U.S. patent application number 14/879697 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-13 for apparatus for use by user in connection with fire source.
The applicant listed for this patent is Boni WAGNER-STAFFORD, John WAGNER-STAFFORD. Invention is credited to Boni WAGNER-STAFFORD, John WAGNER-STAFFORD.
Application Number | 20170101997 14/879697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58499835 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170101997 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WAGNER-STAFFORD; John ; et
al. |
April 13, 2017 |
APPARATUS FOR USE BY USER IN CONNECTION WITH FIRE SOURCE
Abstract
An apparatus is for use by a user having a hand in connection
with a fire source. The apparatus includes a handle portion
configured to be grasped by the hand of the user. A panel portion
extends from the handle portion. The panel portion is configured to
be positioned proximate to the fire source by the user. A heat
shield portion is configured to be supported by any one of the
panel portion and the handle portion. The heat shield portion is
positioned relative to the handle portion. This is done in such a
way that the heat shield portion, in use, shields, at least in
part, the hand of the user.
Inventors: |
WAGNER-STAFFORD; John;
(Etobicoke, CA) ; WAGNER-STAFFORD; Boni;
(Etobicoke, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WAGNER-STAFFORD; John
WAGNER-STAFFORD; Boni |
Etobicoke
Etobicoke |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
58499835 |
Appl. No.: |
14/879697 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 25/086 20130101;
F04D 33/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04D 25/08 20060101
F04D025/08 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for use by a user having a hand in connection with
a fire source, the apparatus comprising: a handle portion being
configured to be grasped by the hand of the user; and a panel
portion extending from the handle portion, and the panel portion
being configured to be positioned proximate to the fire source by
the user once the handle portion is grasped by the hand of the
user; and a heat shield portion being configured to be supported by
any one of the panel portion and the handle portion, and the heat
shield portion being positioned relative to the handle portion in
such a way that the heat shield portion, in use, shields, at least
in part, the hand of the user once (A) the handle portion is
grasped by the hand of the user, and (B) the panel portion is
positioned proximate to the fire source.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion is
configured to be pivotally moved by the user.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the panel portion is
configured to be foldable or rollable.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion includes a
heat resistant material.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the panel portion includes a
non-combustible material.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the panel portion and the
handle portion are integrated with each other.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the heat shield portion is
integrated with any one of the panel portion and the handle
portion.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the heat shield portion
includes a heat resistant material.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the heat shield portion is
configured and is positioned to surround, at least in part, the
hand of the user once the user grasps the handle portion.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the heat shield portion
includes: cup-like formations positioned on opposite sides of the
handle portion.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: airflow guides
positioned on an outer surface of the panel portion, and the
airflow guides are configured to focus airflow over the fire
source.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the airflow guides are
spaced apart from each other.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the airflow guides are
aligned toward each other at one end of the panel portion.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion is
configured for use by one instance of the hand of the user.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion is
configured for use by both instances of the hand of the user.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion includes
a water resistant material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This document relates to the technical field of (and is not
limited to) an apparatus configured to (in use) urge a flow of air
to the fire source.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Outdoor experiences are sought after by urbanites and rural
dwellers, and these experiences may include camping, backcountry
hiking, canoe trips, fishing trips and/or hunting trips, etc. An
outdoor activity may involve the task of lighting and maintaining a
fire used for camping, eating, warming, heating, entertaining,
and/or emergency alerts, etc. Cabin and cottage experiences use
wood or a wood substitute for indoor fireplaces.
SUMMARY
[0003] It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate
(at least in part) at least one problem associated with the
existing fire-building systems (also called the existing
technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with
experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution
has been identified and is articulated as follows:
[0004] Fires need to be nursed and managed to keep them burning.
For instance, most people may approach the fire, kneel close to the
fire, inhale deeply and blow on the fire; in this manner, a person
may provide airflow to the fire and keep the fire burning.
[0005] Unfortunately, many people have burned themselves and/or
have inhaled smoke while blowing air at the fire. This is not
comfortable, not safe and/or (at times) dangerous. There is also a
problem with the force of the airflow directed to the fire;
specifically, lung power of the average person may not be
sufficient to blow a stream of air strong enough to fuel the fire
without putting the person in unsafe proximity to the fire.
