U.S. patent application number 17/109952 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-02 for ready to light fuel container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lamplight Farms Incorporated. Invention is credited to Lucas Henry Zeitler.
Application Number | 20220170629 17/109952 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220170629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zeitler; Lucas Henry |
June 2, 2022 |
READY TO LIGHT FUEL CONTAINER
Abstract
A fuel container has a fuel reservoir, a flame guard affixed
atop the fuel reservoir and providing a wick holder, and a fuel
container flange at the connection of the flame guard to the fuel
container extending radially outward from the fuel container.
Inventors: |
Zeitler; Lucas Henry;
(Wauwatosa, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lamplight Farms Incorporated |
Menomonee Falls |
WI |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/109952 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2020 |
International
Class: |
F23D 3/24 20060101
F23D003/24; B65D 1/02 20060101 B65D001/02; B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04 |
Claims
1. A fuel container comprising: a fuel reservoir; a flame guard
affixed atop the fuel reservoir and providing a wick holder; a fuel
container flange at the connection of the flame guard to the fuel
container extending radially outward from the fuel container.
2. The fuel container of claim 1, wherein the flame guard provides
a flame guard flange affixed to a fuel reservoir flange on the fuel
reservoir forming the fuel container flange.
3. The fuel container of claim 2, wherein the flame guard flange is
roll seamed with the fuel reservoir flange to form the fuel
container flange.
4. The fuel container of claim 2, wherein the flame guard comprises
a frustoconical shroud elevating the wick holder from the fuel
reservoir.
5. The fuel container of claim 4, wherein the flame guard comprises
an externally threaded neck affixed to the shroud and containing
the wick holder.
6. The fuel container of claim 5, further comprising a wick
retained in the wick holder in an operational position wherein that
the wick is operable to combust liquid fuel and extends into the
fuel reservoir to contact a floor thereof.
7. The fuel container of claim 6, further comprising a quantity of
torch fuel within the fuel reservoir and a cap affixed to the
threaded neck to seal the neck against fuel leaks without moving
the wick from the operational position.
8. A fuel container comprising: a fuel reservoir permanently mated
to a flame guard to form a first flange extending radially outward
from the fuel reservoir; wherein the flame guard comprises a shroud
elevating an integrated neck above the fuel reservoir and having a
wick with a position in the neck that is exposed to allow operation
of the wick to burn liquid fuel while the wick extends to a bottom
floor of the fuel reservoir.
9. The fuel container of claim 8, wherein the fuel reservoir is
roll seamed to the flame guard to form the first flange.
10. The fuel container of claim 9, wherein the first flange is
formed from roll seaming a flame guard flange to a fuel reservoir
flange.
11. The fuel container of claim 9, wherein the fuel reservoir
comprises a sidewall permanently attached to the bottom floor and
to the fuel reservoir flange such that no openings into the fuel
reservoir exist through the neck of the flame guard.
12. The fuel container of claim 11, further comprising a quantity
of fuel in the fuel reservoir.
13. The fuel container of claim 12, further comprising a
replaceable cap that fits onto the neck in such a manner as to seal
the neck against fuel leaks while the wick remains at the position
in the neck where it is exposed to allow operation of the wick to
burn liquid fuel while the wick extends to a bottom floor of the
fuel reservoir.
14. The fuel container of claim 13, wherein the shroud is
frustoconical and tapers from the first flange inward to the
neck.
15. The fuel container of claim 14, wherein the neck provides
external threads and the replaceable cap provides cooperating
internal threads.
16. A torch comprising: a fuel reservoir permanently mated to a
flame guard to form a first flange extending radially outward from
the fuel reservoir; and a pole mounted receptacle that receives the
fuel reservoir suspended therein by the first flange; wherein the
flame guard comprises a shroud elevating an integrated neck above
the fuel reservoir and having a wick with a position in the neck
that is exposed to allow operation of the wick to burn liquid fuel
while the wick extends to a bottom floor of the fuel reservoir.
