Patent Publication Number: US-11029022-B2

Title: Torches, torch assemblies and methods for igniting fuel

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/646,227, filed Mar. 21, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to devices and methods for igniting fuel sources, such as charcoal briquettes in a grill configured to cook foods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wood, charcoal briquettes and hardwood lump charcoal are three common fuel sources for charcoal grills. The common methods to ignite fuel sources are lighter fluid, starter logs/briquettes, electric lighters and newspaper. The use of lighter fluid to help ignite wood, briquettes or lump charcoal is frequently considered undesirable because lighter fluid can impart bad taste to the food that is being cooked in a grill. Similarly, pre-packaged commercial starter logs/briquettes infused with chemicals can also impart poor taste to food and release harmful fumes. Electric starters are slow and have cords that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Using newspaper to ignite fuel sources can inefficient and messy. 
     To avoid the use of these common methods of igniting fuel sources including lighter fluid, an ignition device can be employed to ignite wood, charcoal briquettes or hardwood lump charcoal. Such devices are often driven by propane gas. The gas is delivered to the fuel source using a nozzle or other fuel dispensing mechanism. These ignition devices can be unwieldly, difficult to use, hard to position properly within the grill, problematic to store and dangerous. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some embodiments, a torch assembly for igniting a target fuel includes a torch including an elongate wand having a handle end and an opposing forward end, and a torch head located on the forward end of the wand. The torch head has a central axis. The torch head includes an outer surface, a fuel supply chamber, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart jet channels fluidly connecting the fuel supply chamber to the outer surface. Each jet channel is configured such that, when a pressurized flow of a gaseous torch fuel is supplied to the jet channels through the fuel supply chamber and ignited, each jet channel directs a respective flame jet forwardly and radially outwardly from the outer surface at an acute angle to the central axis. 
     According to some embodiments, the acute angle of each flame jet is in the range of from about 45 to 65 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of j et channels includes at least three jet channels. 
     In some embodiments, each jet channel has a nominal inner diameter in the range of from about 0.375 to 0.5 inch. 
     According to some embodiments, each jet channel has a length in the range of from about 0.375 to 0.5 inch. 
     According to some embodiments, each jet channel terminates at the outer surface at a respective jet port, and the jet ports are substantially equidistantly circumferentially spaced apart. 
     In some embodiments, the outer surface of the torch head is conical or frusto-conical and tapered inwardly in the forward direction. 
     In some embodiments, the torch head includes a frusto-conical rear section. 
     According to some embodiments, the torch assembly further includes a fuel container containing a supply of torch fuel, and a flexible supply hose fluidly connecting the fuel container to the wand. The torch fuel is supplied to the fuel supply chamber from the fuel container through the supply hose and the wand. 
     In some embodiments, the fuel supply chamber is a combustion chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the torch assembly further includes an integral electrical igniter operable to generate a spark in the combustion chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the torch assembly further includes an integral flow control valve on the torch to enable and cut off flow of the torch fuel to the combustion chamber. 
     According to some embodiments, the torch head includes a flame director that is removably mounted on the wand. 
     According to some embodiments, a torch system for igniting a target fuel includes an elongate wand having a handle end and an opposing forward end, a first flame director removably mounted on the forward end of the wand, and a second flame director configured to be removably mounted on the forward end of the wand. The second flame director is configured to deliver a different flame pattern than the first flame director. 
     In some embodiments, the first flame director has a central axis and includes an outer surface, a fuel supply chamber, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart jet channels fluidly connecting the fuel supply chamber to the outer surface. Each jet channel is configured such that, when a pressurized flow of a gaseous torch fuel is supplied to the jet channels through the fuel supply chamber and ignited, each jet channel directs a respective flame jet forwardly and radially outwardly from the outer surface at an acute angle to the central axis. 
     According to some embodiments, a torch system for igniting a target fuel includes a torch assembly and a torch holster. The torch assembly includes a torch, a fuel container, and a flexible supply hose. The torch assembly includes a torch including: an elongate wand having a handle end and an opposing forward end; and a torch head on the forward end of the wand. The fuel container contains a supply of torch fuel. The supply hose fluidly connects the fuel container to the wand. The torch fuel is supplied to the torch head from the fuel container through the supply hose and the wand. The torch holster includes a housing including: a torch slot configured to receive and store the wand and the torch head; a container slot configured to receive and store the fuel container; and a hose region spanning a distance between the torch slot and the container slot and configured to receive and store the supply hose. 
