Combustion – Flame holder and fuel tank assembly
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-18
2001-12-18
Price, Carl D. (Department: 3743)
Combustion
Flame holder and fuel tank assembly
C431S156000, C431S100000, C362S179000, C126S038000, C126S040000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331108
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This application relates to gas-burning devices which can be selectively converted from the use of intended gas fuels to other gas fuels. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to camp-type devices which are selectively convertible from the use of intended gas fuels to the use of alternate gas fuels supplied at substantially different pressures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable gas stoves, lanterns, and other appliances used for camping, backpacking, etc., are typically fueled by either propane or butane. Most such appliances purchased and used in the United States are designed to burn propane. However, throughout the rest of the world, most of these devices are designed to burn butane.
Portable butane appliances generally operate at much lower pressures than do portable propane devices. Typical propane supply pressures can be two, two and one-half, three, and even four times greater than typical butane supply pressures. The pressure of a butane supply container used for portable, camp-type devices will typically be in the range of from about 30 to about 60 psig. However, the pressure of a propane supply container used for portable, camp-type devices will typically be in the range of from about 125 to about 200 psig.
In addition, the discharge fittings provided on small, propane containers used for camping, backpacking, etc., are typically different from those used on butane containers. Moreover, the gas inlet fittings of butane-burning devices are typically different from those used of propane-burning devices.
It would be very beneficial to convert the U.S. camping market from propane-burning devices to butane-burning devices. Because they operate at much lower supply pressures, butane devices are safer and more economical than propane devices. Additionally, unlike propane appliances, butane devices can be used substantially worldwide. Unfortunately, however, a switch to butane devices in the United States has not been practical in view of the fact that butane canisters for camping and backpacking are not readily available. Moreover, it is not foreseeable that such compact, butane canisters will become available in the U.S. market until a substantial number of butane devices are placed in use.
Thus, a need presently exists for appliances capable of being quickly and easily converted from the use of intended gas fuels to other gas fuels. In particular, a need exists for portable, butane-burning lanterns, stoves, and other appliances for camping, backpacking, etc., which can be quickly and easily adapted to receive and burn propane supplied from the camp-type propane containers presently available in the U.S. These appliances will preferably be compact and will most preferably be adapted such that all of the components thereof can be easily and securely stored and carried together. Appliances of this type sold in the U.S. could be powered by propane until appropriate butane supplies are readily available. Such appliances could also be used in any region of the world, regardless of whether propane or butane is the predominate fuel of choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides convertible, gas-burning appliances which address the needs and alleviate the problems discussed above. By way of example, but not by way of limitation, the inventive appliance can be a compact lantern, stove, or other appliance of a type used for camping or backpacking. The inventive appliance allows different fuels (e.g., propane and butane) and different types of fuel supply containers to be used interchangeably, regardless of whether such fuels and fuel containers have significantly different dimensions and/or supply pressures. When the gas supply container is removed from the inventive appliance, the appliance is collapsible for storage such that all of the components of the appliance are conveniently and securely held within the appliance housing.
In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus adaptable for holding, and burning gas fuels from, different containers, the different containers including at least a first container and a second container. The apparatus comprises: a housing sized such that each of the different containers is removably receivable in the housing; burning means for burning gas fuel from the containers; and elevating means, positionable in the housing, for elevating the first container. Each of the different containers has an operating position in the housing. The operating position of the first container is different from the operating position of the second container. The elevating means is operable for retaining the first container in the housing in its operating position. However, the elevating means is removable from the housing for placing the second container in the housing in its operating position.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus adaptable for holding, and burning gas fuel from, a container. The apparatus comprises: a housing sized such that the container is removably receivable in the housing in an operating position; burning means for burning the gas fuel; an adaptor removably attachable between the container and the burner means; and a limiting means for limiting flow of gas fuel from the container to the burner means through the adaptor.
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon examining the accompanying drawings and upon reading the following description of the preferred embodiments.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2436995 (1948-03-01), Hamilton
patent: 2749733 (1956-06-01), Smith et al.
patent: 3140740 (1964-07-01), Lagreid et al.
patent: 3294079 (1966-12-01), Thompson
patent: 3361298 (1968-01-01), Trumble
patent: 3574505 (1971-04-01), Kimball
patent: 3626476 (1971-12-01), Trumble
patent: 3877458 (1975-04-01), Allander
patent: 3900281 (1975-08-01), Penberthy
patent: 3907490 (1975-09-01), Schaller
patent: 3933146 (1976-01-01), Hastings
patent: 4043744 (1977-08-01), Svensson
patent: 4092974 (1978-06-01), Zenzaburo
patent: 4098436 (1978-07-01), Kohlbeck
patent: 4545759 (1985-10-01), Giles et al.
patent: 4954075 (1990-09-01), Francino
patent: 5101998 (1992-04-01), Hwang
patent: 5803727 (1998-09-01), Long
patent: 5860410 (1999-01-01), Hollingsworth, Jr.
patent: 5890887 (1999-04-01), Adler
Brunswick Corporation
Fellers, Snider, Blankenship, Bailey & Tippens
Price Carl D.
LandOfFree
Convertible gas-burning appliance does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Convertible gas-burning appliance, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Convertible gas-burning appliance will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2601990