Abstract:
A device having a flame bowl surrounded by a first, inner shroud. The device includes a shell having a second, outer shroud on an upper portion thereof, the outer shroud circumscribing at least a portion of the first shroud, and a support supporting the flame bowl and the first shroud in a fixed relationship with respect to the outer shroud.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates to liquid fueled torches in general and, more particularly, to a liquid fueled torch that isolates heated components from a user. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Liquid fueled torches are utilized for a number of purposes such as lighting, decoration, and pest repellence. Some fuel and torch combinations operate at extremely high temperatures. This is particularly so where a large flame presence is desired, or where high temperatures are utilized to disperse repellants or other useful substances. For safety reasons, torches are rarely left unattended; and some users will want to place torches into storage as soon as possible after use. Sometimes it may also be desirable to relocate a torch that is operating, or has recently been operating. 
     What is needed is a system and method for addressing the above, and related, issues. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof, comprises a device having a flame bowl surrounded by a first, inner shroud. The device includes a shell having a second, outer shroud on an upper portion thereof, the outer shroud circumscribing at least a portion of the first shroud, and a support supporting the flame bowl and the first shroud in a fixed relationship with respect to the outer shroud. 
     In some embodiments, the support is perforated. An interior of the shell may have a lip providing a resting place for the support. In some embodiments the device has a slot defined in the lip, and a tab protruding from the support that interfits with the lip to retain the inner shroud in a fixed rotational relationship with respect to the outer shroud. The first and second shrouds may each be cut at an angle relative to the flame bowl such that each shroud has a high side and a low side. In some embodiments, the high sides and the low sides will be in substantially the same radial location with respect to the flame bowl. 
     The flame bowl may comprise a wick holder surrounded by a textured surface. The flame bowl may further comprise a threaded connection that interfits with a threaded neck of a fuel canister that is suspended from the flame bowl at least partially within the shell. 
     Some embodiments may include a snuffer cap sized to substantially cover the first shroud, and a retainer hook affixed to the shell for retaining the snuffer cap when not in use. 
     The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a device having a flame bowl containing a wick in fluid communication with a fuel supply, a support attached to the flame bowl, and a torch body at least partially surrounding the support. The device has a first shroud in relative close proximity to the flame bowl and supported relative to the torch body by the heat dissipating support, and a second shroud at least partially surrounding the first shroud and supported by the torch body. 
     In some embodiments, each of the shrouds provides a relative high side and a relative low side and the high sides and low sides are fixed in the same rotational position relative to the flame bowl. A slotted lip may be provided by the torch body on an interior thereof, the slotted lip fitting with a tab on the support for maintaining the rotational positions of the shrouds. 
     A fuel canister containing the fuel supply may be attached to the flame bowl suspended at least partially within the torch body. The fuel canister may be connected to the flame bowl by a threaded fitting. 
     The support may comprise a heat dissipated perforated metal support. In another embodiment, the support is a heat isolating bridge. The flame bowl may be supported entirely below a level of the second shroud on the torch body. In another embodiment, the flame bowl is supported at least partially above a level of the second shroud on the torch body. 
     The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a method including providing a flame bowl and a fuel supply suspended within a torch body by a heat dissipating support member, providing a first shroud in relative close proximity to the flame bowl, and providing a second shroud on the torch body at least partially surrounding the first shroud. 