     In some embodiments, the torch holster further includes a lid configured to close the torch slot, the container slot, and the hose cavity with torch, the fuel container, and the supply house stored in the torch slot, the container slot, and the hose cavity, respectively. 
     According to some embodiments, the torch holster further includes a lock operable to lock the lid in a closed position. 
     According to some embodiments, the torch system includes a hanger configured to suspend the torch holster from a grill. 
     In some embodiments, the torch system includes a stand device configured to support the torch holster in an upstanding position on a support surface. 
     In some embodiments, the torch holster includes a heat shield. 
     According to some embodiments, a method for igniting a target fuel includes providing a torch assembly including a torch including: an elongate wand having a handle end and an opposing forward end; and a torch head located on the forward end of the wand. The torch head has a central axis. the torch head includes: an outer surface; a fuel supply chamber; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart jet channels fluidly connecting the fuel supply chamber to the outer surface. The method further includes: supplying a pressurized flow of a gaseous torch fuel to the jet channels through the fuel supply chamber; igniting the flow of gaseous torch fuel to provide flame jets from each jet channel; and positioning the torch head proximate the grill fuel such that flame jets are applied to the target fuel. Each jet channel is configured such that it directs a respective flame jet forwardly and radially outwardly from the outer surface at an acute angle to the central axis. 
     In some embodiments, the torch head includes a first flame director that is removably mounted on the forward end of the wand, and the method includes: removing the first flame director from the forward end of the wand; and mounting a second flame director on the forward end of the wand, wherein the second flame director is configured to deliver a different flame pattern than the first flame director. 
     According to some embodiments, the target fuel is a grill fuel in a cooking grill. 
     According to some embodiments, a method for igniting a target fuel includes providing a torch including: an elongate wand having a handle end and an opposing forward end; and a first flame director removably mounted on the forward end of the wand. The method further includes: applying flame to the target fuel from the first flame director; removing the first flame director from the forward end of the wand; and either: remounting the first flame director on the forward end of the wand; or mounting a second flame director on the forward end of the wand, wherein the second flame director is configured to deliver a different flame pattern than the first flame director. 
     In some embodiments, the target fuel is a grill fuel in a cooking grill. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes, after removing the first flame director from the forward end of the wand, mounting the second flame director on the forward end of the wand. 
     According to some embodiments, a method for igniting a target fuel includes providing a torch system including a torch assembly and a torch holster. The torch assembly includes a torch, a fuel container, and a flexible supply hose. The torch includes: an elongate wand having a handle end and an opposing forward end; and a torch head on the forward end of the wand. The fuel container contains a supply of torch fuel. The supply hose fluidly connects the fuel container to the wand. The torch fuel is supplied to the torch head from the fuel container through the supply hose and the wand. The torch holster includes a housing including: a torch slot configured to receive and store the wand and the torch head; a container slot configured to receive and store the fuel container; and a hose region spanning a distance between the torch slot and the container slot and configured to receive and store the supply hose. The method further includes: storing the torch assembly in the torch holster with the wand and the torch head seated in the torch slot, the fuel container seated in the container slot, and the supply hose disposed in the hose region; thereafter removing at least the torch from the torch holster; thereafter applying flame to the target fuel from the torch head; and thereafter replacing the torch in the torch slot. 
     Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate some embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a torch system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the torch system of  FIG. 1  being used to light fuel in a grill. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of a holster forming a part of the torch system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a torch assembly forming a part of the torch system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary, exploded, front perspective view of a torch forming a part of the torch assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the torch assembly of  FIG. 4  taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the torch assembly of  FIG. 4  taken along the line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the torch assembly of  FIG. 4  taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the torch assembly of  FIG. 4  taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary, enlarged view of the torch system of  FIG. 1  being used to light fuel in the grill. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a second flame director forming a part of the torch system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded, front perspective view of a holster according to further embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     In addition, spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. 
