Abstract:
A device has a canister for attaching to a fuel container with a wick holder passing through the canister for holding a wick in a position to draw fuel from the reservoir for combustion proximate the top cap. A snuffer in the canister has a sleeve extendible from a first retracted position to a second extended position, the second extended position extending the sleeve partially beyond the wick holder. When the canister is upright the snuffer remains in the first lowered position and when the canister is tilted beyond a predetermined angle the spring moves the sleeve to the second extended position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Liquid fueled torches are utilized for a number of purposes such as lighting, decoration, and pest repellence. This disclosure relates to liquid fueled torches with added features. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof, comprises a device having a canister for attaching to a fuel container with a wick holder passing through the canister for holding a wick in a position to draw fuel from the reservoir for combustion proximate the top cap. A snuffer in the canister has a sleeve extendible from a first retracted position to a second extended position, the second extended position extending the sleeve partially beyond the wick holder. A spring biases the snuffer sleeve toward the second raised position. When the canister is upright the snuffer remains in the first lowered position and when the canister is tilted beyond a predetermined angle the spring moves the sleeve to the second extended position. 
         [0003]    The snuffer may further comprise a flange affixed to a proximal portion of the sleeve. The flange receives the biasing force of the spring. The spring may comprise a coil spring pressing upward on the flange at least when the canister is upright. The coil spring may circumscribe the wick holder. Some embodiments include a free weight in the canister that bears down upon the flange when the canister is upright. The free weight may comprise a metallic ball that is unrestrained within the canister. 
         [0004]    The device may include a top cap affixed to the canister and having an aperture proximate a distal end of the wick holder and sized to allow the snuffer sleeve to extend from the first retracted position to the second extended position by sliding beyond the upper end of the wick holder. Some embodiments include a snuffer cap affixed in a stationary relationship with respect to the top cap and placed beyond the distal end of the wick holder such that the snuffer sleeve contacts the snuffer cap in the second extended position to enclose a portion of the wick extending beyond the wick holder. 
         [0005]    In various embodiments, a fitting is included to affix the canister to a liquid fuel container. The wick holder may extend through the fitting. In some embodiments the canister, the snuffer sleeve, and the wick holder share a common central axis. 
         [0006]    The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof comprises a torch having a wick holder with a combustion end and a fuel reservoir end. The torch has a snuffer sleeve in a sliding engagement surrounding the wick holder and having a retracted position and an extended position wherein the snuffer sleeve extends beyond the combustion end of the wick holder. A biasing member urges the snuffer sleeve toward the extended position. The weight of the snuffer sleeve and the force of the biasing member are such that the snuffer sleeve remains in the retracted position when the torch is upright. The snuffer sleeve extends to the extended position in response to an impact between the torch and a torch supporting surface when the snuffer sleeve is deviated from a vertical position more than a predetermined amount. The vertical position is defined by a position of the snuffer sleeve wherein the combustion end is fully superior to the fuel reservoir end. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments the wick holder passes coaxially through a canister that retains the snuffer sleeve position inside the canister when in the retracted position. The canister may have a top cap with a central opening sized to pass the snuffer sleeve but retain within the canister a flange affixed to the sleeve. The biasing member may be a coil spring that surrounds the wick holder and engages against the flange to urge the snuffer sleeve toward the extended position. The torch may have a stationary snuffer cap spaced apart a fixed distance from the combustion end of the wick holder such that the snuffer sleeve contacts the snuffer cap when the snuffer sleeve is in the extended position. 
         [0008]    The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a device having a canister defining an interior volume between a fuel container fitting and a top cap, a wick holder passing through the interior volume, and a snuffer sleeve slidingly engaged with the wick holder between. A flange extends from the snuffer sleeve inside the interior volume, the flange being retained within the interior volume by the top cap. A spring is within the interior volume on an opposite side of the flange from the top cap. The snuffer sleeve has an extended position that places the snuffer sleeve at least partially off the wick holder and out of the interior volume. The snuffer has a retracted position wherein the flange compresses the spring in the interior volume. The snuffer is retained in the retracted position when the canister is upright and the snuffer is moved by the spring to the extended position when the canister is tipped to one side. 
         [0009]    The device may further comprise a free weight interposing the flange and the top cap. The spring may be a coil spring circumscribing the wick holder. Some embodiments include a snuffer cap affixed to the top cap such that the snuffer sleeve contacts the snuffer cap when in the extended position but not when in the retracted position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of a liquid fueled torch with a spring loaded snuffer according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective cutaway view of the torch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the torch of  FIG. 1  showing the snuffer in the extended position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a liquid fueled torch with a spring loaded snuffer in the extended position according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0014]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a liquid fueled torch  100  with a spring loaded snuffer  116  according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The torch  100  comprises a burner  102  affixed to a fuel reservoir  104 . The burner  102  includes a canister  106  with a fitting  108  allowing the burner  102  to be connected to the reservoir  104 . In some embodiments, the fitting  108  is a threaded fitting such that the burner  102  can be removed from the reservoir  104 , allowing selective access into the reservoir  104  for refueling and the like. 
