FLAME PRODUCING ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

A flame producing assembly is disclosed which comprises a fuel container and a fuel nozzle arrangement. The fuel nozzle arrangement is configured to produce a flame and comprises a fuel supply channel and a fuel nozzle having a fuel nozzle opening. The fuel supply channel extends from the fuel container to the fuel nozzle opening of the fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle opening is oriented along an axis A in a flame direction f. The wind resistant flame producing assembly further comprises a nozzle arrangement, a compressed fluid supply for storing compressed fluid, and a compressed fluid valve. The nozzle arrangement has a nozzle outlet which at least partially encircles the fuel nozzle arrangement and is suppliable with compressed fluid from the compressed fluid supply via activation of the compressed fluid valve.

Claims

1. A flame producing assembly comprising: a fuel container fillable with fuel, a fuel nozzle arrangement for producing a flame comprising a fuel nozzle and a fuel supply channel, the fuel supply channel extending from the fuel container to a fuel nozzle opening of the fuel nozzle, the fuel nozzle opening being oriented along an axis in a flame direction, wherein the flame producing assembly further comprises: a nozzle arrangement having a nozzle outlet which at least partially encircles the fuel nozzle arrangement, a compressed fluid supply for storing compressed fluid, and a compressed fluid valve, wherein the nozzle arrangement is suppliable with compressed fluid from the compressed fluid supply via activation of the compressed fluid valve, and wherein the nozzle arrangement is shaped such that, when being supplied with compressed fluid during operation of the flame producing assembly, an at least partially encircling fluid curtain is created around the flame.

2. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle arrangement is positioned around the axis and below the fuel nozzle opening in a direction opposite to the flame direction.

3. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle arrangement has one or more openings which together form the nozzle outlet.

4. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle outlet extends circumferentially at least partially around the fuel nozzle arrangement.

5. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle outlet is arranged radially distanced from the axis by a minimum predefined length to reduce or eliminate a disturbance of the flame by the fluid curtain.

6. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle arrangement is shaped such that an outlet direction of fluid flowing through the nozzle outlet is inclined outwardly with respect to the flame direction.

7. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle arrangement comprises an outer cylindrical wall and an inverted cone-shaped element which is arranged around the axis, distanced from the outer cylindrical wall in the flame direction such that the nozzle outlet is formed between the outer cylindrical wall and the inverted cone-shaped element.

8. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fuel valve and a fuel actuating mechanism for activating and deactivating the fuel valve, wherein the fuel nozzle is suppliable with fuel from the fuel container via activation of the fuel valve.

9. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, wherein the compressed fluid is compressed air, wherein the compressed fluid supply comprises a compressed air container and a compressed air channel via which the compressed air container is coupled to the nozzle arrangement, the compressed air container being fillable with compressed air, and wherein the compressed fluid valve is a compressed air valve such that the encircling air curtain is created at least partially around the flame when the nozzle arrangement is supplied with compressed air during operation of the flame producing assembly.

10. The flame producing assembly of claim 9, wherein the compressed air container is refillable with compressed air.

11. The flame producing assembly of claim 9, comprising an air inlet valve coupled to the compressed air container, the air inlet valve being coupleable to an external air filling device to refill compressed air into the compressed air container.

12. The flame producing assembly of claim 9, comprising an embedded air filling device coupled to the compressed air container, wherein the embedded air filling device is adapted to press air into the compressed air container.

13. The flame producing assembly of claim 12, wherein the embedded air filling device comprises a deformable elastic pouch with a first valve coupled to the compressed air container to pump air into the compressed air container and a second valve coupled to an exterior of the flame producing assembly to draw in ambient air from the environment into the pouch.

14. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, wherein the fuel is used as compressed fluid, wherein the compressed fluid supply is provided by the fuel container, the fuel supply channel and a fuel supply branch extending from the fuel supply channel to the nozzle arrangement such that the nozzle arrangement is coupled to the fuel container, wherein the compressed fluid valve is a compressed fuel valve being arranged in the fuel supply branch such that, when the nozzle arrangement is supplied with compressed fuel during operation of the flame producing assembly, ambient air is drawn into the fuel to create the encircling air-fuel curtain at least partially around the flame.