     As used herein the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-11 , a torch system  10  according to some embodiments is shown therein. The torch system  10  includes a torch assembly  100  and a holder or holster  190 . In some embodiments, the system  10  further includes an end ring  180 ″ and/or a second flame director member  180 ′. The torch system  10  uses combustible torch fuel to generate flame jets  22  and directs the flame jets  22  in an advantageous flame pattern. In accordance with methods of the invention, the torch system  10  is provided and used to ignite a target fuel. In accordance with some methods of the invention, the target fuel is a grill fuel  17  disposed in a cooking grill  15  ( FIGS. 2 and 10 ). 
     The torch assembly  100  includes a fuel container  104 , a valve fitting  110 , a flexible fuel supply conduit or hose  108 , a fitting  112 , and a torch  101 . The torch  101  includes a handle unit  120 , a rigid elongate wand  150 , a torch head  160 , an igniter system  102  ( FIG. 6 ), and a fuel control system  103 . 
     The fuel container  104  contains a torch fuel. The fuel container  104  may be any suitable vessel for holding the torch fuel. In some embodiments, the torch fuel is a foam, liquid or gaseous fuel under a positive (above-ambient) pressure that vaporizes to a gas (torch fuel gas G;  FIG. 7 ) at ambient pressure. The fuel container  104  may be a metal canister, for example, having a valved outlet  104 A. In some embodiments, the fuel container  104  is substantially cylindrical. 
     Suitable torch fuels may include, for example, butane, propane, or propene, alone or in mixtures thereof. The torch fuel may be or include a foam. Suitable torch fuels may include a foamed propene, butane and propane mixture available from Gilbert Express of France. 
     In some embodiments, the fuel container  104  and torch fuel are provided as a disposable, pre-filled torch fuel cartridge including a canister pre-filled (by the manufacturer) with the torch fuel. Suitable pre-filled cartridges may include Gas Cartridge 445 available from Gilbert Express of France, for example. 
     The hose  108  is tubular, flexible and elongate. A proximal end  108 A of the hose  108 A is fluidly coupled to the outlet  104 A by the valve fitting  110 . The valve fitting  110  has a control knob  110 A that enables a user to open and shut off flow of the torch fuel into the hose  108 . 
     The hose  108  may be of any suitable construction. In some embodiments, the hose  108  is formed of a polymer and, in some embodiments, an elastomer. In some embodiments, the hose  108  is formed of polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE; e.g., TEFLON™ PTFE). In some embodiments, the hose  108  includes a flexible polymeric conduit surrounded by a flexible metal protective sleeve (e.g., a braided or woven stainless steel sleeve). 
     In some embodiments, the hose  108  has a length L 1  ( FIG. 4 ) in the range of from about 12 to 24 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the hose  108  has an outer diameter D 1  ( FIG. 6 ) in the range of from about 0.375 to 0.5 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the hose  108  has a minimum bending radius in the range of from about 2 to 3 inches. 
     The handle unit  120  has a rear end  120 A, an opposing front end  120 B, and a housing  122 . The housing  122  includes a handle section  124  and an integral front section  126 . 
     The handle section  124  is shaped and configured to be ergonomically gripped by a user&#39;s hand. 
     The distal end  108 B of the hose  108  is fluidly coupled to an inlet  142  at the proximal end  120 A. A through channel  146  extends through the handle unit  120  to an outlet  144  at the front end  120 B. 
     The fuel control system  103  is integrated into the handle unit  120  and includes a shut off valve  148 , a spring-loaded trigger button  134 , a spring-loaded lock mechanism  140 , and a flow rate control valve  130 . The shutoff valve  148  is normally closed (i.e., preventing flow of gas through the valve  148  to the outlet  144 ), and is opened by depressing the trigger button  134 . 
     The lock mechanism  140  includes a lock button  140 A. With the trigger button  134  depressed, the lock button  140 A can be depressed to cause an interlock feature  140 B to interlock with the trigger button  134  and prevent the trigger button  134  from springing back to its closed position. When the trigger button  134  is thereafter depressed further, the lock button  140 A is released, thereby disengaging the interlock feature  140 B and permitting the trigger button  134  to resume its closed position, which in turn closes the shutoff valve  148 . The flow control valve  130  can be used (by adjusting a control knob  130 A) to adjust the flow rate of the torch fuel through the handle unit  120  when the shutoff valve  148  is open. 