         [0015]    The reservoir  104  and the burner  102  may comprise metals or metal alloys. The materials of construction should be suitably resilient against heat, and corrosion so as to provide a useful service life for the components. In some embodiments, all or part of the burner  102  and/or reservoir  104  may be painted or otherwise coated with a heat and/or corrosion resistant material. 
         [0016]    The burner  102  may also include a top cap  110  affixed to the canister  106 . The cap  110  includes an aperture  109 , which may be defined near an upper domed surface of the cap  110 . The aperture  109  provides for passage of a wick holder  112  and a wick  114 . In some embodiments, the wick holder  112  retains the wick  114  in a friction fit relationship. The wick  114  may be a woven fiberglass wick designed to last for an extended length of time. 
         [0017]    As will be described in greater detail below, a snuffer  116  is at least partially extendable through the aperture  109  to selectively surround the exposed portion of the wick  114 . Any flame or combustion occurring on the wick  114  is thereby extinguished by oxygen starvation. 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective cutaway view of the torch  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown. Here, it can be seen that the canister  106  defines an interior volume  201  that may be said to be bounded by the canister wall  106  as well as the top cap  110  and a canister floor  107 . 
         [0019]    The wick holder  112  can be seen to pass through the interior volume  201  of the canister  106  and spanning from a distal end  113 , proximate the aperture  109 , down to a proximal end  111  that may extend through the floor  107  and even partially beyond the fitting  108 . The wick holder  112  may be affixed to the floor  107  where it passes therethrough. 
         [0020]    Throughout the present disclosure, various components are referred to as having “proximal” or “distal” parts and/or positions. It should be understood that these refer to the relative position of the components to what might be considered a medial portion of the torch  100 . Such a medial portion of the torch  100  would be, for example, near the floor  107  and/or fitting  108 , or near where the burner  102  and reservoir  104  are joined. 
         [0021]    In  FIG. 2 , the torch  100  is illustrated in an upright position and therefore a distal component would be one that is oriented towards the top of the torch  100  versus a proximal component that would be oriented closer to the lower or middle portion of the torch  100 . In each case, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a distal orientation would be fully superior to the corresponding proximal orientation. The terms “proximal” and “distal” are also used for purposes of clarity when, as below, the torch  100  is described as having been tilted or overturned. In such case, directions such as “up” or “down” might be less descriptive or even incorrect but the terms “proximal” and “distal” will remain the same. 
         [0022]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the distal end  113  of the wick holder  112  might also be said to be a combustion end of the wick holder  112 . This is because distal end  113  of the wick holder  111  is nearest to where fuel is drawn in by the wick  114  is actually burned or combusted. The proximal end  111  may also be said to be a fuel reservoir end. The proximal end  111  is nearest to the fuel reservoir  104  and, as shown, may even be partially inserted into the reservoir  104 . The wick  114  is shown extending from the distal or combustion end  113 , down through the wick holder  112 , and beyond the fuel reservoir or distal end  113  into a quantity of liquid fuel  210  illustrated in the reservoir  104 . As previously described, the level or amount of fuel  210  in the reservoir  104  may be replenished by removing the burner  102  from the reservoir  104 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates the torch  100  in an upright position. The snuffer  116  comprises a sleeve  200  spanning between a distal end  203  and a proximal portion  201 . Affixed to the proximal portion  201  is a flange  202  that may extend laterally from the sleeve  200 . The snuffer  116  is illustrated in a retracted or proximal position. The snuffer  116  in this position may compress or rest upon a biasing member or spring  204 . In the present embodiment, the spring  204  circumscribes the wick holder  112 , as does the snuffer  116 . In embodiments where a spring  204  circumscribes the wick holder  112 , the flange  202  may only be wide enough to just cover the spring  204 . However, in other embodiments, the flange  202  may extend further, even so far as to substantially fill the width of the canister  106 . 
         [0024]    The spring  204  may be a steel coil spring but could also be an appropriately arranged leaf spring, or other type of spring. A single spring  204  is illustrated here and circumscribes or surrounds the wick holder  112 . While having the spring  204  circumscribe the wick holder may confer benefits such as properly locating the spring  204 , other embodiments use springs that are detached from the wick holder  112 . For example, one or more springs (coil, leaf, or otherwise) could be oriented to act in parallel to the wick holder  112 , but not necessary circumscribe the wick holder. Some embodiments provide for two or more parallel springs (not shown) arranged radially about the wick holder  112  to distribute forces to the flange  202  evenly. In further embodiments still, multiple springs may be arranged to circumscribe the wick holder and be stacked atop one another or nested. It will also be appreciated that there could be one or more springs circumscribing the wick holder  112 , while one or more additional springs are parallel but not circumscribing. 
         [0025]    The snuffer  116  is in a sliding engagement with the wick holder  112 . In the viewpoint of  FIG. 2 , where the torch  100  is upright, the snuffer  116  compresses the spring  204  and remains in the retracted or proximal position. In this position, the distal end  203  of the snuffer sleeve  200  terminates at approximately the same position as the distal end  113  of the wick holder  112 . This allows combustion to take place on the exposed portion of the wick  114  unimpeded. The distal end  113  of the wick holder  112  as well as the distal end  203  of the sleeve  200  may both terminate at or slightly below the aperture  109  defined in the cap  110 . This provides for maximal exposure of the wick  114  when the torch  100  is in the upright position. 