     Some embodiments of the method include cutting the first and second shrouds at an angle relative to the flame bowl producing a high side and a low side on each shroud, and fixing the high side of each shroud at substantially the same rotational relationship with respect to the flame bowl. Some embodiments may also include providing a perforated metal support as the heat dissipating support member. The flame bowl may be texturized and provided with a threaded fitting thereon for retaining the fuel supply within the torch body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a heat isolating torch according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the torch of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side cutaway view of the torch of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a heat isolating torch according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a top down view of the shell of the heat isolating torch of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the torch of  FIG. 1  with the snuffer cap on top. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the torch of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a flame bowl support for use with the torch of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of another flame bowl support for use with the torch of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9B  is a side cutaway view of the support of  FIG. 9A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of one embodiment of a heat isolating torch according to the present disclosure is shown. The torch  100  is referred to herein as being “heat isolating” due to the features described herein that reduce the temperature of the torch  100  at locations where a user would be likely to grasp or touch the torch  100 . The torch  100  has a body  102  that may be made from steel or another metal. In some embodiments, the surface of the body  102  may comprise rolled steel and have a brushed or stainless appearance. Other embodiments may have a body  102  comprising a polymer or another suitable material. The body  102  may be cylindrical with a tapered lower portion. The body  102  also comprises an outer shroud  104 . In some embodiments, the shroud  104  will be a continuous portion of the body  102 . 
     The torch  100  may also comprise an inner shroud  106  surrounding a flame bowl  108 . The flame bowl  108  and/or an interior portion of the inner shroud  106  may be texturized to promote a large and/or decorative flame from the wick  100 . The inner shroud  106  and the flame bowl  108  may comprise steel or another heat resistant material. The wick  110  may be a durable fiberglass wick or another wick capable of withstanding high temperatures without being consumed. 
     A support  112  offsets the inner shroud  106  and flame bowl  108  from the body  102  of the torch  100 . In some embodiments, the support  112  may be perforated in order to allow dissipation of heat as well as limiting heat that can be transferred from the inner shroud  106  and/or flame bowl  108  to the torch body  102 . In some embodiments, the support  112  will comprise a heat resistant steel, and may comprise the same material as the flame bowl  108  and/or inner shroud  106 . 
     The torch body  102  may have an attached pole  114  that may be placed in the ground or otherwise affixed to a secure surface. The pole  114  may be wooden, metal, plastic, or made from another material. In other embodiments, the torch  100  may be freestanding or configured for placement on a tabletop. A hook  116  may be provided on the body  102 , the pole  114 , or at the conjunction of the two, as shown. In the present embodiment, the hook  116  is configured to retain a snuffer cap  118 , via an attached handle  119 , when the cap  118  is not in use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side view of the torch  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown. From the viewpoint of  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that the outer shroud  104  and inner shroud  106  are cut at an angle in the present embodiment. This configuration is decorative in some embodiments, but in other embodiments the configuration will allow for additional heat isolation and/or dispersion. It can also be seen that, in the present embodiment, the inner shroud  106  is raised only slightly above the level of the outer shroud  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side cutaway view of the torch of  FIG. 1  is shown.  FIG. 3  illustrates additional componentry within the torch  100  as well as certain dimensions of the particular exemplary embodiment shown. It can be seen that a fuel canister  302  is stored at least partially within the torch body  102 . In the present embodiment, the fuel canister  302  has a threaded neck  304  that interfits with a threaded connector  306  on the lower portion of the flame bowl  108 . In various embodiments, the canister may contain a supply of liquid torch fuel that may be imbued with other chemicals such as scents or repellants. 
     The flame bowl  108  can also be seen to provide a wick holder  308  that proceeds partially into the fuel canister  302  when the canister  302  is attached to the flame bowl  108 . The perforated support  112  may join the flame bowl  108  and/or inner shroud  106  proximate a seam between the two components. The support  112  supports the inner shroud  106 , the flame bowl  108 , and the fuel canister  302 , each at a predetermined height within the torch body  102  and/or outer shroud  104 . 
     In the present embodiment, a lip  310  is provided on the interior of the torch body  102 . The lip  310  provides a surface for engaging or supporting the support  112 . In some embodiments, the lip  310  will define a slot or hole  312  at a certain location. A tab  314  that protrudes from the support  112  may interfit with the slot  314  in order to ensure that, when assembled, the components each maintain the proper relationship relative to one another. In the present embodiment, one function of the cooperating slot  312  and tab  314  is to ensure that an uppermost rim  320  of the outer shroud  104  can be easily aligned with an uppermost rim  330  of the inner shroud  106 . Likewise, the slot  312  and tab  314  allow for easy alignment of a lowermost rim  322  of the outer shroud  104  with a lowermost rim  332  of the inner shroud  106 . 