17. The torch of claim 16, wherein the fuel reservoir comprises a
cylindrical wall affixed to the flame guard.
18. The torch of claim 17, wherein the receptacle is covered by the
first shroud.
19. The torch of claim 18, wherein the fuel reservoir has no
openings apart from the neck of the flame guard.
20. The torch of claim 19, further comprising a cap that fits onto
the neck in such a manner as to seal the neck against fuel leaks
while the wick remains at the position in the neck where it is
exposed to allow operation of the wick to burn liquid fuel while
the wick extends to a bottom floor of the fuel reservoir.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This disclosure relates to outdoor torches in general and,
more particularly, to liquid fuel burning torches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Outdoor torches, lawn torches, patio torches and the like
frequently rely on liquid fuels for operation. The fuels may
contain scents, repellents, and other additives. Some
inconveniences of operation of such torches include the fueling or
refueling operation, and placement of the fuel cannister within the
torch for proper function.
[0003] Some fuel cannisters come prefilled and may be considered
disposable or recyclable in that the fuel canister itself may be
discarded after use rather than refilled from a separate container.
Still, issues remain with respect to installation and operation of
these fuel canisters. Some issues that may be faced include
positioning the fuel container into a receptacle and attachment of
a flame guard for proper operation. Additionally, even if the fuel
cannister is already provided with a wick it may have need to be
properly exposed and set for operation. This may involve contact
with the fuel as the wick is extracted or exposed from it's packing
or shipping location. Extension of the wick may also mean it no
longer has the ability to draw all of the fuel out of the container
while burning properly.
[0004] What is needed is a system and device for addressing the
above and related issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect
thereof, comprises a fuel container having a fuel reservoir, a
flame guard affixed atop the fuel reservoir and providing a wick
holder, and a fuel container flange at the connection of the flame
guard to the fuel container extending radially outward from the
fuel container.
[0006] The flame guard may provide a flame guard flange affixed to
a fuel reservoir flange on the fuel reservoir forming the fuel
container flange. The flame guard flange may be roll seamed with
the fuel reservoir flange to form the fuel container flange.
[0007] In some embodiments, the flame guard comprises a
frustoconical shroud elevating the wick holder from the fuel
reservoir. The flame guard may comprise an externally threaded neck
affixed to the shroud and containing the wick holder. A wick may be
retained in the wick holder in an operational position wherein that
the wick is operable to combust liquid fuel and extends into the
fuel reservoir to contact a floor thereof. The fuel container may
have a quantity of torch fuel within the fuel reservoir, and a cap
affixed to the threaded neck to seal the neck against fuel leaks
without moving the wick from the operational position.
[0008] The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect
thereof, comprises a fuel container including a fuel reservoir
permanently mated to a flame guard to form a first flange extending
radially outward from the fuel reservoir. The flame guard comprises
a shroud elevating an integrated neck above the fuel reservoir and
having a wick with a position in the neck that is exposed to allow
operation of the wick to burn liquid fuel while the wick extends to
a bottom floor of the fuel reservoir.
[0009] In some embodiments, the fuel reservoir is roll seamed to
the flame guard to form the first flange. In another embodiment,
the first flange is formed from roll seaming a flame guard flange
to a fuel reservoir flange. The fuel reservoir may comprise a
sidewall permanently attached to the bottom floor and to the fuel
reservoir flange such that no openings into the fuel reservoir
exist through the neck of the flame guard.
[0010] The fuel container may include a quantity of fuel in the
fuel reservoir. It may also comprise a replaceable cap that fits
onto the neck in such a manner as to seal the neck against fuel
leaks while the wick remains at the position in the neck where it
is exposed to allow operation of the wick to burn liquid fuel while
the wick extends to a bottom floor of the fuel reservoir.
