Patent Publication Number: US-11021668-B2

Title: Fuel source shaving device and method(s) of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/613,252, filed Jan. 3, 2018. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently available ferro strikers provide only enough energy, spark output, to get something flammable ignited. For instance, ferro strikers are commonly used in conjunction with alcohol, petrol jelly, lighter fluid, a propane source, etc. In order to generate enough heat to make poor tinder ignite and burn, you need more heat source, ferro shavings, and/or sparks. 
     Ribbons of a ferro rod can burn for approximately 10-15 seconds at approximately 3000° C. (5500° F.). The ribbons of the ferro rod can turn into a pile of molten metal. Currently available devices for creating ribbons of material from a ferro rod typically include stainless steel components that are too soft and catastrophically lose their edge after only a few interactions with a ferro rod. 
     The overall idea for using poor, but burnable, tinder is to get rid of the moisture in the tinder and get the flammable materials of choice to take flame. Ribbons of a ferro rod run the potential to get otherwise unusable materials to promote a flame due to the long burn time and static storage effect of the ferro rod. 
     As such, there is a need for a device that can harvest ribbons of ferrocerium from a ferro rod for use in starting a fire in survival situations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fuel source shaving device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a fuel source shaving device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a fuel source shaving device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a fuel source shaving device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3C  is a back view of a fuel source shaving device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a fuel source shaving device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a fuel source shaving device kit according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention include a fuel source shaving device and method(s) of use for manipulating a fuel source. Typically, the device can be implemented to create ribbons of material from a fuel source having a substantially cylindrical shape, for example a rod. In some embodiments, the device can be implemented to create fine shavings of material. Of note, a purpose of the device can be altered based on a type of blade included with the device. For instance, the device can be implemented to create ribbons of ferrocerium from a ferrocerium rod. In another instance, the device can be implemented to create shavings of magnesium from a magnesium rod. In both instances, the rods can be rotated against a fixed blade of the device, with a design of the fixed blade determining if ribbons or shavings are created. In some embodiments, the device can include both a blade sharpened on one edge and a blade having a serrated edge. 
     In one embodiment, the device can include a housing, a tapered bore in the housing, and a blade located partially in the tapered bore. Of note, the blade can be angled inside the bore to follow a pitch of the tapered bore. For instance, a first end of the blade can be located closer to an outside edge of the housing and a second end can be located more towards a middle of the housing. The blade can generally be manufactured from hardened steel (e.g., S7 tool steel) that has a Rockwell rating of 60 or similar rating. Of note, an angle formed between a surface of a rod inserted into the device and the blade can be approximately 15 to 90 degrees. 
     In a typical implementation, a ferrocerium rod can be inserted into and rotated inside the bore of the device. As the rod is rotated, the blade can be used to cut a ribbon of material off of an outer surface of the rod. Of note, another opening or slot can be located proximate a length of the blade to allow the ribbon to exit the housing. 
     In another embodiment, the device can include a housing, a tapered bore, and a blade having a serrated edge and surface. The serrated edge and surface can be implemented to create shavings of material from a rod inserted into and rotated against the serrated blade. In such an embodiment, the device can include a cap (or collection chamber) proximate an end of the device such that the shavings may be collected in the cap. As can be appreciated, the shavings may then be dispersed when needed. In some instances, the shavings can be stored in the cap for use at a later time. 
     In some embodiments, the device can be part of a kit including a rod of combustible material and a housing for the rod of combustible material. Of note, the housing for the rod can be implemented as a handle and/or a storage container. The housing can provide protection for the rod from the elements when not in use. In some embodiments, each of the components can be threadably coupled to each other. For instance, the device can be a cap for the housing and threadably couple to a first end of the housing. The combustible material rod can be threaded on one end to threadably engage a second end of the housing. To use the kit, each of the components can be disengaged from the housing and the combustible material rod can be inserted into and rotated against a blade of the device. 
     In one embodiment, the previously mentioned kit can further include a collection chamber configured to capture and store shavings, ribbons, etc. from the device as a fuel source rod is rotated inside the device. 
