GASEOUS FUEL POWERED TIKI TORCH

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

(0001) This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial number 60/678,257, filed May 6, 2005, and U.S. patent application serial number 11/350,317, filed February 8, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

(0002) This invention relates generally to combustion devices, and more specifically to torches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(0003) Tiki torches are used throughout the world for night lighting or decoration. Often, the torches are mounted on the end of bamboo poles which are stuck into the ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(0004) The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

(0005) In accordance with an embodiment, a Tiki torch is provided that utilizes gaseous fuel. As an example, the Tiki torch may utilize propane, which may be provided, for example, by a one pound propane cylinder.

(0006) In accordance with an embodiment, an insect inhibitor may be provided at a top of a Tiki torch and that releases an insect repellent upon being heated.

(0007) In accordance with an embodiment, a burner is provided for a Tiki torch that has a two-dimensional, thin profile. The two-dimensional thin profile provides shape for a flame, and adds turbulence to the flame, making the flame appear to dance.

(0008) In accordance with an embodiment, a Tiki torch is mounted on top of a shock corded pole. The shock corded pole may include a ground stake that is integral with

the shock corded pole or that is a piece that is separate from the shock corded pole. The ground stake may be stuck in the ground, and the shock corded pole may extend between the Tiki torch and the ground stake to support the Tiki torch.

(0009) In accordance with an embodiment, a base may be provided for the Tiki torch so that the Tiki torch may be used, for example, on a tabletop. In addition, in accordance with an embodiment, a glass or other globe may be provided as a wind screen or guard for a flame for a Tiki torch.

(0010) Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(0011) Figure 1 shows a Tiki torch in accordance with an embodiment;

(0012) FIG. 2 shows a shock corded pole and ground stake that may be used with the Tiki torch of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;

(0013) FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a protective cover and insect inhibitor that may be used with the Tiki torch of FIG. 1;

(0014) FIG. 4 shows an optional base and globe that may be used with the Tiki torch of FIG. 1;

(0015) FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the Tiki torch of FIG. 1;

(0016) FIG. 6 shows a side perspective view of a burner for the Tiki torch of FIG. 1;

(0017) FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the burner of FIG. 6;

(0018) FIG. 8 shows a side perspective view of a shut-off switch in accordance with an embodiment;

(0019) FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the shut-off switch of FIG. 8;

(0020) FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of the shut- off switch of FIG. 8; and

(0021) FIG. 11 shows a sectional view, similar to FIG. 10, but with the shut-off switch in a tilted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(0022) In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well- known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

(0023) Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a Tiki torch 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In -the embodiment shown, the Tiki torch 20 is powered by propane, such as by a 16.4 fluid ounce propane cylinder 21 (FIG. 3) . Alternatively, the Tiki torch 20 may be powered by another fuel cylinder, such as a butane cylinder, or by another suitable fuel source, such as a refillable liquid fuel container .

(0024) The Tiki torch 20 includes a disposable insect inhibitor ring 22 (FIG. 3) that mounts at the top portion of the Tiki torch 20 and through which a flame for the tike torch 20 extends. The disposable insect inhibitor ring 22 in the embodiment shown in the drawings is a tray

shaped like an annular ring. Although a circular annular tray is shown in the drawings, other shapes may be used, and an insect inhibitor ring 22 may extend only partway around or only along one side of the flame for a torch.

(0025) The insect inhibitor ring 22 includes an insect inhibitor in the tray, which may be, for example, citronella, linalool, or another suitable insect inhibitor. During operation of the Tiki torch 20, the flame heats the insect inhibitor ring 22, causing the insect inhibitor within the ring to evaporate. The evaporated insect inhibitor acts as a repellent to insects in the vicinity of the Tiki torch 20.

(0026) As can be seen in FIG. 3, an optional protective cover 24 may be provided for covering the top of the Tiki torch 20. The protective cover 24 is removable, and when installed on top of the Tiki torch 20, the protective cover 24 covers a top of the Tiki torch 20 and keeps the Tiki torch 20 free of debris and moisture.

(0027) As shown in FIG. 2, the Tiki torch 20 may be mounted on the top of a shock corded pole 26 having pole segments 28 connected by a shock cord 30. A threaded fitting 32 is provided on the end of the pole 26 that threads into a bottom of the Tiki torch 20. If desired, the end of the pole 26 may be connected in another removable manner, such as a friction fitting. Also, in accordance

with an alternate embodiment, the shock corded pole may be permanently attached to the Tiki torch 20.

(0028) An opposite end of the shock corded pole 26 fits into an opening 33 at the top of a ground stake 34. In this manner, the Tiki torch 20 may be easily mounted on a pole 26, supported by the ground stake 34. Because the pole 26 is in segments 28, the pole 26, the ground stake 34, and the Tiki torch 20 may be efficiently stored in a small package .

(0029) FIG. 4 shows an optional table top base 40 that may be used with the Tiki torch 20. This table top base 40 may also include a threaded connection, or may be configured to receive a bottom portion of the Tiki torch without threading the Tiki torch 20 onto the table top base 40. In an embodiment, the shock corded pole 26 is removed so that the base 40 may be attached to the Tiki torch 20.

(0030) An optional glass globe 38 is also shown in FIG. 4. This glass globe may be placed in position at a top of the Tiki torch as a wind block and/or a protective shield for the flame of the Tiki torch 20.

