Abstract:
The present invention is directed toward a system for stoking and arranging materials in a fire. An air flow generator is configured to flow air down a passage in a hollow rod that is configured to prod and rearrange the combustible matter of a burning fire. The hollow rod is durable enough to poke and reposition the combustible materials in a fire. While this poking and repositioning is occurring, air sent from the air flow generator is conducted at an outlet of the hollow rod, thereby stoking the flame burning the combustible matter while the combustible matter is also being poked and prodded at. The hollow rod can be configured to be a telescoping hollow rod that is permitted to extend and collapse on itself for more convenient storage and transport options.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/087,583, Filed Nov. 22, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Various outdoor and indoor activities incorporate and are centered around an open source of fire, from log bonfires to wood burning stoves. As the popularity of hiking and camping and other recreational activities increase, more individuals will be utilizing open fires, like log fueled fires, to provide heat for cooking and warmth, among other things. Outdoor tailgates at football and other sporting events often include charcoal barbeque grills. Indoor fireplaces that are fueled, at least in part, by wooden logs or the equivalent, as well as the types of outdoor fires mentioned, require to be properly ignited and maintained. 
         [0003]    Proper ignition and maintenance of a log or charcoal fire, or the equivalent, can include providing enough air to circulate oxygen and fuel areas of the fire while it kindles. Other ways to maintain a camp or cook fire include rearranging the material fueling the combustion so that air can be more evenly and efficiently circulated around the burning matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    Various features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of the fire stoking and poking system; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a system operable according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a system that retracts via a telescoping hollow rod, and operable according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a system that extends via a telescoping hollow rod, and operable according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E,  3 F,  3 G,  3 H,  3 I,  3 J,  3 K,  3 L,  3 M, and  3 N are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of a fire stoking and poking system including a design theme; and 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a process flow diagram showing a method of providing oxygen to a fire while rearranging the burning combustible matter of the fire. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0011]    An example of the current techniques includes a system for stoking a fire with air and arranging materials in a fire. The stoking and poking system includes an air flow generator connected to a power source. The system also includes a hollow rod connected to the air flow generator, wherein the hollow rod is configured to conduct air sent from the air flow generator at an outlet or number of outlets of the hollow rod. 
         [0012]    Another example includes a method for stoking a fire and rearranging combustible matter in a fire. The method includes generating a flow of air at an air flow generator, and flowing the flow of air from the air flow generator through a hollow rod that is connected to the air flow generator at a near end of the hollow rod. The method also includes stoking a fire with a far end of the hollow rod, wherein the far end of the hollow rod is configured to outlet the flow of air generated by the air flow generator. The method discloses altering a position of combustible matter in the fire with the far end of the hollow rod while the flow of air is conducted through an outlet of the hollow rod. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    The present disclosure provides systems and techniques for stoking and poking combustible material in a fire. Exemplary embodiments of the current system include providing air and oxygen to select areas of a fire while simultaneously rearranging the combustible particles into preferred positions. Through the system disclosed herein, a user is able to prod the constituent matter of the fire and reposition material for desired burning, while air is being conducted at certain areas of the fire. The system can be made from a hollow metal rod or a similar structure that is configured to be resistant, at least in part, to damage from fire and excessive heat. 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of the fire stoking and poking system  100 . The system  100  is configured to attach an air flow generator  102  to a hollow rod  104  at a point of attachment/detachment  106 , so the hollow rod  104  can be disconnected from the air flow generator  102  when preferred. The hollow rod  104  can be configured to include a handle  108 . The air flow generator  102  can be a battery powered blower, a fan system including an electric motor and a fan connected to a rotatable shaft of the electric motor (not shown). The air flow generator  102  can include an “On/Off” switch  110  that may be toggled to start or stop generating a flow of air. 