     In one embodiment, a method of implementing a fuel source shaving device for shaving a ferrocerium rod can include the following steps. In a first step, a fuel source shaving device can be provided. The fuel source shaving device can include, but is not limited to, a housing, a substantially cylindrical bore in the housing, and a hardened steel blade coupled to the housing. An edge of the hardened steel blade can project into the substantially cylindrical bore. In a second step, a ferrocerium rod can be inserted into the substantially cylindrical bore. In a third step, the ferrocerium rod can be rotated causing the hardened steel blade to interface with the ferrocerium rod. In a fourth step, at least one ribbon of ferrocerium can be procured. In a fifth step, the at least one ribbon of ferrocerium can be used as a fuel source to help start a fire. 
     In another embodiment, a method of implementing a fuel source shaving device for shaving a magnesium rod can include the following steps. In a first step, the fuel source shaving device can be provided. The fuel source shaving device can include, but is not limited to, a housing, a substantially cylindrical bore in the housing, and a hardened steel blade having a serrated edge coupled to the housing. The serrated edge of the hardened steel blade can project into the substantially cylindrical bore. In a second step, a magnesium rod can be inserted into the substantially cylindrical bore. In a third step, the magnesium rod can be rotated causing the serrated edge of the hardened steel blade to interface with the magnesium rod. In a fourth step, fine shavings of magnesium can be procured from the magnesium rod. In a fifth step, the fine shavings of magnesium can be used as a fuel source to help start a fire. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of implementing a fuel source shaving device can include the following steps. In a first step, a fuel source shaving device can be provided. The fuel source shaving device can include, but is not limited to, a housing, a first substantially cylindrical bore in the housing, a first hardened steel blade having a serrated edge coupled to the housing where the serrated edge of the hardened steel blade projects into the first substantially cylindrical bore, a second substantially cylindrical bore in the housing, and a second hardened steel blade coupled to the housing where an edge of the hardened steel blade projects into the second substantially cylindrical bore. In a second step, a magnesium rod can be inserted into the first substantially cylindrical bore. In a third step, the magnesium rod can be rotated causing the serrated edge of the hardened steel blade to interface with the magnesium rod. In fourth step, fine shavings of magnesium can be procured. In a fifth step, a ferrocerium rod can be inserted into the second substantially cylindrical bore. In a sixth step, the ferrocerium rod can be rotated causing the hardened steel blade to interface with the ferrocerium rod. In a seventh step, at least one ribbon of ferrocerium can be procured. In an eighth step, the fine shavings of magnesium and the at least one ribbon of ferrocerium can be used as a fuel source to help start a fire. 
     Terminology 
     The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase&#39;s case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase. 
     The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation. 
     The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact. 
     The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled. 
     The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given. 
     The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given. 
     The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part. 
     Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting. 
     Embodiments of a Fuel Source Shaving Device and Methods of Use 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a detailed diagram of a first embodiment  100  of a fuel source shaving device is illustrated. As shown, the device  100  can appear similar to a standard prism pencil sharpener. 
     Typically, the device  100  can include, but is not limited to, a housing  102 , a conical shaped aperture (or bore)  104 , and a blade  106 . The blade  106  of the fuel source shaving device  100  can be manufactured from a hardened steel. For instance, the blade  106  can be a hardened steel blade adapted to shave ribbons of material from a ferrocerium rod. 
     As shown, the fuel source shaving device housing  102  can be a small rectangular prism or block. The block housing  102  can include a circular opening  103  for the cone shaped or conical bore  104 . 