15. An air curtain device for a flame producing assembly comprising: a nozzle arrangement being configured to create an air curtain at least partially around a flame produced by the flame producing assembly.

16. The flame producing assembly of claim 8, wherein the compressed fluid valve is operatively coupled to the fuel actuating mechanism such that the compressed fluid valve is activated and deactivated simultaneously with the fuel valve by the actuating mechanism.

17. The flame producing assembly of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary actuating mechanism for activating and deactivating the compressed fluid valve separately of the fuel valve.

18. The air curtain device of claim 15, wherein the nozzle arrangement comprises: a nozzle outlet which at least partially encircles a fuel nozzle arrangement of the flame producing assembly, a compressed fluid supply for storing compressed fluid, and a compressed fluid valve, wherein the nozzle arrangement is suppliable with compressed fluid from the compressed fluid supply via activation of the compressed fluid valve, and wherein the nozzle arrangement is shaped such that, when being supplied with compressed fluid during operation of the flame producing assembly, an at least partially encircling fluid curtain is created around the flame.

19. An air curtain device for a flame producing assembly, the flame producing assembly being configured to produce a flame along an axis in a flame direction, the air curtain device comprising: a main body having a central lumen along the axis therethrough for receiving a fuel nozzle of the flame producing assembly, wherein the main body is releasably mountable on the flame producing assembly such that the fuel nozzle of the flame producing assembly is received in the central lumen, an air nozzle arrangement provided in the main body and having a nozzle outlet which at least partially encircles the central lumen, a compressed air container for storing compressed air, the compressed air container being provided in the main body and being coupled to the air nozzle arrangement via a compressed air channel, and a compressed air valve for controlling supply of compressed air from the compressed air container to the nozzle arrangement, wherein the nozzle arrangement is shaped such that, when being mounted on the flame producing assembly and when being supplied with compressed air during operation of the flame producing assembly, an encircling air curtain is created around the flame.

20. The air curtain device of claim 19, wherein the main body is shaped such that the fuel nozzle of the flame producing assembly extends through the central lumen outside the central lumen in the flame direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Other characteristics will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the present disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the art to practice it. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals on different figures indicate like or similar features.

[0059] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the wind resistant flame producing assembly in operation with a schematically depicted fluid curtain around the flame;

[0060] FIG. 2 schematically depicts the upper portion of the wind resistant flame producing assembly with the nozzle arrangement in a side cut view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Embodiments of wind resistant flame producing assembly and the air curtain device according to the disclosure will be described with reference to the figures as follows. In the present disclosure, the term radial is be understood with respect to the axis A of the fuel nozzle opening 13.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wind resistant flame producing assembly 1. The wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 depicted in FIG. 1 has a housing 2 and a fuel actuating mechanism 3. The depicted wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 has a sparkler igniter and produces a candle-like flame F. In embodiments, the wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 may have a piezoelectric or other igniter. In embodiments, the wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 according to the present disclosure may be a jet flame producing assembly. That means, the flame F may be either laminar (e.g., as produced by regular gas flame producing assemblies) or resemble a jet/turbo flame that premixes air with the compressed gas fuel before ignition (e.g., similar to the turbo gas flame producing assemblies). In general the wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 of the present disclosure is a hand-held flame producing assembly, for instance a pocket flame producing assembly which may be used by a user to light up, for instance a cigarette or a candle. The wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 is configured to create a protective fluid curtain C around the flame F. In other words the fluid curtain C may serve as a protective wall for the flame F. Thereby, the flame F may burn, e.g. may be produced and sustained, substantially uninterrupted from, e.g. lateral wind gusts. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 a fully encircling conical fluid curtain C is created concentrically around the flame F. Thereby, the flame F is ideally protected in the center of the fluid curtain C. However, in embodiments, the fluid curtain C may only be partially encircling and/or have another shape than conical.

[0063] With respect to FIG. 2, the specific structure of the wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 will be explained, whereby this figure only depicts an upper portion of the wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 where the flame F and the fluid curtain C are created. The wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 comprises a fuel container and a fuel nozzle arrangement 10. The fuel container is fillable with fuel. The fuel filled or fillable in the fuel container may be compressed fuel, particularly liquid butane, liquid isobutane or liquid propane. In aspects, the fuel container may be prefilled with compressed fuel. In aspects, the fuel container may be refillable with compressed fuel.