         [0026]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that the components comprising the torch  100  are all coaxial about a central axis AA. Further, the reservoir  104  and burner  102 , as well interior components of the burner such as the wick holder  114  and snuffer  116  are generally cylindrical. Although such an arrangement may provide each of manufacture and assembly, the coaxially and cylindrical arrangement are not necessary for all embodiments encompassed by the present disclosure. The shape of the reservoir  104 , for example, may conform to the shape of a table top torch holder (not shown) or a bamboo or wicker lawn torch holder (not shown). 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the torch  100  of  FIG. 1 , showing the snuffer  116  in an extended position, is shown. The appearance of the torch  100  in  FIG. 3  may correspond, for example, to the torch  100  having been tipped fully or partially onto its side. In such case, the spring  204  pressing against the flange  202  is able to overcome the weight of the snuffer  116 , thereby extending the snuffer into the extended or distal position shown in  FIG. 3 . As can be seen, in the extended position, the distal end  203  of the sleeve  200  extends beyond the previously exposed portion of the wick  114 . In such a configuration, the wick  114  will quickly become starved of oxygen and any flame or combustion on the wick  114  will rapidly come to an end. 
         [0028]    The distal end  203  of the sleeve  200  extends beyond the top of the wick  114  sufficiently to starve any flame on the wick  114  of oxygen resulting in the flame being extinguished. In the present embodiment, with the sleeve  200  only marginally larger in diameter than the wick holder  112 , the flame will be quickly and reliably extinguished when the distal end  203  of the sleeve  200  extends beyond the top of the wick  114  at least twice as far as the diameter of the wick  114 . 
         [0029]    The degree to which the torch  100  must tip or tilt in order to deploy the snuffer  116  distally such that any flame is extinguished may vary depending upon a number of factors. One such factor is the strength or spring rate of the spring  204 . Another factor is the weight of the snuffer  116 . In one embodiment, the spring and weight of the snuffer  116  are configured such that the snuffer  116  extends into the distal position if the torch  100  has tilted more than about 30 degrees. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, maximum extension is not achieved until the torch  100  has tilted by greater than 45 degrees. In further embodiments still, the spring  204  and snuffer  116  may be configured such that maximum distal extension is not achieved until the torch  100  is tilted approximately 90 degrees, which would correspond to the torch  100  having been tipped completely onto its side. Some embodiments perform in use such that maximum distal extension is assured by an approximately 90 degree (or greater) tilt accompanied by an impact that would correspond to the torch  100  having impacted the ground or other supporting surface upon turning over completely. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, to further control or adjust the weight applied to the spring  204  in various positions, an additional weight  302  (shown in phantom) may be provided in the interior volume  201  of the canister  106 . The weight  302  may be a free weight, such as a metal sphere or ball bearing that is allowed to move freely within the interior volume  201 . 
         [0032]    In the present embodiment, the flange  202  is sized such that the weight  302  always remains on the opposite side of the flange  202  from the spring  204 . Stated another way, the weight  302  is always between the flange  202  and the top cap  110 . Such a configuration may provide additional downward force on the spring  204  when the torch  100  is upright, thereby ensuring that the wick  114  is maximally exposed. If and when the torch  100  begins to tip, the weight  302  will provide less and less force against the spring  204 , thereby ensuring that the snuffer  116  and the sleeve  200  reach maximal extension to smother any flame. 
         [0033]    The flange  202  may be sized larger in diameter than the aperture  109  such that the snuffer  116  remains captive to the burner  102  and remains at least partially inside the interior volume  201  of the canister  102 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of another embodiment of a liquid fueled torch  400  with a spring loaded snuffer  116  is shown. The torch  400  is substantially similar or identical to the torch  100  of  FIGS. 1-3  except for the inclusion of a remote cap  402 . The remote cap  402  comprises a stationary snuffer cap  404  affixed a spaced apart distance from the aperture  109  by a stationary arm  406 . The snuffer cap  404  is a planar component, oriented generally perpendicularly to the distal end  203  of the sleeve  200 . The snuffer cap  440  may be spaced apart sufficiently from the aperture  109  so as to allow the wick  114  to burn freely when the snuffer  116  is in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the wick  114  may even extend so far as to be in contact with the snuffer cap  404 . When the snuffer  116  is in the fully extended position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the wick  114  is completely surrounded and encapsulated such that any combustion is snuffed out or starved for oxygen such that it cannot continue. 
         [0035]    It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. 
         [0036]    If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. 
         [0037]    It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element. 
         [0038]    It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. 
         [0039]    Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. 
         [0040]    Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks. 
         [0041]    The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs. 
         [0042]    For purposes of the instant disclosure, the term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a ranger having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. Terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) should be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise. Absent a specific definition and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be ±10% of the base value. 
         [0043]    When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)—(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded. 
         [0044]    It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising of two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility). 
         [0045]    Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) are to be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise herein. Absent a specific definition within this disclosure, and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10% of the base value. 
         [0046]    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.