LARGE FLAME TORCH WITH TEXTURED FLAME BOWL

Abstract

An apparatus with a fuel container and a flame bowl atop the fuel container is disclosed. The flame bowl has a wick proximate the center thereof. The wick extends into a fuel supply within the fuel container. The flame bowl has an interior surface that is texturized to enhance the appearance of the flame.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/104,863 entitled “LARGE FLAME TORCH WITH TEXTURED FLAME BOWL,” filed Oct. 13, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure is related to liquid fueled torches in general and, more specifically, to a liquid fueled torch with flame enhancing features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Patio torches, also know as lawn torches or garden torches, may be used to provide lighting or decoration. Sometimes, scented oils or insect repellant oils are burned in the patio torches for additional effect. A torch may include a refillable canister that accepts liquid fuel. A torch may be mounted on or otherwise integrated with a decorative pole for display purposes.

The actual utility of a torch, in terms of light or aroma given off and the ability to repel pests, may be less than desirable. The wick is often too small, relatively speaking, to provide an effective amount of combustion. Even with larger diameter wicks or wicks that are extendable to create a larger surface area, air and flame control may become problematic, resulting in a flame that may still be too small to create the desired effect.

What is needed is a device for addressing the above and related problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof comprises an apparatus with a fuel container and a flame bowl atop the fuel container. The flame bowl has a wick proximate the center thereof, the wick extending into a fuel supply within the fuel container. The flame bowl has an interior surface that is texturized to enhance the appearance of the flame. The interior surface may be texturized in such a way to promote capillary action of fuel away from the wick. The interior surface may also be texturized in such a way to promote charring on the interior surface. In various embodiments, the interior surface may be texturized by a plurality of nubs, by peening, and/or by knurling. The flame bowl may provide a substantially flat floor and/or a wick holder for the wick.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of a large flame patio torch with a flame enhancing combustion bowl according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of another large flame patio torch with a flame enhancing combustion bowl according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective cutaway view of another large flame patio torch with a flame enhancing combustion bowl according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective cutaway view of a large flame patio torch according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Although the torch 100 is referred to as a patio torch, for purposes of the present disclosure this term is synonymous with any type of recreational, decorative, or insect-repellant torches such as garden torches or table top torches. The torch 100 may be used as an insert with a stand or other display device to create a torch assembly. In some embodiments, the torch 100 is used as a stand-alone item.

The major components of the torch 100 seen in FIG. 1 comprise a funnel, bowl, or flame guard 104, a neck 105, and a canister 106. These pieces may be formed integrally or may be formed separately and attached. In one embodiment, each of these components is made from rolled or stamped sheet metal that may be spot welded or glued together. In other embodiments, a more durable build may be accomplished by using cast or machined pieces. In some embodiments, some parts of the torch 100 may be plastic or another material.

The bowl 104 and/or neck 105 may be separable from the canister 106 for refilling of a torch fuel 408 and/or attaching to other fuel sources. In the present embodiment, the neck 105 and canister 106 have a threaded fitting 107. Other embodiments may provide friction fits or other fittings. In some embodiments, fuel filling and/or ventilation ports 108 may be provided. The ventilation ports 108 are only for illustration as other ports or locations are contemplated. The fuel 408 may be a citronella oil or another oil suitable for burning in a decorative or insect repellant torch.

A wick 202, used for combustion of the fuel 408, may be a cotton wick, a fiberglass wick, a polyester wick, or another type of wick using these or other materials and/or combinations thereof. Although only a single wick 202 is shown, the present disclosure is not so limited. Multiple wicks may be provided that are capable of simultaneous or selective operation. A wick holder 406 may be sized to retain the wick 202 in a friction fit.

The bowl 104 in the present embodiment is generally conically or funnel shaped with a relatively flat floor. However, in other embodiments, a more rounded floor will be provided. In the present embodiment, the interior surface 102 of the bowl 104 is textured with raised nubs. It can be seen that the texturing or nubbing proceeds along the floor of the bowl 104 up to the wick holder 406. In some embodiments, the wick holder 406 will be textured as well. In other embodiments, the wick 202 may be held in place by an opening in the floor of the bowl 104.

In operation, depending upon the size and spacing of the nubs on the surface 102 of the bowl 104, fuel may be drawn or wicked by capillary action or seepage away from the wick 406 prior to being burned. This fuel may come to coat or otherwise saturate the interior surface 102 of the bowl 104. In this event, the fuel may begin to vaporize due to the heat from the flame on the wick 202. In other cases, depending upon the fuel used, the fuel may actually burn on the interior surface 102 of the bowl 104. This additional burning will be in a controlled fashion, owing in part to the limited amount of fuel that can be wicked away by capillary action or seepage from the wick 202.