     As previously discussed, one result of constructing a liquid fuel burning torch according to the present disclosure is that the surfaces that are likely to be touched by a user can be kept at a relatively safe temperature. In some embodiments, the selection of the materials comprising the torch  100  will play a role. For example, stainless steel has good thermal conductive properties. However, dimensions of the device may also need to be considered in order to ensure isolation and/or dispersion of high temperatures. Therefore, a set of dimensions are given below in conjunction with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . These dimensions may be used to produce a device of rolled steel with sufficient heat isolation and temperature dispersion properties to be safe for most users. However, this disclosure is not meant to be limited to the specific materials and dimensions given. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the overall height of the torch body  102 , including the shroud  104 , at the highest point is given by length A. In the present embodiment, this length is about 10.75 inches. A length B represents the shortest side of the torch body  102  in combination with the outer shroud  104 . The length B in the present embodiment is about 8.75 inches. In the present embodiment, the overall diameter of the torch body  102  near the outer shroud  104  is given by dimension C, which is about 3.75 inches. The diameter of the flame bowl  108  and inner shroud  106  is given by dimension D, which in the present embodiment is about 2.5 inches. In the present example, the height H, of the support  112  is about 1.25 inches. Although the size of the torch body  102  where it attaches to the pole  114 , length E, may be less critical to controlling temperature than some of the other dimensions, in the present embodiment it is about 1.5 inches. 
     Using the dimensions described above with respect to  FIG. 3 , when a common oil based torch fuel is utilized, the temperature at the rim  320  will be approximately 243° F. However, the temperature at the lower rim  322  of the outer shroud  104  will only be 164° F. Further down the torch body  102  temperatures continue to decrease. For example, in  FIG. 3 , a dimension B′ is given, which is approximately ⅔ of the length of the dimension B. At this location, the temperature of the torch  100  when operating is only about 146° F. 
     It is understood that the inner shroud  106  is generally not safe for user contact when the torch  100  is, or had recently been, operating. However, the overall design and configuration of the torch  100  is meant, in some respects, to discourage a user from inadvertently touching the relatively hot inner shroud  106 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , another embodiment  400  of a heat isolating torch is shown. The embodiment of  FIG. 4  is substantially similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , and shares most components and dimensions. However, in this embodiment, a perforated support  402  having height H′ (that is greater than the height H of the support  112 ) is employed. In the present embodiment, H′ is about 1.75 inches. This adjustment of the height of the support  402  elevates the flame bowl  108  at least partially above the level of the outer shroud  104 . The inner shroud  106  is elevated substantially above the outer shroud  104 . The increase in the height of the support  112  allows for additional heat dissipation from the support  112 , as well as providing a longer thermal conductive pathway to the torch body  102 . The result of this modification relative to the embodiment of  FIG. 3  is that the operating temperature of the upper rim  320  of the outer shroud  104  has drops to 176° F. The operating temperature of the lower rim  322  of the shroud  104  is approximately 137° F. and decreases along the length B proceeding toward the pole  114 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a top down view of the torch body  102  with the interior components removed is shown. Here, the lip  310  within the torch body  102  can be seen on the interior of the torch body  102 . The location of the upper rim  320  and lower rim  322  of the attached outer shroud  104  can also be seen relative to the slot  314  defined in the lip  310 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of a portion of the torch  100  is shown. Here, the snuffer cap  118  is shown in place over the inner shroud  106  and the flame bowl  108 . It can be seen how the generally cylindrically-shaped snuffer cap  118  will substantially cover and enclose the inner shroud  106 . When placed in the configuration shown, the snuffer cap  118  will safely