         [0015]    The air flow generator  102  can be housed by a housing. The housing of the air flow generator  102  can include a handle  112 , as the hollow rod  104  can include a handle  108 , for safer and easier use of the system  100 . The hollow rod  104  can include a hook  114  as shown in the exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 1 , or a prong structure that is effective at moving burning wood, as embodied by another example. The hook  114  permits a user to more effectively break-up and relocate burning material in a fire. The air flow generator  102 , together with the hook  114  and durable hollow rod  104 , create an effective tool for a user to stoke a flame with oxygen provided by air generated by the air flow generator  102 . The generated air is configured to be conducted through an outlet or multiple outlets at the end of the hollow rod  104 . 
         [0016]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a system  200  operable according to embodiments of the present invention. The system  200  shows how the hollow rod  204  is configured to be telescoping, and is able to collapse into a compacted position  220  or extend into an extended position  222 . The poking and stoking system  200  is configured to attach an air flow generator  202  to a hollow telescoping rod  204  at a point of attachment/detachment  206 . Thus, the hollow telescoping rod  204  can simply be connected and disconnected from the air flow generator  202  when preferred, and the telescoping rod  204  retreated to meet compact storage needs. 
         [0017]    The hollow telescoping rod  204  can be made of a series of hollow rods of progressively smaller diameters. The hollow rods of various diameter are coupled at various diameter sleeves  208  along the hollow telescoping rod  204 . The hollow rods of various diameter can extend and retract and the orientation of the diameter sleeves  208  will dictate where the various points of expansion and retraction may occur. When fully extended, the hollow telescoping rod  204  can optionally be configured to lock in the extended position, adding to the durability and ensuring the desired repositioning functionality. 
         [0018]    The hollow telescoping rod  204  can be lightweight, and can be configured to include a handle  210 . The air flow generator  202  can be a fan system including an electric motor and a fan connected to a rotatable shaft of the electric motor (not shown). The air flow generator  202  can be powered from a variety of sources, including a standard lithium or alkaline battery, or other types of batteries, an electrical connection via a power cord and energized electrical outlet, or even a battery configured to store energy generated by solar or wind power. The air flow generator  202  can include an “On/Off” switch  210 . The switch  210  can be toggled by a user to start or stop generating a flow of air. The fan of the air flow generator  202  can optionally be a variable speed fan, and an additional switch (not shown) for controlling the speed of the fan can also be implemented. 
         [0019]    The air flow generator  202  can be housed by a housing. The housing of the air flow generator  202  can optionally include a handle  212 , and the hollow rod  204  can include a handle  210 , for more safe and easy use of the poking and stoking system  200 . The hollow telescoping rod  204  can include a hook  216  as shown in the exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 2 . The hook  216  permits a user to more effectively break-up and relocate burning material in a fire. The hollow telescoping rod  204  must be configured to withstand damage from flames and excessive heat. The telescoping hollow rod  204  is also configured to be strong enough to withstand the force of repositioning combustible materials, like wooden logs, in a fire without the fully-extended rod  204  bending or breaking. 
         [0020]    The air flow generator  202 , together with the hook  214  and durable telescoping hollow rod  204 , create an effective tool for a user to stoke a flame with oxygen provided by air generated at the air flow generator  202 . Air that is generated is configured to be conducted through an outlet  218  at the end of the hollow telescoping rod  204 . There can be one or more than one outlet  218  at the end of the hollow telescoping rod  204  where the generated air is directed to flow out. The generated air may fuel the flames of a fire while the hook  214  or prong at the end of the hollow telescoping rod  204  can prod material into desired positions. Furthermore, the telescoping design of the hollow rod  204 , in addition to the attachment/detachment interface  206 , allows users to conveniently break down, and more easily store and carry the poking and stoking system  200 . The end of the hollow rod can be pointed as indicated for more effective poking and moving of materials. The air from the air flow generator  202  can still flow out of the far end of the hollow rod  204 , but will exit through an outlet  218  upstream of the pointed end. 
