[0052] 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;
[0053] 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;
[0054] FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration showing how the system
components and method provide a fast, efficient and 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
[0055] FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a hiking boot with
the fire starter structure coupled therewith.
[0056] 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
[0057] 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.
[0058] As illustrated in the figures, a system according to the
invention includes a Fire-starter system (or assembly) i 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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: [0062] a. Ferro-rod (10) this element is useful
in a manner that can be used to produce the sparks that ignite the
fire. [0063] 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:
[0064] 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 [0065] 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.) [0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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). [0069] h. At
least two orifices (55) each other apart at the correspondent ends
of striker [0070] i. Serrated side (60) and sharp side (65).
[0071] FIG. 2. Is 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] FIG. 5. Is a schematic upper view of the Bungee cord (20),
showing its form and its function is mentioned above.
[0075] 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).
[0076] 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)
[0077] 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)
[0078] 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).
[0079] 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).
[0080] 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).
[0081] FIG. 12. Is a schematic upper view illustration of the
Striker (15) showing theorifices (55), serrated side (60) and sharp
side (65), according to the present invention, configuration and
functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0082] FIG. 13. Is a schematic bottom view illustration of the
Striker (15) showing theorifices (55), serrated side (60) and sharp
side (65), according to the present invention, configuration and
functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0083] 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).
[0084] 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).
[0085] 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).
[0086] 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).
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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 Sriker (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.
[0093] FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a hiking boot with
the fire starter structure coupled therewith. As described above,
the present invention is particularly useful with outdoor gear such
as a hiking boot, but is also useful with 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) as
will be apparent to these in the art.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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 Fire-starter
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
Fire-starter coupled with a hiking boot.
[0099] 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 this 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 consider
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.
* * * * *