(0031) Details of the Tiki torch 20 can be seen in FIG. 5. The Tiki torch 20 includes a lower housing 120 in which the propane cylinder 21 may be positioned. An upper housing 122 is connected to the lower housing 120 and includes a control knob 124. This control knob 124 is

connected to a regulator 126. A burner 128 is mounted on top of the regulator 126 and extends through a top plate 130. The top plate includes ventilation holes 132 and a burner opening 134. A flame shield ring 136 is mounted above the top plate 130 and extends around the burner 128.

(0032) Details of a regulator are not given here, but are known in the combustion art. In use, the regulator 126 is designed to drop the pressure of the fuel from the propane tank 21 to a usable pressure for the Tiki torch 20. The regulator 126 contains a valve (not shown in detail) that is connected to the control knob 124. Rotation of the control knob 124 opens and closes the valve, thus increasing or decreasing the flow of fuel to the burner 128.

(0033) If desired, an igniter (not shown, but known in the combustion art) may be provided for lighting the Tiki torch 20. The use of such igniters is known, and the details of their structure and operation are not provided herein. As an alternative to an igniter, the Tiki torch 20 may be lit manually, such as by a match.

(0034) As can be seen in FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment, the burner 128 includes a unique burner tip 140. This burner tip 140 is crimped inwardly on all four sides so as to form an "X" shape for the top of the burner. This ^NN X" shape provides a unique structure for the shape of the flame coming out of the Tiki torch. Specifically, the X

shape spreads the flame in two dimensions, with an extension with a thin profile spreading outward in two directions in each dimension so that the flame appears to be wide regardless of a direction in which it is viewed. In addition, the thin profile increases turbulence of the flame, making the flame appear to dance.

(0035) In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a deflector 142 is mounted within the burner. This deflector adds turbulence to flow through the burner 128, and permits the flames to go to the outer tips of the "X" shape of the burner tip 140. Without such a deflector, air tends to be drawn down the outer tips of the "X" shaped burner tip. However, with the deflector in place, the flow through the burner tends to exit out of the entirety of the burner tip 140. Although a burner 128 may be utilized that does not include such a deflector 142, such a burner would not benefit from the features provided by the deflector 142.

(0036) FIGS. 8-11 show a shut-off switch 50 that is configured and arranged to shut off a fuel supply for the Tiki torch 20 when the Tiki torch is tilted beyond a certain angle from vertical, such as between twenty and thirty degrees, or more specifically to twenty five degrees (25°) . This tilt angle may be varied as appropriate for a particular application. The shut-off switch 50 may be positioned, for example, just upstream (i.e., toward the

fuel canister 21) of the regulator 126.

(0037) Details of the shut-off switch 50 are shown in FIG. 9. The shut-off switch 50 includes an o-ring 52, a spring 54, a check body 56, a check piston 58, a ball 60, and a sealing cap 62. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the o-ring 52 fits on the bottom of the check piston 58. The spring 54 fits around the check piston and biases the check piston so that the o-ring closes a bottom opening in the check body 56. The ball 60 is mounted inside the chamber of the check body 56 and the sealing cap 62 threads into a top of the chamber. The ball is free for movement within the chamber.

(0038) FIG. 10 shows the shut-off switch 50 in a normal, or opened, position. FIG. 11 shows the shut-off switch 50 in a closed position. In operation, the shut-off switch 50 is configured to allow fuel flow when the Tiki torch 20 and the shut-off switch 50 are in a vertical position, or slightly tilted from a vertical position. A vertical position for the shut-off switch would be aligning a longitudinal axis of the shut-off switch with an axis 70 shown in FIG. 10. When the shut-off switch 50 is in the vertical position, gas flow is on, due to the ball 60 depressing the check piston 58, which opens the o-ring seal at the input end of the assembly against the bias of the spring 54. A gap 72 is provided for permitting the fuel to flow through the shut-off switch 50. An internal floor 74

of the check body 56 has a slope, such as a twenty degree slope, sloping inward toward the center of the check body 56, where the check piston 58 is mounted. The twenty degree slope causes the ball 60 to center on the check piston 58 when the shut-off switch 50 is in the vertical position, or is tilted less than an amount needed for the ball 60 to roll off the check piston 58.

(0039) In an embodiment, the upper surface of the check piston 58 also includes a slope that matches the slope of the internal floor 74. When the ball 60 has depressed the piston 58, gas enters past the o-ring 52 and through the gap 72 between the check piston 58 and the check body 56, and then enters the check piston through a bore hole 76. The gas exits the check piston 58 through a top opening 77, and enters the chamber of the check body 56, flowing around the ball 60 and out of the shut-off switch 50 through an opening 79 in the sealing cap 62.

(0040) When the Tiki torch 20 and the shut-off switch 50 are tilted an amount sufficient for the ball 60 to roll off the check piston 58, for example twenty five degrees (25°), in any direction, the ball 60 will roll up the internal floor 74 of the check body 56 and off the check piston 58. The check piston 58 is then pressed into position by the spring 54 and closes the o-ring 52 against the bottom of the check body 56, closing the flow of fuel

through the shut-off switch 50. Thus, fuel is no longer permitted to flow through the shut-off switch 50, and the Tiki torch 20 is extinguished.

(0041) Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

(0042) All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

(0043) The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly

contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

(0044) Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of

ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above- described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.