     The igniter system  102  includes an igniter mechanism  132  integrated into the handle unit  120 , and an igniter lead or wire  136  that extends into and through the wand  150 . In some embodiments, the igniter mechanism  132  is a piezo igniter that, when actuated, generates a high voltage and subsequent electrical discharge through the wire  136 . The portion of the igniter wire  136  extending throughout the wand  150  is electrically insulated by a polymeric sleeve or layer  138 , for example. A distal end section of the wire  136  in the torch head  160  is exposed (i.e., not electrically insulated) and terminates at an exposed wire tip  136 A. The wire tip  136 A is held in position relative to the barrel  162  by an electrically insulating support holder or sleeve  137  mounted on the end plug  166 . 
     The electrical discharge generates an electrical arc E (i.e., an ignition spark) between the tip  136 A and a metal component of the torch head  160  (e.g., the barrel  162 ), which serves as an electrical ground. The igniter mechanism  132  is connected to the trigger button  134  such that the igniter mechanism  132  is actuated to create the ignition spark by depressing the trigger button  134 . 
     The wand  150  is a rigid, tubular member. The wand  150  defines a through passage  152  terminating at an inlet  154 A at a proximal end  150 A and at an outlet  154 B at a distal end  150 B. The wand  150  may include an ergonomic bend  156 . 
     The wand  150  may be formed of any suitable heat resistant material. In some embodiments, the wand  150  is formed of metal. 
     In some embodiments, the wand  150  has a length L 2  ( FIG. 4 ) in the range of from about 10 to 12 inches. In some embodiments, the wand  150  has an outer diameter D 2  ( FIG. 4 ) in the range of from about 0.3 to 0.5 inch. 
     The torch head  160  includes a torch head base  161  and a flame director member or tip  180  mounted on a front end of the torch head base  161 . The torch head base  161  includes a barrel  162 , a base wall or plug  164 , an end wall or plug  166 , a flow director spring  168 , a base cap  170 , and an igniter wire holder  137 . 
     The barrel  162  is tubular. The barrel  162  has a rear end  162 B and a front end  162 C and defines a through passage  162 A. The barrel  162  also has a plurality of radial side ports  162 D fluidly communicating with the passage  162 A. 
     The rear end  162 B of the barrel  162  is connected to the distal end  150 B of the wand  150  by the base plug  164 . The base plug  164  includes a through hole  164 A that extends through the base plug  164 . 
     A flexible conduit or tubing  159  extends through the wand  150 , and fluidly connects the outlet  144  to the hole  164 A of the base plug  164 . 
     The end plug  166  is secured in the passage  162 A proximate the front end  162 C of the barrel  162 . The end plug  166  includes a through hole  166 A that extends through the end plug  166 . 
     The spring  168  is a helically wound metal wire spring. The diameter of the spring  168  expands from a base end  168 A to a front end  168 B. The base end  168 A surrounds the through hole  164 A. The front end  168 B mates with the end plug  166 . The spring  168  forms an internal flow passage  168 C between the base plug hole  164 A and the end plug hole  166 A. 
     The tip member or flame director  180  has a central axis C-C. The flame director  180  has a proximal or base end  181 A and an opposing distal or tip end  181 B spaced apart along the central axis C-C. The flame director  180  includes a base section  182 A on the base end  181 A and a tip section  182 B that terminates at a tip  182 C at the tip end  181 B. 
     The tip section  182 B has an outer engagement surface  183 . In some embodiments and as shown, the outer engagement surface  183  has a conical shape that tapers from a rear end  182 D to the tip  182 C. The conical shape may be centered about the central axis C-C. As shown, the tip  182 C may form a small or narrow rounded tip surface. In other embodiments, the tip  182 C may be sharper or broader. In some embodiments, the outer engagement surface  183  is frusto-conical. 