[0006] What is needed is an apparatus that may be used (by a user)
to provide airflow to a fire source; preferably, the user fans the
fire source by using the apparatus.
[0007] To mitigate, at least in part, the quality of airflow and
the user safety associated with the existing technology, there is
provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The
apparatus is for use by a user having a hand in connection with a
fire source. The apparatus includes a handle portion configured to
be grasped by the hand of the user. A panel portion extends from
the handle portion. The panel portion is configured to be
positioned proximate to the fire source by the user once the handle
portion is grasped by the hand of the user. A heat shield portion
is configured to be supported by any one of the panel portion and
the handle portion. The heat shield portion is positioned relative
to the handle portion. This is done in such a way that the heat
shield portion, in use, shields, at least in part, the hand of the
user once (A) the handle portion is grasped by the hand of the
user, and (B) the panel portion is positioned proximate to the fire
source.
[0008] Other aspects are identified in the claims.
[0009] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments
may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of
the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated
by reference to the following detailed description of the
non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 (SHEET 1 OF 4 SHEETS) depicts a perspective view of
an embodiment of an apparatus for use by a user having a hand in
connection with a fire source;
[0012] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 (SHEET 2 OF 4 SHEETS) depict side views of
embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 (SHEET 3 OF 4 SHEETS) depict a top view
and a bottom view (respectively) of embodiments of the apparatus of
FIG. 1; and
[0014] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 (SHEET 4 OF 4 SHEETS) depict a top view
and a bottom view (respectively) of embodiments of the apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[0015] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be
illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and
fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an
understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other
details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
[0016] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements
in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity
and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the
elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other
elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed
embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements
that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments
are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the
embodiments of the present disclosure.
LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS
[0017] 100 apparatus [0018] 102 panel portion [0019] 104 handle
portion [0020] 106 heat shield portion [0021] 108 airflow guides
[0022] 900 user [0023] 902 hand [0024] 904 fire source [0025] 906
airflow
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
[0026] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and
is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the
application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the
word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example,
instance, or illustration." Any implementation described as
"exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the
implementations described below are exemplary implementations
provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the
embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the
scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by
the claims. For the description, the terms "upper," "lower,"
"left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and
derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the
drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or
implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background,
Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be
understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the
attached drawings, and described in the following specification,
are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts
defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other
physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise. It is understood that the phrase "at least one" is
equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples, alterations,
modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent
thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be
understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter
provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to
the particular aspects depicted and described.
[0027] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an
apparatus 100 for use by a user 900 having a hand 902 in connection
with a fire source 904.
[0028] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the
apparatus 100 is configured to (A) be grasped by the hand 902 of
the user 900, and (B) be positioned proximate to the fire source
904 by the user 900, and (C) shield, at least in part, the hand 902
(at least one or both hands) of the user 900 once the apparatus 100
is grasped by the user 900 and is positioned proximate to the fire
source 904. Once positioned as depicted in FIG. 1, the user 900 may
fan (pivot or operate) the apparatus 100. This is done in such a
way that the fire source 904 receives an airflow 906 (from the
apparatus 100). The technical effect of the apparatus 100 is that
the apparatus 100 provides a safety shield for (at least part of)
the user 900 that is positioned proximate to the fire source 904
while the apparatus 100 is used by the user 900 to manually feed or
provide the airflow 906 to the fire source 904. The fire source 904
may include a fire-combustible material (such as, wood, coal,
etc.). The apparatus 100 may be used during the summer months
and/or the winter months, in outdoor and indoor environments. The
apparatus 100, in use, improves fire combustion for building and
maintaining a robust fire. The apparatus 100 is configured to help
the user 900 build a fire and keep the fire burning as long as
desired (provided fuel is added to the fire source 904).
[0029] Preferably, the apparatus 100 is portable and easily packed
away with the camping gear (after each trip so as not to occupy
much space). Preferably, the apparatus 100 is configured to be
foldable, rollable, or may have a size that is conducive to fitting
into a container used to store camping gear.
