BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to self-defense devices, and more specifically, to a self-defense apparatus that uses a flame for defense from a person or animal.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Self-defense devices are well known in the art and are effective means to deter an assailant or animal. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional self-defense device 101 having a body 103 configured to hold a spray 105 to be shot through a nozzle 107 via an activation button 109.

[0003] One of the problems commonly associated with device 101 is limited. For example, the spray may spread or blow back into the user’s face, thereby being less effective and dangerous.

[0004] Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of self-defense devices, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a common self-defense device;

FIG. 2 is a side view of self-defense apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application; FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic of the elements of the self-defense apparatus of

FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the method of use of the apparatus of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a self-defense apparatus in accordance with the present application.

[0006] While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0008] The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional self-defense devices. Specifically, the present invention provides a means to use heat and a flame as a self-defense mechanism, thereby preventing the self- defense device from blowing back onto the user. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

[0010] The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

[0011] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a self-defense apparatus 201 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that apparatus 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional self-defense devices.

[0012] In the contemplated embodiment, apparatus 201 includes a body 203 with an interior cavity configured to hold a fuel cartridge 205. It should be appreciated that the fuel cartridge can hold a compressed fuel, can include an oxygen source, or other various components as is known in the art. The fuel cartridge 205 is further engaged with one or more of a valve 207, a regulator 209, and a torch/ignition 21 1 . During use, a switch 213, which can be a button, lever, switch, or the like, is used to ignite the fuel, thereby forcing a flame 215 from a nozzle 217. [0013] In the preferred embodiment, the body 203 includes a plurality of finger holes 219, thereby creating an improved grip for the user to hold and activate the apparatus.

[0014] It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the creation of a small, handheld self-defense apparatus that uses a flame/torch as a self-defense mechanism.

[0015] In FIG. 3, a simplified schematic demonstrates some of the elements of apparatus 201 . The compressed fuel and in some embodiments, oxygen 301 , in combination with a torch/ignition source 303, and a regulator 305, are activated via a control switch 307 to ignite the flame through the nozzle.

[0016] In FIG. 4, a flowchart 401 depicts the method of use of apparatus 201 . During use, the user carries the apparatus, and upon an attack, the user activates the apparatus to create a flame, as shown with boxes 403 and 405. The user can then use the self- defense apparatus as needed, as shown with box 407.

[0017] In FIG. 5, a side view depicts an alternative embodiment of a self defense apparatus 501 in accordance with the present application. Apparatus 501 includes all of the features discussed above and further includes a window punch 503 extending from body 203. Window punch 503 comes to a slight point and is composed of a rigid, durable material, such as a metal, thereby being configured to break a window (such as a vehicle window) when struck by the user. This feature provides for improved safety associated with the apparatus 501 .

[0018] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.