     In some embodiments, the outer engagement surface  183  tapers at an angle A 3  ( FIG. 9 ) in the range of from about 1.5 to 2.5 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the length L 3  ( FIG. 9 ) of the conical outer engagement surface  183  is in the range of from about 1.75 to 2 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the maximum outer diameter D 3  ( FIG. 9 ) of the conical outer engagement surface  183  is in the range of from about 1.5 to 2 inches. 
     A plurality jet channels  186  (in some embodiments and as shown, three) are defined in the tip section  182 B. A central passage  184  extends from a base opening  184 C (at the base end  181 A) to the jet channels  186 . The central passage  184  has a first entry section  184 A and a downstream second section  184 B ( FIG. 9 ). The inner diameter D 4  ( FIG. 9 ) of the second section  184 B is smaller than the inner diameter D 5  of the entry section  184 A. 
     A mixing chamber  172  ( FIG. 7 ) is defined in the barrel passage  162 B between the base plug  164  and the end plug  166 . A combustion chamber  174  is defined in the barrel passage  162 B and the tip passage  184  between the end plug  166  and the jet inlets  186 A. 
     Each jet channel  186  extends from an inlet port  186 A at the central passage section  184 B to an outlet port  186 B at the outer surface  183 . Each jet channel  186  defines a central jet channel axis J-J extending through its inlet port  186 A and outlet port  186 B. 
     The jet channels  186  and the outlet ports  186 B are circumferentially distributed and spaced apart from one another about the circumference of the flame director  180 . In some embodiments, the jet channels  186  and the outlet ports  186 B are substantially equi-distantly circumferentially spaced apart. In some embodiments, the jet channels  186  and the outlet ports  186 B are centered about the central axis C-C. 
     Each jet axis J-J forms an oblique and, more particularly, acute angle AJ ( FIG. 9 ) with the central axis C-C, wherein the acute angle AJ opens in the forward direction F. In some embodiments and as shown, each jet axis J-J substantially intersects the central axis C-C. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the jet axes J-J may be laterally offset from the central axis C-C. 
     In some embodiments, the jet channels  186  and the outlet ports  186 B are circumferentially spaced part from one another by an angular distance AD ( FIG. 8 ) in the range of from about 110 to 130 degrees. However, more than three jet channels  186  may be provided and circumferentially spaced about the torch leach  160  with smaller angular spacing distances. 
     In some embodiments, each inlet port  186 A has a diameter D 6  ( FIG. 9 ) in the range of from about 0.25 to 0.375 inch. 
     In some embodiments, each outlet port  186 B has a diameter D 7  ( FIG. 9 ) in the range of from about 0.375 to 0.5 inch. 
     In some embodiments, each jet channel  186  has a length L 7  ( FIG. 9 ) in the range of from about 0.375 to 0.5 inch. 
     In some embodiments, each jet channel  186  has an inner diameter D 8  ( FIG. 9 ) in the range of from about 0.375 to 0.5 inch. 
     In some embodiments, the angle AJ ( FIG. 9 ) is in the range of from about 0 to 90 degrees and, in some embodiments, is in the range of from about 45 to 65 degrees. 
     The barrel  162 , the base plug  164 , the end plug  166 , and the flame director  180  may each be formed of any suitable heat resistant material. In some embodiments, the barrel  162 , the base plug  164 , the end plug  166 , and the flame director  180  are each formed of metal. 
     The torch head  160  further includes a coupling system  176  for removably and interchangeably securing the flame director  180  to the torch head base  161 . The coupling system  176  includes an outer screw thread  176 A on the front end of the barrel  162 , and a mating inner screw thread  176 B on the rear end of the flame director  180 . 
     In accordance with some embodiments, the torch assembly  101  is stored in the holster  190  when the torch assembly  101  is not in use. The holster  190  includes a housing  192 , a lock mechanism  194 , an integral hanger  196 , and an integral stand support  197 . 
     The housing  192  includes a rear wall member  192 A, a front wall member  192 B, and a lid  192 C that collectively define an internal chamber  191 . The lid  192 C is coupled to the front wall member  192 B by a hinge  193 . The lid  192 C can be pivoted about the hinge  193  between an open position as shown in  FIG. 1  (to permit access to the chamber  191 ) and a closed position as shown in  FIG. 2  (to prevent access to the chamber  191 ). 