[0011] In some cases, the shroud is frustoconical and tapers from
the first flange inward to the neck. The neck may provide external
threads, and the replaceable cap may provide cooperating internal
threads.
[0012] The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect
thereof, comprises a torch having a fuel reservoir permanently
mated to a flame guard to form a first flange extending radially
outward from the fuel reservoir, and a pole mounted receptacle that
receives the fuel reservoir suspended therein by the first flange.
The flame guard comprises a shroud elevating an integrated neck
above the fuel reservoir and having a wick with a position in the
neck that is exposed to allow operation of the wick to burn liquid
fuel while the wick extends to a bottom floor of the fuel
reservoir.
[0013] In some cases, the fuel reservoir comprises a cylindrical
wall affixed to the flame guard. The receptacle may be covered by
the first shroud. The fuel reservoir may have no openings apart
from the neck of the flame guard. In some cases the torch further
comprises a cap that fits onto the neck in such a manner as to seal
the neck against fuel leaks while the wick remains at the position
in the neck where it is exposed to allow operation of the wick to
burn liquid fuel while the wick extends to a bottom floor of the
fuel reservoir.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a ready to light fuel container
according to aspects of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel container
of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of a fuel container of the present
disclosure inserted into an operational lawn torch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, is a side view of a ready to light
fuel container 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure
is shown. The fuel container 100 may comprise a flame guard 102
affixed to a fuel reservoir 104. A flange 106 may be affixed to the
flame guard 102 and/or the fuel reservoir 104 to allow the fuel
container 100 to be inserted and suspended inside a torch or torch
holder for operation. The flame guard 102 shields components below
it from exposure to fire, soot, and other combustion products, at
least to an extent.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded perspective view of the
fuel container of FIG. 1 is shown. The flame guard 102 may comprise
a neck 202 with external threads 204 for receiving a cap (e.g., cap
314, FIG. 3). Internally, the neck 202 may operate as or otherwise
contain a wick holder 205. Surrounding the neck 202 is a shroud
206. The shroud 206 may be frustoconical in shape or could have
other shapes. The shroud 206 may provide for elevation of the neck
202 somewhat above or superior to the fuel reservoir 104. This may
be for purposes of increased lighting and scent/repellant dispersal
or to further elevate and isolate flame from surrounding
components.
[0019] The shroud 206 may terminate at an outer edge forming a
shroud flange 208. The shroud flange may extend generally laterally
and horizontally away from a centerline of the fuel container 100.
In some cases, the shroud flange 208 forms the flange 102 of the
fuel container but it may also join with other components to form
the flange 102 as described below.
[0020] The fuel reservoir 104 may comprise a sidewall 210, which
may have a cylindrical shape. A bottom of the fuel reservoir 104
may be closed by floor 212 joined to the sidewall 210. The floor
212 may be seam rolled, welded, or otherwise affixed to the
sidewall 210 if the floor 212 and sidewall are formed of separate
components (e.g., as metallic components). However, they may also
be formed integrally (e.g., as polymeric components).
[0021] The sidewall 210 forms a top opening 216 (at least
initially) that may be surrounded by a sidewall flange 214. The
sidewall flange 214 may form the flange 102 of the fuel container
100 or it may be joined to the shroud flange 208 to form the flange
106. The sidewall flange 214 may be joined to the shroud flange 208
by seam rolling, welding, gluing, or other means depending upon the
materials used to form the sidewall flange 214 and the shroud
flange 208.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of a fuel container 100
of the present disclosure inserted into an operational lawn torch
300 is shown. The lawn torch 300 is only exemplary and embodiments
of the fuel container 100 may find application beyond this example.
Here the lawn torch comprises a pole 304 inserted into ground
surface 302. Atop the pole 304 is a receptacle 306. The fuel
container 100 may provide the fuel 308, a wick 316, flame guard 102
and other needed components in a ready to use, ready to light,
package.