         [0021]    The system  200  described herein is useful for individuals on the move, and with limited space for packing a conventional device for fire maintenance. The system  200  is configured to advantageously maintain a non-gas lit fire, whether burning indoors outdoors, by stoking some areas and materials while simultaneously pulling and prodding around other areas and materials of the fire. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a system  200  that retracts via a telescoping hollow rod, and operable according to embodiments of the present invention. The figure shows how only a small amount of space  220  is occupied by the hollow telescoping rod when the rod has been retracted into its most compact position. The hollow telescoping rod  204  is configured to attach and detach from the air flow generator  202  for easy storage and accessibility. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a system  200  that extends via a telescoping hollow rod, and operable according to embodiments of the present invention. The figure indicates the extended length  222  of the hollow telescoping rod  204 . When the system  200  is in this extended position  222 , some embodiments of the claimed method and system can be utilized, i.e., poking and rearranging of burning matter while simultaneously stoking the flame. In both  FIGS. 2B and 2C , the handle  210  is facing in a downward direction, in the same plane as the air flow generator. Also, both these figures show a hook  216  that is oriented in the down position. 
         [0024]    The schematic of  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C is not intended to indicate that the system  200  is to include all of the components shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C. Further, any number of additional components may be included within the system  200 , depending on the details of the specific implementation. For example, additional hooks or air flow outlets can be included to achieve the desired stoking and poking of the combustible material of a fire. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire stoking and poking system  300  including a design theme. The design theme can be a custom-made design theme functioning as a housing for the system  300 . Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 1 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3A  illustrates a baseball-themed outer casing  301  that surrounds the air flow generator  102 . The outer casing  301  can be in the shape and style of a baseball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  102  and system  300 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a system  300  that extends and retracts via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is operable according to embodiments of the present invention. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 2 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3B  illustrates a baseball-themed outer casing  302  that surrounds the air flow generator  202 . The outer casing  302  can be in the shape and style of a baseball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  202  and system  300 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 3C  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire stoking and poking system  300  including a design theme. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 1 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3C  illustrates a football-themed outer casing  303  that surrounds the air flow generator  102 . The outer casing  303  can be in the shape and style of a football, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  102  and system  300 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3D  illustrates a system  300  that extends and retracts via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is operable according to embodiments of the present invention. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 2 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3D  illustrates a football-themed outer casing  304  that surrounds the air flow generator  202 . The outer casing  304  can be in the shape and style of a football, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  202  and system  300 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3E  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire stoking and poking system  300  including a design theme. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 1 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3E  illustrates a soccer-themed outer casing  305  that surrounds the air flow generator  102 . The outer casing  305  can be in the shape and style of a soccer ball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  102  and system  300 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 3F  illustrates a system  300  that extends and retracts via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is operable according to embodiments of the present invention. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 2 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3F  illustrates a soccer-themed outer casing  306  that surrounds the air flow generator  202 . The outer casing  306  can be in the shape and style of a soccer ball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  202  and system  300 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 3G  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire stoking and poking system  300  including a design theme. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 1 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3G  illustrates a basketball-themed outer casing  307  that surrounds the air flow generator  102 . The outer casing  307  can be in the shape and style of a basketball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  102  and system  300 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3H  illustrates a system  300  that extends and retracts via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is operable according to embodiments of the present invention. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 2 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3H  illustrates a basketball-themed outer casing  308  that surrounds the air flow generator  202 . The outer casing  308  can be in the shape and style of a basketball, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  202  and system  300 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3I  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire stoking and poking system  300  including a design theme. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 1 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3I  illustrates a football-themed outer casing  309  that surrounds the air flow generator  102 . The outer casing  309  can be in the shape and style of a football helmet, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  102  and system  300 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3J  illustrates a system  300  that extends and retracts via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is operable according to embodiments of the present invention. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 2 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3J  illustrates a football-themed outer casing  310  that surrounds the air flow generator  202 . The outer casing  310  can be in the shape and style of a football helmet, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  202  and system  300 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3K  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire stoking and poking system  300  including a design theme. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 1 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3K  illustrates a hockey-themed outer casing  311  that surrounds the air flow generator  102 . The outer casing  311  can be in the shape and style of a hockey puck, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  102  and system  300 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3L  illustrates a system  300  that extends and retracts via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is operable according to embodiments of the present invention. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 2 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3L  illustrates a hockey-themed outer casing  312  that surrounds the air flow generator  202 . The outer casing  312  can be in the shape and style of a hockey puck, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  202  and system  300 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3M  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a fire stoking and poking system  300  including a design theme. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 1 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3M  illustrates a racecar-themed outer casing  311  that surrounds the air flow generator  102 . The outer casing  313  can be in the shape and style of a stock car or racing vehicle, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  102  and system  300 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 3N  illustrates a system  300  that extends and retracts via a telescoping hollow rod, includes a design theme, and is operable according to embodiments of the present invention. Like-numbered components can be described, for example, with respect to  FIG. 2 . The system  300  of  FIG. 3N  illustrates a racecar-themed outer casing  314  that surrounds the air flow generator  202 . The outer casing  312  can be in the shape and style of a stock car or racing vehicle, while functioning as a rigid exterior for the air flow generator  202  and system  300 . 