     The lock mechanism  194  includes a latch member  194 A and a catch  194 B that can be selectively used to lock the lid  192 C in the closed position. In some embodiments, the latch member  194 A is a keyed lock. In the illustrated embodiment, the catch  194 B is a lock slot defined in the support  199 , but may take other forms. 
     The housing members  192 A,  192 B,  192 C may be formed of any suitable material or materials. In some environments, the housing members  192 A,  192 B,  192 C are formed of a metal such as steel. 
     The housing  192  may further include a heat resistant thermal insulation or heat barrier or shield member, or layer (e.g., coating),  198 . In some embodiments, the heat shield  198  is formed of a material that is more thermally insulating and the material of the rear wall member  192 C. Suitable materials for the heat shield  198  may include asbestos, fiberglass, TEFLON™ PTFE, Kevlar, silica, or laminated combinations of one or more of these and other materials, for example. 
     The housing  192  includes, in the chamber  191 , a fuel container region or slot  191 A, a torch region or slot  191 B, and a hose region, space or slot  191 C. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the fuel container slot  191 A is configured to receive, hold and store the fuel container  104 , the torch slot  191 B is configured to receive, hold and store the torch  101 , and the hose slot  191 C is configured to receive hold and store the hose  108 , while the torch assembly  100  is fully assembled. 
     The holster  190  includes an integral fuel container shelf  195  that supports the fuel container  104  in the slot  191 A above the floor of the chamber  191 . 
     The holster  190  further includes an integral torch shelf  199  that supports the torch  101  in the slot  191 B above the floor of the chamber  191 . The torch shelf  199  includes a recess or slot  199 A sized to receive the wand  150  but too small to permit the hand unit  120  to pass through. The torch  101  is seated in the slot  199 A and the slot  191 B as shown in  FIG. 1  such that the torch  101  is positively located in the chamber  191  and the torch head  160  resides under the fuel can  104 . The flow director  180 ′, the ring  180 ″, and/or a spare fuel canister can be stored in the space to the right of the torch head  160 . The stand support  197  may be detachable from the housing  192 . In some embodiments, the support  197  is detachably secured to the housing  192  such as by fasteners. 
     The end ring  180 ″ is an annular metal body having an internal screw thread  176 B″ configured to mate with the coupling thread  176 A on the barrel  162 . 
     The second flame director member  180 ′ includes a tubular body  182 ′. A plurality of j et channels  186 ′ are defined in the body  182 ′. The jet channels  186 ′ terminate at respective flame outlet ports  186 A′ that are arranged in axial series along the length of the body  182 ′. The outlet ports  186 A′ are located on the same lateral side of the body  182 ′. The second flame director member  180 ′ has an internal screw thread  176 B′ configured to mate with the coupling thread  176 A on the barrel  162 . 
     The end ring  180 ″ and the flame director  180 ′ may each be formed of any suitable heat resistant material. In some embodiments, the end ring  180 ″ and the flame director  180 ′ are each formed of metal. 
     The torch system  10  may be used as follows in accordance with methods of the invention. 
     The torch system  10  may be used to ignite grill fuel  17  disposed in a grill  15 . Typically, the grill  15  will include a substrate or floor  15 A that supports the grill fuel  17  and a surrounding housing or structure. The grill housing may include a sidewall  15 B, for example. The grill  15  may be of the type configured to heat, cook and/or grill foods such as meat for human consumption. 
     The grill fuel  17  may be any suitable grill fuel or fuel source. In some embodiments, the grill fuel  17  is or includes charcoal. In some embodiments, the grill fuel  17  includes wood. In some embodiments, the grill fuel  17  includes hardwood charcoal. In some embodiments, the grill fuel  17  is or includes hardwood lump charcoal and/or charcoal briquettes or other discrete grill fuel elements. In some embodiments, the grill fuel  17  is arranged as a pile  17 A of grill fuel lumps or briquettes that are positioned in stacked and side-by-side, closely packed (e.g., touching) relation. 
     In some embodiments, the target fuel is wood or other combustible fuel that is not disposed in a cooking grill. For example, the target fuel may instead be wood disposed in a fireplace or firepit. 
