Technical Field The present invention pertains generally to a separable ignition system for igniting a combustible material within a vented container, and particularly to a fumigating device which utilizes a reusable actuator to ignite, within a vented container, a combustible material which includes an active ingredient, such as an insecticide. Background Art

Systems and devices for burning a combustible material including an active ingredient such as an insecticide are well known. Such devices are commonly referred to as "thermal foggers" or "bombs". Typically, the insecticide in such a device is contained in a non-volatile bag. The bag is placed within a heat-resistant container having a series of vents or louvers which allow the insecticide fumes to escape. The device is conventionally actuated by igniting a fuse leading into the insecticide bag with a match or other heat source, and the combustible material then burns without flame but with the production of fumes.

Such devices have significant drawbacks at least from the viewpoint of safety and ease of use. The use of a match or other external heat source is both inconvenient and poses a safety hazard. External heat sources obviously may ignite other nearby flammable materials instead of or in addition to the intended combustible material. Proper orientation of such ignition devices may prove difficult under adverse conditions such as bad lighting, extreme temperature or wind conditions, or simply an attempt to hurry. In addition, for an external ignition device to be used, there must be an opening in the container holding the combustible material. Such an opening could also allow accidental release of the combustible material, which could be hazardous both because of its flammability and because of a potentially toxic component in that material. When the heat source used for ignition is a match or other inexpensive device, one time use of the heat source is no problem. However, when other sources of energy are used to ignite the combustible

material, one time use becomes both more expensive and less convenien .

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide an ignition system that is safe to use since no external heat source is used and, when the portions are interconnected, it is self-contained and the user is shielded from both the igniting spark and the burning material.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an ignition system that is convenient and simple to use and, since when the portions are interconnected, fixes the correct juxtapositions of the ignitor and the combustible material so that ignition is assured.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an ignition system that has a reusable actuator which is used to ignite a combustible material in a container which may be either reusable or disposable after use.

It. is a further object of the invention to provide a safe ignition system for combustible materials that may be toxic as well as combustible, by providing a system that is self-contained, and thus prevents accidental release of the toxic material.

SUMMARY DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an improved fumigating device comprising an actuator for igniting a combustible material withlnχa vented container. The actuator is reusable and is designed to interconnect with the container which encloses the coπEbustible material so that accidental or premature ignition is avoided.

Preferably, an energy source is used to ignite a combustible material located on a predetermined region within a vented container, the combustible material being a mixture including an active ingredient such as an insecticide. However, the use of the ignition system is not limited to use with any particular type of combustible material. Jn such a system, the actuator has means for removably interconnecting with the container. A means for supplying energy is provided in the actuator and provisions are made to convert the energy supplied into a form which will ignite the combustible material. Depending upon the particular

embodiment, when the actuator is connected to the container and is activated, the actuator may ignite the combustible material directly or the actuator may ignite an ignition compound that will in turn ignite the combustible material. Several different embodiments of the invention are contemplated. Many means for supplying energy may be used with the invention. The preferred embodiments, however, use a piezo-electric crystal or battery. To convert the energy into a form which will ignite the combustible material, a spark gap or fuse may be utilized, or a hot-wire assembly may be provided. Means may also be provided on the actuator to key the container to a particular actuator. This prevents accidental, unauthorized or inadvertent use, by making it more difficult to ignite the combustible material within the container without the proper actuator. The vented container may be designed for disposal after use or may be constructed so that it may be refilled for reuse, and different configurations of the container can be used, so long as they appropriately interlock with the actuator. Various means to delay the start of the ignition may be incorporated into the device.

Although we have conceived the ignition system specifically for use with insecticides, it should be understood that the system is equally utilizable with any number of systems for the release of vapor or heat from combustible materials.

Certain aspects of our invention have been outlined rather broadly so that the detailed description thereof which follows may be more readily and better understood. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principle upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures for carrying out the several purposes of the invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Specific embodiments of the invention have been chosen for the purposes of illustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention showing the container portion in both closed and use ready stages.

Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the actuator portion and part of the container portion of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing details of the interconnection of the portions.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention. Figures 5 and 6 are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the assembled embodiment of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 7 showing registration and engagement.

Figures 10 and 11 are, respectively, a perspective and a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention. Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 is a.perspective view of the opened container portion of the embodiment of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is an cross-sectional view of the actuator portion of the embodiment of Figure 12.

Figures 15 is a view of the actuator portion of the embodiment of Figure 12 shown in cross-section in contact with a partial cross-section of the container portion of the same embodiment. Figure 16 is a perspective view of an sixth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 17 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a schematic view of the bottom end of the actuator portion of the embodiment of Figure 16.

Figure 19 is an elevational view of the hot tip assembly of the embodiment of Figure 16. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the hot tip assembly of the embodiment of Figure 16, taken along section 20-20 as shown in Figure 19.

Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the invention, with the container portion partially cut away.

Figure 22 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 20.

Figures 23 and 24 are, respectively, a cross-sectional and an elevational view of the hot wire assembly of the embodiment of Figure 22.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figures 1 through 3 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention in which the energy to activate the device is supplied by a piezo electric cartridge. Figure 1 shows actuator 11, which is designed to interconnect with container 12, which includes a fire- retardant paper box 13, having a flip-up cover 14, and a holder 15. When cover 14 is lifted, holder 15, which has a series of vents 16 formed therein, is exposed. As in shown in Figures 2 and 3, holder 15 has inside it bag 17. Bag 17 contains combustible material 19 which, in the preferred embodiment, would be an insecticide mixture. Bag 17 is attached to holder 15 at point 18 by any conventional attachment means, such as the use of an adhesive, or simply by having the bag clamped into the holder by assembly of the container.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, holder 15 has two aligned opposed recessed areas 20 and 21 at one end thereof. Holes 22 and 23, also aligned opposite each other, are formed in the corresponding recessed areas. As shown in Figure 2 , bag 17, which extends into the area of holder 15 between recessed areas 20 and 21, has within it ignition compound 24 placed between oppositely aligned holes 22 and 23.

Actuator 11, shown in Figure 1, 2 and 3, has C-shaped recess 26 in outer housing 28. When actuator 11 and container 12 are interconnected, by fitting together in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figures 1 and 2, recess 26 fits around recessed areas 20 and 21 of holder 15 of container 12. Figures 2 and 3 show details of the interconnection of actuator 11 and container 12.

As Figure 2 further shows, actuator 11 has piezo electric cartridge 30 therein. (The piezo-electric cartridge used is of a well-known type producing, for example, 15,000 volts at 4.5 millijoules.) Connected to the outer housing of cartridge 30 is conducter 23, which wraps around C-shaped rece≤s 26 and connects with electrode 25 on the lower inside surface of recess 26. Opposite electrode 25 within recess 26 is a second electrode 27 at the lower end of cartridge 30.

Cartridge 30 is activated by depressing button 31 along the direction of arrow B shown in Figure 3. Plunger 29 extends from the upper end of cartridge 30 into button 31. Thus, when button 31 is depressed, plunger 29 slides downward into cartridge 30, activating the cartridge by a well known mechanism (not shown) . Activating the cartridge causes a spark to jump from electrode 25 across the gap to electrode 27. _* When actuator 11 and container 12 are interconnected, this spark will pass through holes 22 and 22a in holder 15 and will ignite ignition compound 24 inside bag 17, which will in turn ignite combustible material 19. Since,-.in this embodiment, combustible material 19 contains an insecticide, as combustible material 19 burns or smolders, insecticide fumes are generated and will escape through vents 16.

After ignition, actuator 11 can be removed from container 12 and either stored or used to activate another container.

Figures 4 through 6 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, also utilizing a piezo-electric cartridge, in which the container portion is designed to accept replaceable packets of combustible material.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the container portion of the apparatus has two parts, a base 34 and a cover 36.

Cover 36, which is designed to press-engage with the edges of base 34, has therein a series of vents 38, a receptacle area 40 for accepting actuator assembly 42, and a central track 44. Central track 44 is designed to accept a rigid spine 46 from which is suspended snap-engagable, disposable packet 48 which contains combustible material 50 and, so located that when the apparatus is assembled, it is placed adjacent to actuator assembly 42, ignition compound 52.

As is shown in Figure 6, actuator assembly 42 contains a piezo-electric cartridge 54 which is activated by button 56. Upon activation of the cartridge, spark 58 passes across the gap formed between electrodes 60 and 62, connected by unshown wiring. Spark 58 passes through packet 48, igniting ignition compound 52, which, in turn, ignites combustible material 50. Fumes formed by the burning of material 50 then escape the container through vents 38 of cover 36.

A third embodiment of the apparatus, as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, is essentially an inverted version of the previous embodiment. As Figure 8 and 9 show, in this embodiment, removable container 64, which has a series of vents 65 therethrough, for replaceable packet 66 of combustible material, sits upon base 68, which is given stability by foot 70 and, as is shown in Figures 8 and 9, contains piezo electric cartridge 72. As Figures 8 and 9 further show, container 64 has hinged area 74 at one end and is openable at the end of neck 78, so that packet 66 of combustible material may be placed therein. Container 64 is so designed that neck 78 fits within the top opening 80 of base 68 and has a pair of oppositely aligned holes 82 and 84 through the wall thereof. Preferably, it is intended that container 64 will be manufactured with packet 66 placed therein and will be intended to be disposable.

