Tiki Torch Filler

Abstract

A tiki torch lamp filler system is a table having a top and a plurality of legs supporting the top above a surface. The top includes a plurality of holes for receiving and supporting tiki torch lamp containers with the wick opening in the tiki torch lamp container facing upward and with the table legs being of sufficient length to support the table top a distance from the surface to assure clearance between the tiki torch lamp container and the surface when the tiki torch lamp container is in a receptive hole in the table top.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a method and system for refilling lamps and is specifically directed to a system for filling tiki torch lamps.

2. Discussion of the Art

Tiki torches are popular outdoor lighting appliances and are generally associated with a tropical motif. A typical tiki torch is mounted on the top of a pole which can be of any desired height, but is generally five to seven feet in length. A tiki torch lamp is mounted on the top of the pole. Generally, the lamp has a receptacle at its bottom for receiving the upper end of the pole. The lamp comprises a container for holding oil, kerosene or other fuel and a wick is placed in an opening provided at the top of the container. The lamp may then be lit in typical fashion for providing a desirable tropical ambiance to the outdoor setting.

In order to refill the container with oil it is either necessary to remove the entire pole/lamp assembly from its installed location and pour the fuel into the lamp top opening after removing the wick. In some cases the lamp may be removed from the pole and held independently of the pole while pouring fuel into the container. Typically, the wick is removed during this process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is directed to a tike torch lamp filler system that minimizes spillage, provides a convenient place to place the wick during filling operation, and permits multiple torch lamps to be filled in an easy and efficient manner. The filler system of the invention comprises a portable table having a top having one or more torch receptive holes. The table is mounted on a plurality of legs of sufficient length to permit the torch lamps to extend through the holes and be held in a suspended manner, assuring that the torches are stable and secure during the filling process.

The tike torch lamps are placed in the receptive holes and the wicks are removed. The wicks may be placed directly on the table, assuring that the wicks are not soiled during the process. The tiki torch lamps may then be conveniently filled with fuel, preferably using a funnel with a spout sized to fit into the wick opening in the torch container.

In the preferred embodiment, fuel and the funnel may be stored under the table top and latex gloves and other accessory items may be conveniently stored in the table assembly, making the process of filling the tiki torches convenient and efficient.

Once the lamp containers are filled, the wicks may be replaced and the lamps reinstalled on the poles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the table assembly.

FIG. 2 is a view of the table assembly showing the tiki torch lamps positioned to be filled, with the wicks removed.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the filling process using a source of fuel and a funnel.

FIG. 4 is a view of the table assembly after the filling process is completed, with the wicks be installed in the torch lamps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The table for supporting the filler system of the subject invention is shown in FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the table comprises a top 10 having a plurality of through holes adapted for receiving tiki torch lamps. It is desirable that a plurality of legs 14 support the table above a support surface which may be another table or the ground or other support surface as a matter of choice. Typically, additional support braces 16, 18 are provided for stability.

In the preferred embodiment the table includes integral storage units such as the receptacle 20 for storing latex gloves or similar items. For example, it may be desirable to store a funnel and a fuel container in the table assembly. It may also be desirable to store rags or other clean-up items.

As shown in FIG. 2, one or more tiki torch lamps 22 may be placed in the holes 12 provided in the table top 10. The lamp containers are held upright and in a sturdy position with the wick opening 24 exposed. The table top 10 is supported sufficiently above the support surface by legs 14 to provide clearance for the container bottom 26. A funnel 28 may be used with its pour spout end placed in the wick opening 24. This facilitates pouring the fuel from the fuel supply bottle 28 into the tiki lamp container 22.

Once the lamps 22 have been filled with fuel, the wicks 30 may be placed in the opening 24 of the lamps and the tiki torch lamps are ready to be reinstalled on the mounting poles.

The tiki torch lamp filler system of the subject invention provides a safe, efficient and clean apparatus and method for filling and refilling tiki torch lamps.

While certain features and embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications and enhancements within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

Claims

1. A tiki torch lamp filler system for filling a tiki torch lamp defined by an elongated container having an open top and a wick in communication with the interior of the container and the open top, the tiki torch lamp adapted to be filled with fuel through the open top, the tiki torch lamp filler system comprising:

a. A flat surface having a plurality of through holes each adapted for receiving and supporting a tiki torch lamp container such that the elongated container of the tiki torch lamp extends through the through holes and below the flat surface, with the open top of the tiki torch lamp container at or above the surface and accessible from above the flat surface; and

b. Supports for positioning the flat surface above a supporting surface in such a manner to provide clearance between the tiki torch lamp container and the supporting surface, whereby the tiki torch lamp container having a wick opening may be filled with fuel while positioned in one of the through holes.

2. The tiki torch lamp filler system of claim 1, further including supplies used in connection with the tiki torch lamp filler system, and storage compartments integral with the flat surface for storing supplies used in filling the tiki torch lamp container.

3. The tiki torch lamp filler system of claim 1, further including latex gloves for use in connection with the tiki torch lamp filler system, and a storage compartment for storing latex gloves.

4. The tiki torch lamp system of claim 1, wherein the flat surface and supports form a table with legs.

5. The tiki torch lamp filler system of claim 1, further including a funnel sized to fit in the wick opening of the tiki torch lamp container for facilitating pouring fuel into the container.

6. (canceled)

7. A tiki torch lamp filler system for filling a tiki torch lamp defined by an elongated container having an open top and a wick in communication with the interior of the container and the open top, the tiki torch lamp adapted to be filled with fuel through the open top, the tiki torch lamp filler system comprising:

a. A flat surface having a plurality of through holes each adapted for receiving and supporting a tiki torch lamp container such that the elongated container of the tiki torch lamp extends through the through holes and below the flat surface, with the open top of the tiki torch lamp container at or above the surface and accessible from above the flat surface;

b. Supports for positioning the flat surface above a supporting surface in such a manner to provide clearance between the tiki torch lamp container and the supporting surface, whereby the tiki torch lamp container having a wick opening may be filled with fuel while positioned in one of the through holes; and

c. Further including supplies used in connection with the tiki torch lamp filler system, and storage compartments integral with the flat surface for storing supplies used in filling the tiki torch lamp container.

8. The tiki torch lamp filler system of claim 7, further including a funnel sized to fit in the wick opening of the tiki torch lamp container for facilitating pouring fuel into the container.