[0030] When held close to (proximate to), and fanned toward, the
fire source 904 (such as, a flame or embers, etc.), the apparatus
100, in use, accelerates the growth of the fire and distributes
sufficient air flow to the fire source 904 (thereby allowing the
fire source 904 to grow at a rate controlled by the user 900 who is
fanning the apparatus 100). The apparatus 100 eliminates the need
for the user 900 to blow directly on the fire source 904 (via the
mouth of the user 900). The apparatus 100 reduces (minimizes) the
burning risk of the user 900 and/or reduces the possibility of the
user 900 from inadvertently inhaling smoke from the fire source
904. In this manner, the fire source 904 may burn hotter, cleaner
and preferably with less smoke, etc.
[0031] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 depict side views of embodiments of the
apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.
[0032] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2 and
FIG. 3, the apparatus 100 is a hand-held device.
[0033] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG.
3, the apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic
combination of a panel portion 102, a handle portion 104 and a heat
shield portion 106.
[0034] The handle portion 104 is configured to be grasped by the
hand 902 of the user 900.
[0035] The panel portion 102 extends (directly or indirectly) from
the handle portion 104. The panel portion 102 is configured to be
positioned proximate to the fire source 904 by the user 900 once
the handle portion 104 is grasped by the hand 902 of the user 900.
The panel portion 102 may include a flat planar object. The user
900 manually fans the panel portion 102.
[0036] The heat shield portion 106 is configured to be supported
(directly or indirectly) by any one of the panel portion 102 and
the handle portion 104. The heat shield portion 106 is positioned
relative to the handle portion 104. This is done in such a way that
the heat shield portion 106, in use, shields, at least in part, the
hand 902 of the user 900 once (A) the handle portion 104 is grasped
by the hand 902 of the user 900, and (B) the panel portion 102 is
positioned proximate to the fire source 904.
[0037] Once positioned as depicted in FIG. 3, the user 900 may fan
(pivot or operate) the handle portion 104. Specifically, the handle
portion 104 is configured to be pivotally moved by the user 900.
This is done in such a way that the fire source 904 receives an
airflow 906 (from the panel portion 102). The technical effect of
the apparatus 100 is that the apparatus 100 provides the heat
shield portion 106 for (at least part of) the user 900 (while the
user 900 is positioned close to the fire source 904 and while the
apparatus 100 is used by the user 900 to manually feed or provide
the airflow 906 to the fire source 904). The heat shield portion
106 is configured to provide a heat shield for the hand 902 of the
user 900 while the user 900 uses the apparatus 100 to urge the
airflow 906 toward the fire source 904.
[0038] The apparatus 100 permits the user 900 to apply the airflow
906 to the fire source 904 (in such a way that the fire source 904
ignites relatively faster and grows with relative ease). The
apparatus 100 provides a simple, safe and easy-to-control system
for providing airflow 906 to the fire source 904. This is done in
such a way that that user 900 may remain at a relatively safer
positon relative to the fire source 904, thereby allowing the user
900 to remain at a position that is relatively cooler for the user
900 and/or reduce the chances for the user 900 to inhale (at least
in part) smoke from the fire source 904 (provided the wind
direction is favourable for the user 900, of course).
[0039] At least some or all of the components of the apparatus 100
may be made of a semi flexible, fire resistant material. The
components of the apparatus 100 includes a material that is fire
resistant and/or heat resistant so that the hands of the user 900
are shielded or protected from the heat generated by the fire
source 904. It is preferred that prolonged use the fire resistant
material and/or heat resistant material do not combust, melt or
become damaged. In cases where the apparatus 100 is used during the
winter months, the apparatus 100 does not become brittle in
sub-zero temperatures.
[0040] Of course, for the case where the user 900 holds the
apparatus 100 over the flames of the fire source 904 for more than
a few minutes, the material may be expected to melt and/or burn
(except in the case of asbestos fibers being used in the apparatus
100, etc.).
[0041] The components of the apparatus 100 may be any desired
color, and/or may be waterproof and/or may be able to withstand
extreme temperatures and temperature changes. For instance, the
components of the apparatus 100 are configured to be used in the
cold of the winter from about minus 30 degrees Celsius to about
positive 30 degrees Celsius. The components of the apparatus 100
may withstand rapid temperature change. For the case where the
components of the apparatus 100 are used in the winter months and
have been outside in below freezing temperatures, the components
should remain flexible in order to work effectively when positioned
close to the fire source 904. The components of the apparatus 100
may be fire resistant, flexible, and/or heat insulated. The
thickness of any component of the apparatus 100 may depend on the
type of material used and/or flexibility of the material used
and/or the amount of light weighting desired or needed for a
specific component. The apparatus 100 (the components of the
apparatus 100) may be configured to be foldable, rollable, etc.