Within the base 68 are two electrodes. Electrode 87 is integrally formed with conductive material 86 which itself is connected to piezo-electric cartridge 72. Electrode 88, positioned within opening 80 of base 68 but separated from electrode 87, connects directly to piezo-electric cartridge 72.

When neck 78 of container 64 is placed within top opening 80 of base 68, holes 82 and 84 are aligned between electrodes 87 and 88. Within the packet 66 and located so as to be located between holes 82 and 84 is ignition compound 90. When button 92 on piezo-electric cartridge 72 is depressed, a spark passes between electrodes 87 and 88 and ignites ignition compound 90, which in turn ignites combustible material 94, both within packet 66. Fumes formed by the burning of material 94 then escape the container through vents 65, which are shown in Figures 7 and 8.

A fourth embodiment using a piezo electric cartridge is shown in Figures 10 and 11.

In this embodiment as shown in Figure 10 and 11, actuator 96 contains piezo-electric cartridge 98, and base 100 has an outer wall 102 and a top cover 104 which has a series of perforations 106 for, after ignition, the escape of the fumes from combustible material 108. Top cover 104 of base 100 has a central recessed area 110 into which actuator 96 fits when the device is assembled. Within base 100 is a container 112 for holding combustible material 108. Centered in and at the top of container 108 within recessed area 110 of the top cover 104 of base portion 100 is a raised area 114 which fits over a portion of ignition compound 116 which juts above the bulk of the combustible material 108 in container 112.

Actuator 96 is comprised of a sheath-like outer wall structure 118 which has a double eared flange 120 around an opening at one end. Fitting into the open flanged end of wall structure 118 is depressor button 122. The opposite end of the wall structure 118 has a recessed notched area 124 so configured that when actuator 96 is placed into recession area 110 on cover 104 of base 100, notched area 124 of actuator 96 fits over raised area 114 which contains ignition compound 116. Within button 122, post 126 forms a channel with the outer wall of button 122. Centered in this channel is post 128. When button 122 is pressed, rib 128 depresses plunger 130 of the piezo-electric cartridge 98. This causes a spark (not shownJ to be generated within the cartridge. The spark travels between two electrodes, connected by wiring

that is not shown. One electrode 132 (not shown) is located in the lower portion of piezo-electric cartridge 98 and a second electrode 134 on the opposite side of the notched area is held in place by structure 136. The generated spark passes through and ignites ignition compound 116 which, in turn, ignites combustible material 108.

Figures 12-15 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the invention in which the source of energy is a conventional battery. As shown in Figures 12, 14 and 15, actuator 140 has outer housing 142 of nonconductive material which is designed to contain a non-jacketed battery 146. Formed into the side of outer housing 142 is lever 148 which is made of a conductive material such as injection molded carbon-filled polypropylene. Electrode 150 is connected to and formed as part of lever 148, and a second electrode 152 connects to one terminal of battery 146. Electrodes 150 and 152 connect through hot tip 154, which is protected by retractable sleeve 156, which is itself spring-biased downwardly by an unshown spring. Sleeve 156 has at one end opening 158 through which hot tip 154 projects when sleeve 156 is pressed back by contact with the bottom surface of central recess 160 of lid 162 of container 164, described more fully below. Actuator 140 is designed to work in cooperation with container 164, which has a bottom portion and a lid 162. As shown in Figures 13 and 15, within container 164 is pressed tablet of combustible material 172 as well as ignition compound 174. When actuator 140 is inserted into recess 160 of container 164, hot tip 154 enters container 164 through hole 166 in recess 160. When lever 148 is pressed, the circuit from lever 148 through electrodes 150 and 152 meeting at hot wire tip 154 is completed. Hot wire tip 154 which is now in contact with bag 170 becomes hot and ignites ignition compound 174, which in turn ignites combustible material 172. As combustible material 172 smolders, the fumes generated escape through vents 174 in lid 162 of container 164.

Obviously, such an actuator may be used to ignite any number of containers for combustible material of any

configuration so long as the configuration of the recessed areas and holes for hot contact are appropriately matched. Figures 16 through 20 show a sixth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is somewhat similar to the previous embodiment, but with the mechanism of the apparatus differently divided. In this embodiment, the energy source is in the actuator portion and the ignition means is contained within the container with the combustible material. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, actuator 176 contains an unjacketed battery 178 within a housing structure 180 formed of conductive material. As shown in Figure 18, at one end of housing structure 180 is a hole 182 through which one terminal 184 of battery 178 protrudes. At the same end of housing structure 176 are projections 186 of conductive material. At the other end of housing structure 180 and connected thereto is hinged cap 188 which allows battery 178 to be insetted inside housing structure 180.

Actuator 176 is designed to be used with container 190 which has a base portion 192, cover portion 194, with a series of vents 196 therein, a removable foil laminate over- cover 197 and a cup 198 which contains a pressed tablet of combustible material 200. Pressed tablet of combustible material 200 has depression 202 molded therein. In assembly of the device, hot wire assembly 204 is placed in depression 202.