     The circular opening  103  of the cone shaped bore  104  can be sized such that a fuel source rod can be inserted into the cone shaped bore  104  via the circular opening  103 . The hardened steel blade  106  can be mounted such that a sharp edge of the blade  106  enters a minimal distance into and tangentially to the cone shaped bore  104 . The blade  106  can be fixed in place such that when a fuel source rod is inserted into the cone shaped bore  104 , the blade  106  remains static as the fuel source rod is rotated. In one instance, the blade  106  can be fixed to the housing  102  via a fastener  107 . In another instance, the blade  106  can be more permanently fixed to the housing  102 . For example, a rivet may be implemented to secure the blade  106  to the housing  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the housing  102  can be ergonomically contoured or can include a ridged or grooved surface to make the housing easier to firmly grip. Typically, the housing  102  can be manufactured from a rigid material including, but not limited to, an aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, stainless steel, steel alloy, or a rigid plastic. An edge of the blade  106  inside the housing  102  can be implemented to shave the fuel source rod, while any shavings or ribbons of material may emerge through a slot  108  along an edge of the blade  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a second embodiment  120  of a fuel source shaving device is illustrated. As shown, the second embodiment fuel source shaving device  120  can include components similar to the first embodiment fuel source shaving device  100 . 
     Typically, the second embodiment fuel source shaving device  120  can include, but is not limited to, a housing  122 , a cone shaped aperture (or bore)  124 , and a blade  126 . The device  120  can include a substantially circular opening  123  similar to the first embodiment fuel source shaving device  100 . The device  120  may further include a slot  128  proximate the blade  126  to allow for shaved material to exit the housing  122 . In one embodiment, the blade  126  may be removably coupled to the housing  122  via a fastener  127 . For instance, a screw may be implemented to removably couple the blade  126  to the housing  122 . 
     As shown, the housing  122  can be more cylindrical and can include a ridged surface  121  for gripping the fuel source shaving device  120 . In one embodiment, a distal end of the housing  122  can be threaded to couple to another housing, described hereinafter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , a third embodiment of a fuel source shaving device  140  is illustrated. As shown, the third embodiment fuel source shaving device  140  can include components similar to the first and second embodiment fuel source shaving devices  100 ,  120 . 
     The third embodiment fuel source shaving device  140  can include, but is not limited to, a housing  142 , a cone shaped aperture (or bore)  144 , and a blade  146  having a serrated edge. In one embodiment, the serrated edge can be substantially similar to a file. The device  140  may further include a slot  148  proximate the blade  146  to allow for shaved material to exit the housing  142 . In one embodiment, the blade  146  may be removably coupled to the housing  142  via a fastener  147 . For instance, a screw may be implemented to removably couple the blade  146  to the housing  142 . As shown, the housing  142  can have a substantially cylindrical shape and can include a ridged surface  141  for gripping the fuel source shaving device  140 . In one embodiment, a distal end of the housing  142  can be threaded to couple to another housing. 
     Typically, the third embodiment fuel source shaving device  140  can be implemented to create fine shavings, powder, and/or slivered pieces of material. In one embodiment, the third embodiment fuel source shaving device  140  can be implemented with a rod comprised of magnesium. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , a detailed diagram of the third embodiment device  140  including a collection chamber  150  is illustrated. In one embodiment, the third embodiment fuel source shaving device  140  may further include the collection chamber  150 . The collection chamber  150  can be configured to capture and store particles, shavings, etc. from the device  140 . In one instance, the cone shaped bore  144  may pass through the entire housing  142  and include an opening  145  on an opposite (or distal) side to the circular opening  143 , as shown in  FIG. 3C . The collection chamber  150  can be configured to capture material exiting from the second opening  145 . For instance, the collection chamber  150  may threadably couple to the second opening  145  of the device  140 . In one example, the collection chamber  150  may frictionally couple to the second opening  145 . In another instance, the collection chamber  150  can be configured to capture material exiting the slot  148  running proximate the blade  146 . In yet another instance, the collection chamber can be configured to capture material from proximate the blade  146  and the second opening  145 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a fourth embodiment  200  of a fuel source shaving device is illustrated. As shown, the fourth embodiment fuel source shaving device  200  can include two steel hardened blades. 