The burning or vaporization of the fuel on the surface 102 will serve to enhance the effects of the flame on the wick 202. A larger flame than would normally be supported by the wick 406 may be seen to appear to fill the bowl 104 during operation. Additionally, insect repellant functions or scent dispersant functions may be enhanced by the additional fuel consumed or otherwise vaporized on the surface 102. In some embodiments, the vaporization and/or burning of the fuel on the interior surface 102 of the bowl 104 will cause charring or aching on the surface 102. This may serve to enhance the capillary action and/or seepage of the fuel 408. This may, in turn, increase the surface area for even greater burning or vaporization of fuel.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective cutaway view of another large flame patio torch with a flame enhancing combustion bowl according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the bowl 104 has an interior surface 202 that has been peened to produce a texture. The peening of the surface 202 functions in a similar fashion as the nubbing of the surface 102 of FIG. 1. The peening promotes fuel seepage and/or charring on the surface 202. This enhances the appearance of the flame and the vaporization of additional fuel. In some embodiments, the wick holder 406 will be peened or otherwise textured. The wick holder 406 may be an integral component of the bowl 104. As before, the actual shape of the bowl 406 may vary. The fuel source may be separable from the flame bowl 104 and ventilation (not shown) may be provided.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective cutaway view of another large flame patio torch with a flame enhancing combustion bowl according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. This embodiment is substantially similar to those previously discussed. Here an inner surface 302 of the bowl 104 has been etched with a cross-hatch or knurled pattern. This cross-hatching serves a similar function as the nubbing or peening of previous embodiments. Once again, the wick holder 406 may also be knurled and may be an integral part of the bowl 104. The knurled interior surface 302 promotes fuel seepage from the wick that enhances the flame during operation and may also provide additional vaporization of fuel 408. Charring that may occur on the surface 203 further serves to enhance the seepage of fuel, the flame effects, and the vaporization of fuel. As with the pervious embodiments, the flame bowl 104 and ventilation of the fuel source (not shown) may be provided.

In each of the embodiments discussed above, various means are utilized to provide enhanced fuel burning and/or vaporization (producing a more active flame). It is understood that a wide variety of patterns, textures, or surface treatments could be utilized to interrupt the otherwise smooth surface and thereby allow for wicking of fuel and a more active flame. For example, an applied surface texturizing treatment or coating could be utilized. In some embodiments, painted on finishes may be utilized. Paints may be utilized that have sand or other texturizers suspended therein. Spray on insulations or other fire resistant materials may also be used. Furthermore, the density and/or depth of the nubbing, peening, knurling, or other treatment can be varied to increase or decrease the flame enhancing effects of the same. In some embodiments, designs may be etched, scored, or carved into the flame bowl.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a fuel container; and

a flame bowl atop the fuel container having a wick proximate the center thereof, the wick extending into a fuel supply within the fuel container;

wherein the flame bowl has an interior surface that is texturized to enhance the appearance of the flame.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interior surface is texturized in such a way to promote capillary action of fuel away from the wick.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interior surface is texturized in such a way to promote charring on the interior surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the interior surface is texturized by a plurality of nubs.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the bowl is texturized by peening.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the bowl is texturized by knurling.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flame bowl provides a substantially flat floor.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flame bowl provides a wick holder for the wick.

9. An apparatus comprising:

a fuel source;

a wick holder having a wick in contact with the fuel source; and

a flame bowl surrounding the wick holder;

wherein the flame bowl provides an inner surface that is texturized to promote seepage of fuel from the wick holder and charring on the inner surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a neck attached to the flame bowl and adapted to interfit with the fuel source.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the fuel source is a container of liquid fuel.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the inner surface of the flame bowl is texturized by scoring.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the inner surface of the flame bowl is texturized by knurling.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the inner surface of the flame bowl is texturized by peening.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the inner surface of the flame bowl is texturized by a plurality of nubs.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the flame bowl provides a substantially flat floor surrounding the wick holder, the floor being texturized to promote seepage of fuel from the wick holder and charring on the inner surface.

17. An apparatus comprising:

a wick holder;

a flame bowl surrounding the wick holder and having a textured inner surface, the texture being at least sufficient to promote seepage of fuel from the wick holder onto the inner surface; and

a neck attached to the flame bowl for fitting to a fuel source.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a glass wick in the wick holder.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a container of liquid fuel attached to the neck.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the fuel source is secured to the neck by a threaded fitting.