Figures 19 and 20 show details of hot tip ignitor assembly 204 showing location of hot tip 206. Hot tip assembly 204 is comprised of cup-shaped housing 205 which has integrally formed in the center thereof chamber 207. Chamber 207 is configured so that it has a pair of spaces 211, designed to form part of a keying mechanism, as will be described hereafter. Chamber 207 has on its top surface insulator ring 208 and, within insulator ring 208, hot tip 206. Hot tip 206 extends from above the surface of insulator ring 208 and the top surface of chamber 207 downward into ignition compound 210.

When hot tip assembly 204 is positioned in depression 202 of tablet of combustible material 200, and ignitor 176 is interconnected with container 190 (by means of

a keying mechanism formed by protruberences 186 which fit into holes 218 in depression 216 of upper cover 194 of container 190, and through correspondingly placed and shaped spaces 211 of chamber 207 of hot tip assembly 204) , battery terminal 184 contacts hot tip 206. Hot tip 206 is heated and ignites ignition compound 210, which then burns down to ignite combustible material 200.

As combustible material 200 smolders, the fumes generated escape through vents 196 in container cover 194. Another version of this embodiment, not illustrated, would employ a hot wire assembly to ignite the combustible compound in a manner similar to that of the following embodiment of the invention.

If desired, the relative orientation of the embodiment shown in Figures 16-20 may be reversed, so that the actuator forms a base for replaceable container portion. Such an embodiment, the seventh, is shown in Figures 21-24.

As shown in Figures 21 and 22, ignition apparatus 220 an actuator base 222 having a somewhat cylindrical extension 224 formed in the upper surface thereof and a container portion 232. Base 222 also houses battery 226, the positive and negative terminals thereof being connected to respectively, electrode 228 mounted in the center of extension 224 and electrode 230 to one side of center of extension 224.

The container portion 232, which may be replaceable, may be shipped, for example, in sleeve 234. Container portion 232 has a housing 236, which is of necessity formed in two parts, with a hole 238 designed to accept extension 224 when container portion 232 is mounted on actuator 222 as depicted in Figure 21. Metal cup 240 is suspended in the center of housing 236. Cup 240 contains combustible material 242. Hot-wire assembly 244 is disposed at the bottom of cup 240, to register with electrodes 228 and 230 in actuator 222. Figures 23 and 24 show details of hot wire assembly 244, showing location of hot wire 246. Hot wire assembly 244 is e placed at combustible material 200 so that hot wire 246 is in direct contact with combustible material 200. Hot wire 246, a fusible link, connects to two electrodes 248 and

250, electrode 248 being intergrally formed of conductive material with a housing 252 that surrounds hot wire assembly 244. Electrode 250 connects to a central conductive protruberance 25.4 within housing 252. 5 Lid 256 is placed at the top of cup 240. The lid has a series of vents 258 therein to allow fumes to escape as 250, electrode 248 being intergrally formed of conductive material with a housing 252 that surrounds hot wire assembly 244. Electrode 250 connects to a central conductive protruberance

10 254 within housing 252.

Lid 256 is placed at the top of cup 240. The lid has a series of vents 258 therein to allow fumes to escape as combustible material 242 burns.

To operate, the user removes replaceable container

1.5 portion 232 from sleeve 234. Container portion 232 is then placed on top of actuator 222 so that hot-wire assembly 244 registers with electrodes 228 and 230. Depressing button 260 completes the circuit to terminals 228 and 230 and electrodes 248 and 250, thereby heating hot wire 246. Hot

20 wire_246 ignites combustible material 242 whose fumes then escape through vents 258.

While the actuator of this embodiment is designed to act as the base for the container of combustible material as this material burns, it should be evident that container 232 may

25 be removed once the combustible material has been ignited. Since cup 240 is suspended within housing 236, both the user and the. surface upon which the container rests are insulated from heat.generated during operation of the device. Moreover, by removing container 232 from actuator 222, the

30 actuator may be used to ignite other containers.

While preferred embodiments of our invention, including the best embodiments known to us, have been described in detail, it --should be understood that the invention is not to be limited to any specific structure described above.

35 Rather, the scope of the invention should be ascertained by reference to the following claims.

Industrial Applicability The present invention offers a self-contained fumigation device (usable to ignite any combustible material) .

Combustible material in a container portion is ignited by an ignitor that removably connects with the container. Such a device allows the user to purchase an ignitor and subsequently purchase refill containers of combustible material. The device in all its embodiments avoids the necessity of using a direct and exposed source of ignition such as a match and also ensues the confinement of the smoldering material. Thus the device offers safety advantages when the use of a fumigator is desirable.