[0023] The fuel container 100 may be sized for direct insertion
into the receptacle 306 such that the fuel reservoir 104 is
suspended within the receptacle 306. The flange 106 may rest atop
the receptable and cover all or part of an opening of the
receptacle 306 into which the fuel reservoir 104 is inserted. The
flame guard 102 is thereby positioned outside and at the highest
point on the torch 300 for operation.
[0024] The fuel container 100 may be provided with a cap 314 that
fits to the threads 204 to prevent leakage or spillage of fuel 308
during transit or when not otherwise in use. The neck 202 and/or
wick holder 205, as well as the flame guard 102 and fuel reservoir
104, may be sized such that the wick 316 is sufficiently exposed
for proper operation as soon as the cap 314 is removed. The wick
316, fuel reservoir 104, and the flame guard 102, including neck
202, may be sized such that the wick 316 extends all the way to the
floor 212 of the fuel reservoir 104 minimizing unburnable fuel
within the fuel reservoir 104.
[0025] The torch 300 may also provide a snuffer 310 on a tether
312. The cap 314 may be replaced on the neck 202 after snuffing to
prevent fuel loss or spillage when the torch 300 is not in
operation.
[0026] It will be appreciated that by forming the flame guard 102
as the only top covering for the fuel reservoir 210, several
problems may be avoided. These include, but are not limited to, the
need to provide a separate lid, flame guard, and means for
suspending the product within a torch receptacle. While a cap 314
may still be used to protect the wick 316 and/or prevent spillage
through the wick holder 205, the cap 314 used may also utilize a
thread specification that is common to fuel containers and may be
the only threaded connection of the fuel container 100. Other
connections may be permanent in that apart from the cap 314 and
neck 202, joined components do not need to be, and may not be,
nondestructively separable. For purposes of the present disclosure
an integral or permanent connection would be a connection wherein
the connected components cannot be separated without tools and
would not be or would not be expected to be reusable if separated.
The embodiments of the present disclosure also reduce the number of
mechanical connections relying on tight tolerance of the component
pieces (for example, prior art flame guard and fuel cannister
interfaces). One of skill in the art will readily appreciate other
advantages and distinctions.
[0027] It is to be understood that the terms "including",
"comprising", "consisting" and grammatical variants thereof do not
preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps,
or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be
construed as specifying components, features, steps or
integers.
[0028] If the specification or claims refer to "an additional"
element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the
additional element.
[0029] It is to be understood that where the claims or
specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not
be construed that there is only one of that element.
[0030] It is to be understood that where the specification states
that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may",
"might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component,
feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be
included.
[0031] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or
both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not
limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For
example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state,
or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.
[0032] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by
performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination
thereof, selected steps or tasks.
[0033] The term "method" may refer to manners, means, techniques
and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not
limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either
known to, or readily developed from known manners, means,
techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the
invention belongs.
[0034] The term "at least" followed by a number is used herein to
denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may
be a ranger having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on
the variable being defined). For example, "at least 1" means 1 or
more than 1. The term "at most" followed by a number is used herein
to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be
a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no
lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For
example, "at most 4" means 4 or less than 4, and "at most 40%"
means 40% or less than 40%.
[0035] When, in this document, a range is given as "(a first
number) to (a second number)" or "(a first number)--(a second
number)", this means a range whose lower limit is the first number
and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100
should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and
whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that
where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within
that range is also specifically intended unless the context
indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification
indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to
include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc.,
as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values
within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc.
Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for
purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values
(e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as
possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.
[0036] It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a
method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can
be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context
excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or
more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined
steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the
defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).
[0037] Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation
(e.g., "about", "substantially", "approximately", etc.) are to be
interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as
used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise herein.
Absent a specific definition within this disclosure, and absent
ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms
should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10% of the base
value.
[0038] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the
objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well
as those inherent therein. While the inventive device has been
described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred
embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various
changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or
suggested herein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in
the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept
the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.
* * * * *