         [0039]    The schematics of  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E,  3 F,  3 G,  3 H,  3 I,  3 J,  3 K,  3 L,  3 M, and  3 N are not intended to indicate that the system  300  is to include all of the components shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E,  3 F,  3 G,  3 H,  3 I,  3 J,  3 K,  3 L,  3 M, and  3 N. Further, any number of additional components may be included within the system  300 , depending on the details of the specific implementation. For example, various additional themes can be used as functional housings for an air flow generator that are aesthetically pleasing. Custom-made design themes can also be used as examples for an outer casing of the fire poking and stoking system described herein. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a process flow diagram showing a method of providing oxygen to a fire while rearranging the burning combustible matter of that fire. The method for stoking a fire and repositioning combustible matter in a fire  400  begins at block  402 , where a flow of air is generated at an air flow generator. The air flow generator can be a fan connected to a rotatable shaft of an electric motor, and the electric motor can receive electrical power from a variety of different sources. The air flow generator effectively pumps oxygen to a fire to stoke combustion where the air flow is directed. 
         [0041]    The method  400  continues at block  404 , when air from the air flow generator is flowed through a hollow rod that is connected to the air flow generator at a near end of the hollow rod. The near end of the hollow rod is configured to readily attach and detach from a point of attachment found on the housing of the air flow generator. The fan or blower connected to the electric motor is configured to pump air from the near end of the hollow rod to an outlet at the far end of the hollow rod. 
         [0042]    At block  406 , a fire is stoked with the far end of the hollow rod, wherein the far end of the hollow rod is configured to outlet the flow of air generated by the air flow generator. There can be a single outlet or there can be multiple outlets at the end of the hollow rod. An outlet at the far end of the hollow rod is configured to conduct a concentrated stream of air and oxygen pumped from the near end of the hollow rod to fuel a particular area of a fire. 
         [0043]    At block  408 , the position or placement of combustible matter in the fire is altered by using the far end of the hollow rod while the flow of air is conducted through an outlet of the hollow rod. The hollow rod should be structurally configured to endure, without significant bending, the force and stress associated with altering, prodding, or repositioning heavy combustible matter in a fire, such as a wooden log. The hollow rod can optionally be aligned telescopically, wherein the hollow rod is configured to extend and collapse on itself, thereby saving space while maintaining functionality. The hollow rod can also be configured to include a hook or a prong mechanism at the far end of the hollow rod, making the task of arranging the combustible material in a fire more simple and effective. 
         [0044]    The process flow diagram of  FIG. 4  is not intended to indicate that the steps of the method  400  are to be executed in any particular order, or that all of the steps of the method  400  are to be included in every case. Further, any number of additional steps not shown in  FIG. 4  may be included within the method  400 , depending on the details of the specific implementation. 
         [0045]    While the present techniques may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the embodiments discussed above have been shown only by way of example. However, it should again be understood that the techniques are not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein. Indeed, the present techniques include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.