extinguish any flame when the torch  100  is operational. The cap  118  is provided with a looped handle  119  that may also be used when placing the cap  118  into the position shown. This will minimize any chance that the user will contact the relatively hot inner shroud  106 . Once any flames have been extinguished, the cap  118  may be removed and replaced on the storage hook  116 , possibly using the handle  119 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an exploded view of the torch  100  is shown. Here, the major components of the torch  100  can be seen separately. When assembling the torch  100 , the fuel canister  302  may be attached to the flame bowl  108 . The combination of the fuel canister  302 , the flame bowl  108 , the inner shroud  106 , and the support  112  may then be lowered into the torch body  102 . The tab  314  may be inserted into the slot  312  to ensure that the outer shroud  104  and inner shroud  106  are in correct alignment relative to one another. The wick  110  may be inserted into the wick holder  308 . The wick holder  308  provides a friction fit to retain the wick  110  at the appropriate height. Depending upon the embodiment, the wick  110  may be extended further within the flame bowl  108  to produce greater flame, but at the expense of greater fuel consumption. As previously described, the snuffer cap  118  may be placed over the flame bowl  108  and inner shroud  106  to extinguish an operating torch. When not in use, the cap  118  may be stored on the hook  116 . 
     In the previously described embodiments, the supports  112 / 402  were described as being heat dissipating supports. The supports  112 / 402 , in some embodiments, comprise a metal having a relatively high heat conductance, but also being perforated to dissipate absorbed heat. In other embodiments, an approach may be used to isolate the heat generated in the flame bowl from the rest of the structure. Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of a flame bowl support  800  for use with the torch of  FIG. 1  is shown. This support  800  comprises a plurality of legs  804  attached to a ring  806 . The ring  806  may sit on the lip  310  ( FIG. 3 ) when the torch  100  is assembled. The ring  806  may also be provided with the tab  314  for fitting into the slot  312  of the lip  310 . 
     In some embodiment, the legs  804  will serve to isolate a flame bowl  802  from the rest of the torch  100 . In some embodiments, the legs  804  may be metal, but where additional heat isolation is sought, the legs  804  may comprise a ceramic, resin, or other material having a low thermal conductivity. 
     The fuel canister  302  is shown attached to a flame bowl  802  via threaded fitting  803 . Here the flame bowl  802  is relatively large compared to the wick  110 , which may result in a large flame appearance. The flame bowl  802  may comprise the same material as the support  800  or may be made from a different material. In can also be seen that the flame bowl  802  is generally cylindrical in shape rather than having a tapered appearance (e.g., a high side and a low side). It is understood that the tapered appearance of the previously described embodiments is only for illustration, and that inner and outer shrouds and/or flame bowls may have a differing appearances than illustrated. In some embodiments, the flame bowl  802  may be textured or coated on an interior thereof to promote a large flame and/or flame effects. 
       FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of another flame bowl support  900  for use with the torch  100  of  FIG. 1 . Here, the support  900  comprises a non-perforated cone  904  that rests upon lip  310  ( FIG. 3 ) and supports a flame bowl  902 . The support  904  may provide a tab  314  for fitting slot  312 . The flame bowl  902  may be generally cylindrical in shape or may have another outline. The cone  904  may comprise a metal, a ceramic, a resin, or another suitable material. In one embodiment, the material for the cone  904  may be chosen for its heat isolation properties. 
       FIG. 9B  is a side cutaway view of the support  900  of  FIG. 9A . Here a threaded fitting  910  can be seen. The fitting  910  may be used to attach the fuel reservoir  301  ( FIG. 3 ) to the cone  904  and/or base of the flame bowl  902 . The flame bowl  902  may comprise the same material as the support  900 , or may comprise a different material. An interior  906  of the flame bowl  902  may be textured or coated to promote a large flame and/or flame effects. A wick holder or wick passage  908  may be defined through the flame bowl  906  and/or support  900  for the wick  110 . 
     * * * 
     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.