     The torch assembly  100  may initially be stored in the holster  190 . In some embodiments, the holster  190  is hung by the hanger  196  from the grill  15 , so that the torch assembly  100  is thereby suspended from the grill  15 . For example, the hanger  196  may be placed over the sidewall  15 B. The support  197  may be removed from the holster  190 . In other embodiments, the holster  190  is placed on a supporting surface V (e.g., the ground or a table) and the housing  192  is held upright by the support  197 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the fuel container  104  is disposed in the fuel container slot  191 A, the torch  101  is stored in the torch slot  191 B, and the hose  108  is stored in the hose slot  191 C such that the hose  108  spans the distance between the fuel container slot  191 A and the torch slot  191 B. 
     In use, the torch  101  is removed from the holster  190  and used to ignite the grill fuel  17  as discussed below. In some embodiments, the fuel container  104  is retained in the fuel container slot  191 A and the torch  101  is permitted by the length and flexibility of the fuel supply hose  108  to move about the grill  15  while the container  104  remains seated in the slot  191 A. The torch  101  can then be used one-handed after the valve  110  is turned on. In other embodiments, the entire torch assembly  100  is removed from the holster  190  enable the user to position the torch  101  as needed. 
     The top knob  110 A is then operated to open the valve  110  and thereby permit gaseous torch fuel G to pass from the fuel container  104  and through the hose  108  into the handle unit  120 . The user grips the handled unit  130  with the user&#39;s hand H ( FIG. 2 ). The user then presses the trigger button  134  to open the shut off valve  148 . This permits the gaseous torch fuel to flow through the handle unit  120 , the tubing  159  in the wand  150 , and the torch head  160 . Flow of the gaseous torch fuel is induced by the positive pressurization of the torch fuel in the fuel container  104 . 
     At the torch head  160 , the torch fuel G flows through the base hole  164 A, the barrel passage  162 A, and the end hole  166 A into the combustion chamber  174 . As the torch fuel G flows through the mixing chamber  172  in the barrel passage  162 A it is partially contained by the spring  168  within the spring passage  168 C. Also, as the torch fuel G flows through the barrel passage  162 A, the torch fuel mixes with ambient air drawn in through the side ports  162 D. As a result, a gas mixture M of the torch fuel gas G and air A is introduced into the combustion chamber  134  through the end hole  166 A. In some embodiments, the velocity of the flowing torch fuel generates a negative pressure within the barrel passage  162 A that tends to draw ambient air A into the barrel passage  162 A through the side ports  162 D. 
     Pressing the trigger button  134  also actuates the igniter mechanism  132  to generate an arc or spark E between the igniter wire tip  136 A and the barrel  162  in the combustion chamber  174 . The spark E ignites the fuel/air mixture gas M. 
     With the trigger button  134  still depressed, the user can depressed the lock button  140 A. With the lock button  140  depressed, the user can then release the trigger button  134 . The trigger button  134  is thereby locked in the shutoff valve open position, so that the torch fuel G will continue to flow through the handle unit  122  and the torch head  160 . 
     The user can regulate the flow rate of the torch fuel G (when the shut off valve  148  is open) by adjusting the flow rate control valve knob  130 A. 
     The ignited fuel/air mixture gas M becomes flame  20  in the combustion chamber  174  that is ejected or forced outwardly from the combustion chamber  174  through the jet channels  186  as flame jets  22  ( FIGS. 8 and 10 ). Each flame jet  22  projects outwardly from its respective jet channel  186  beyond the flame director outer surface  183  at a prescribed orientation and direction as discussed below. The flame jets  22  collectively form a flame jet pattern P 1  ( FIGS. 8 and 10 ). 
     Before or after igniting the torch fuel G as described above, the user places the flame director  180  in the vicinity of the grill fuel  17  so that the claimed jets  22  contact or impinge on the grill fuel  17 . In some embodiments, the user embeds the flame director  180  in the pile  17 A of the grill fuel  17  (as shown in  FIG. 10 , for example). In some embodiments, the grill fuel  17  directly contacts the outer surface  183  of the flame director  180 . The relatively long wand  150  can enable the user to locate the torch head  160  down low into a deep grill cavity while maintaining the user&#39;s hands outside the grill cavity or a safe distance from the grill fuel  17 . 