[0042] The handle portion 104 may be of any desired shape (form)
such as a rectangular shape, etc. The handle portion 104 may
include any desired or suitable material, such as a plastic
material (preferably a heat resistant material). The handle portion
104 may be manufactured by an injection molding process using a
mold assembly. In accordance with an option, the handle portion 104
includes a water resistant material.
[0043] The panel portion 102 may include a soft non-combustible
material, such as a plastic material that is not combustible. The
panel portion 102 may be of any desired shape (form) such as a
rectangular shape, etc. The panel portion 102 may include any
desired or suitable material, such as a plastic material
(preferably a heat resistant material). The panel portion 102 may
be manufactured by an injection molding process using a mold
assembly. The panel portion 102 and the handle portion 104 may be
integrated with (integral with) each other or may be connected or
affixed together, as may be desired. In accordance with an option,
the panel portion 102 is configured to be foldable or rollable.
[0044] The heat shield portion 106 may be of any desired shape
(form) such as an oval shape, etc. The heat shield portion 106 may
include any type of heat resistant material, such a heat resistant
silicone, and any equivalent thereof, etc. The heat shield portion
106 may be manufactured by an injection molding process using a
mold assembly. The heat shield portion 106 may be integrated with
(integral with) any one of (or with both of) the panel portion 102
and the handle portion 104. The heat shield portion 106 may be
connectable with any one of (or with both of) the handle portion
104 and the handle portion 104.
[0045] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the heat shield
portion 106 is configured and is positioned to surround (at least
in part) the hand 902 of the user 900 once the user 900 grasps the
handle portion 104. The heat shield portion 106 may form a
glove-like envelope or a cup-like formation.
[0046] In accordance with an embodiment, the heat shield portion
106 includes cup-like formations positioned on opposite sides of
the handle portion 104. This arrangement provides interchangeable
gripping of the handle portion 104, while accommodating a wide
range of hand sizes.
[0047] In accordance with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the
apparatus 100 further includes airflow guides 108. The airflow
guides 108 are positioned on the outer surface of the panel portion
102 (preferably on opposite sides of the panel portion 102). The
airflow guides 108 are configured to improve the distribution of
airflow 906 around the fire source 904. The airflow guides 108 are
configured to focus the airflow 906 over the fire source 904. The
airflow guides 108, when used, increase the amount of airflow 906
over the fire source 904 with less effort and movement required of
the user 900 (fanning of fire). The airflow guides 108 may include
elevated ribs extending from the outer surface of the panel portion
102.
[0048] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict a top view and a bottom view
(respectively) of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.
[0049] In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 4 and
FIG. 5, the apparatus 100 is configured for use by one instance of
the hand 902 of the user 900. Specifically, the handle portion 104
is configured for use by one instance of the hand 902 of the user
900.
[0050] In accordance with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 and
FIG. 5, the airflow guides 108 are spaced apart from each other.
The airflow guides 108 are aligned (tapered) toward each other at
one end of the panel portion 102 (for a more focused airflow
effect).
[0051] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 depict a top view and a bottom view
(respectively) of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.
[0052] In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 6 and
FIG. 7, the apparatus 100 is configured for use by both instances
of the hand 902 of the user 900. Specifically, the handle portion
104 is configured for use by both instances of the hand 902 of the
user 900.
[0053] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable
scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include
other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural
elements that do not differ from the literal language of the
claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with
insubstantial differences from the literal language of the
claims.
[0054] It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules
described above may be connected with each other as required to
perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of
skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without
having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is
no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of
the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There
is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter
that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be
performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the
disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is
understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to
the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also
understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited
to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the
non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract,
and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that
is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted,
and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the
phrase "includes" is equivalent to the word "comprising." The
foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The
description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments
(examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are
merely illustrative as examples.
* * * * *