     In one embodiment, the fuel source shaving device  200  can include a housing  202 , a first blade  204 , a second blade  206 , a first cone shaped bore  208 , and a second cone shaped bore  210 . Typically, the first blade  204  can be a standard hardened steel blade and the second blade  206  a hardened steel blade having a serrated edge or surface can be implemented. In one instance, a ferrocerium rod can be implemented with the first blade  204  and a magnesium rod can be implemented with the second blade  206 . 
     The device  200  may further include a first slot  212  located proximate the first blade  204  and a second slot  214  located proximate the second blade  206  to allow for shaved material to exit the housing  202 . In one embodiment, the first blade  204  and the second blade  206  may each be removably coupled to the housing  202  via a first fastener  216  and a second fastener  218 , respectively. For instance, a screw may be implemented to removably couple the blades  204 ,  206  to the housing  202 . 
     As can be appreciated, in a survival situation, a user would be able to create a fuel plus tinder combination/integration using any of the previously mentioned fuel source shaving devices  100 ,  120 ,  140 ,  200 . For example, heat and a stage  1  fuel source can be integrated together instead of being a separate part of the fire triangle. Ferrocerium rods and magnesium rods are conventionally used for the heat portion of the fire triangle and not necessarily the fuel portion. For instance, a fuel procurement device can provide the fuel and the ferrocerium rod provides the ignition/heat source. Any of the previously mentioned fuel source shaving devices  100 ,  120 ,  140 ,  200  can be implemented to merge a fuel source and a heat source by shaving ribbons of material from the ferrocerium rod that may work as the fuel and then the ferrocerium rod can be implemented normally to act as the heat. 
     Described hereinafter is one example method of implementing the previously described fuel source shaving devices  100 ,  120 ,  140 ,  200 . Of note, each of the fuel source shaving devices  100 ,  120 ,  140 ,  200  can be implemented in the described method. 
     In a first step, a user can provide a fuel source rod and a fuel source shaving device. In one example, the fuel source rod can be a ferrocerium rod. When using a ferrocerium rod, the fuel source shaving device can be implemented to create ribbons of ferrocerium. In another example, the fuel source rod can be a magnesium rod. When using the magnesium rod, the fuel source shaving device can be implemented to create fine shavings of magnesium. 
     In a second step, the user can insert the fuel source rod into the cone shaped bore as far as the rod will go. Of note, the opening of the fuel source device can be sized to receive the rod. 
     In a third step, the user can hold the fuel source shaving device static and rotate the fuel source rod. As can be appreciated, as the fuel source rod is rotated, the blade of the fuel source shaving device can interact with the fuel source rod and shave a layer of material from the rod creating ribbons of material made from the fuel source rod. The ribbon of material may then exit through the slot along a length of the blade as the fuel source rod is rotated. Of note, the fuel source rod may be held static and the fuel source shaving device rotated to shave ribbons of material from the fuel source rod. Further noted, the fuel source shaving device can be rotated in an opposite direction of the fuel source rod being rotated in which both components are not static. 
     In a fourth step, the user can place the ribbon(s) of material proximate or into a burn pile. 
     In a fifth step, when the user is ready to start a fire, the user can ignite the ribbons of material from the fuel source rod to create a sustained burn of approximately 10-15 seconds. In one example, sparks can be implemented to ignite the ribbons of material. 
     Embodiment of a Fuel Source Shaving Device Kit 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , an embodiment  300  of a fuel source shaving device kit is illustrated. 
     Typically, the fuel source shaving device kit  300  can include, but is not limited to, a fuel source shaving device  302 , a fuel source rod  304 , and a housing  306 . Generally, the fuel source shaving device  302  can be substantially similar to one of the previously described fuel source shaving devices  100 ,  120 ,  140 ,  200 . Typically, a first end of the fuel source rod  304  can be threadably coupled to the kit housing  306 . In some embodiments, the fuel source shaving device  302  can threadably couple to the kit housing  306 . For instance, the fuel source rod  304  can couple to a first end of the housing  306  and the fuel source shaving device  302  can couple to a second end of the housing  306 . 
     Alternative Embodiments and Variations 
     The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.