     The user may position and reposition the flame director  180  within and above the grill fuel  17  as long as desired to ignite the grill fuel  17 . When the user wishes to shut off the torch fuel to the torch head  160 , the user can again depress the trigger button  134  to disengage the lock mechanism  140 , and release the trigger button  134  to close the shut off valve  148 . Thereafter, the user may return the torch  101  (and the torch assembly  100 , if fully removed) to the holster  190 . 
     The tapered front surface  183  of the flame director  180  and the tapered rear surface of the base cap  170  may make it easier to penetrated the grill fuel  17  with the torch head  160  and reduce disruption to the grill fuel  17  caused by inserting and removing the torch head  160 . 
     The operation of the torch head  160  and the jet channels  186  may be better appreciated with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 10 . Each flame jet  22  has a flame jet axis or vector F-F. The positive pressure of the pressurized supplied torch fuel gas G and the combustion of the gas mixture M drive or force the flame jets  22  to project outwardly through the outlet ports  186 B beyond the outer surface  183 . More particularly, each flame jet  22  projects forwardly and radially outwardly from the outer surface  183 . That is, the primary projection direction or flame vector F-F of each flame jet  22  includes a forward component (i.e., in the forward direction F) and a radially outward component (e.g., radially outward from the central axis C-C). 
     In some embodiments, each jet channel  186  directs its flame jet  22  at an acute angle AF ( FIG. 10 ) relative to the central axis C-C. In some embodiments, the angle AF is substantially the same as the corresponding jet angle AJ ( FIG. 10 ). 
     In some embodiments, each angle AF is in the range of from about 0 to 90 degrees and, in some embodiments, is in the range of from about 45 to 65 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the length L 9  ( FIG. 10 ) of each flame jet  22  is in the range of from about 1 to 8 inches. The length L 9  can be adjusted using the flow control valve  130 A. 
     The forwardly and radially directed flame jet pattern P 1  increases dispersion of the flame to the grill fuel  17 . This may assist in igniting the grill fuel  17  more quickly, widely and evenly. 
     The flame director  180  is removable, replaceable and interchangeable using the coupling system  176 . The flame director  180  can be unscrewed from the barrel  162  and then screwed back onto the barrel  162  for re-use. For example, the flame director  180  and/or the remainder of the torch head  160  may be cleaned with the flame director  180  removed. 
     The second flame director  180 ′ may be screwed onto the barrel  162  in place of the first flame director  180 . The second flame director  180 ′ directs flame jets  22 ′ from the outlet ports  186 B′ in a second flame pattern P 2  that is different from the flame pattern P 1 . In some embodiments, the second flame pattern is better suited for igniting a stack of fuel (e.g., a pile of logs) from underneath. 
     Alternatively, the end ring  180 ″ may be screwed onto the barrel  162  in place of the flame director  180 . The end ring  180 ″ protects the threads  176 A from dirt and damage. The torch  101  can be used in this configuration also, in which case a third flame pattern is generated. In the third flame pattern, a single large flame jet is directed forwardly. 
     The coupling system  176  may include different coupling features or mechanisms in place or in addition to the threads  176 A,  176 B,  176 B′,  176 B″ to removably secure the flame directors  180 ,  180 ′ and the end ring  180 ″ to the barrel  162 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , a holster  290  according to further embodiments is shown therein. The holster  290  may be constructed and used in the same manner as the holster  190 , except as follows. 
     The holster  290  includes a housing  292  (corresponding to the housing  192 ) and a support stand or base  297 . The base  297  includes laterally extending feet  297 A and an integral upstanding sleeve or receptacle  297 B defining a receiver slot  297 C. The housing  292  can be inserted into the receptacle  297 B such that a lower end portion  292 A of the housing  292  is seated in the slot  297 C to support the housing  292  in a freestanding configuration. The housing  292  can be slid out of the receptacle  297 B to remove the base  297  from the housing  292  when the base  297  is not desired (e.g., the holster is being hung). In some embodiments, the lower portion  292 A fits snugly in the slot  297 C. The snug fit and the weight of the housing  292  will keep the housing  292  stably within the stand  297 . 
     Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example, and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. The following claims, therefore, are to be read to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth but all equivalent elements for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.