[0064] The provision of a refillable fuel container leads to an improved lifetime cycle and a more sustainable device as there is no need of replacing an empty fuel container. In aspects, the flame producing assembly 1 may comprise a fuel inlet valve coupled to the fuel container. The fuel inlet valve may be coupleable with an external fuel filling device to refill compressed fuel into the fuel container. The external fuel filling device may be an external fuel cartridge. The fuel inlet valve may be arranged on the housing 2 of flame producing assembly 1. The wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 may further comprise a fuel valve which is activatable and deactivatable via the fuel actuating mechanism 3. The fuel nozzle 12 is suppliable with fuel from the fuel container via activation of the fuel valve. The fuel nozzle arrangement 10 is configured to produce the flame F. Therefore, the fuel nozzle arrangement comprises a fuel supply channel 14 and a fuel nozzle 12 having a fuel nozzle opening 13. The fuel supply channel 14 extends from the fuel container to the fuel nozzle opening 13. The fuel nozzle opening 13 is oriented along an axis A in a flame direction f. The wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 further comprises a nozzle arrangement 20, a compressed fluid supply for storing compressed fluid, and a compressed fluid valve.

[0065] The nozzle arrangement 20 has a nozzle outlet 22 which fully encircles the fuel nozzle arrangement 10 or the fuel nozzle 12. Specifically, the nozzle outlet 22 extends circumferentially around the fuel supply channel 14. In the example configuration of FIG. 2, the nozzle outlet 22 is formed by one circumferentially extending opening.

[0066] Specifically, the nozzle outlet 22 is formed by one opening which extends 360? circumferentially about the axis A. In embodiments, wherein the nozzle outlet 22 is formed by one opening, the opening may extend less than 360?, for instance 270? or 180? circumferentially about the axis A. That means, the nozzle outlet 22 may only partially encircle the fuel nozzle arrangement 10, i.e. the axis A. In aspects, the nozzle arrangement 20 may have more than one opening which together form the nozzle outlet 22. For instance, the nozzle arrangement 20 may comprise several openings which are circumferentially distributed along the whole circumference of 360? or only a portion of the circumference of, for instance 180? or 270?. about 360? circumferentially around the fuel nozzle arrangement. In embodiments, the nozzle outlet 22 may extend at least about 180?, specifically at least about 270?, more specifically at least about 350? or about 360? circumferentially around the fuel nozzle arrangement 10. In the examples shown in the figures, the nozzle arrangement 20, in particular the nozzle outlet 22, is arranged coaxially with respect to the fuel nozzle 12. Thereby, the flame may be ideally protected in the center of the fluid curtain C. In examples, the nozzle arrangement 20, in particular the nozzle outlet 22, may be arranged slightly offset to the fuel nozzle 12, i.e. to the axis A. In the example shown in the figures, the nozzle outlet 22 is shaped circular to create a fluid curtain C which is circular-shaped in cross-section. In embodiments, the nozzle outlet 22 may be shaped oval, polygonal or may have any other shape suitable to provide a protective fluid curtain C around the flame F. The shape of the nozzle outlet 22 determines inter alia (e.g. orientation, pressure of compressed fluid etc.) the shape of the fluid curtain C. A nozzle outlet 22 extending, for instance, 360? around the fuel nozzle arrangement 10 may create a fully encircling fluid curtain which may protect the flame F from all lateral directions (see, e.g. FIG. 1). A nozzle outlet 22 extending, for instance, only 350? or less around the fuel nozzle arrangement 10 may be easier to implement and may have a decreased compressed fluid consumption.

[0067] The nozzle arrangement 20 is suppliable with compressed fluid from the compressed fluid supply via activation of the compressed fluid valve. The compressed fluid valve is operatively coupled to the fuel actuating mechanism 3 such that the compressed fluid valve is activated and deactivated simultaneously with the fuel valve by the fuel actuating mechanism 3. The fuel actuating mechanism 3 may be a main button or fuel gas release button. The fuel actuating mechanism 3 may comprise or be operatively coupled to the sparkler or igniter. In embodiments, the flame producing assembly 1 may further comprise an auxiliary actuating mechanism for activating and deactivating the compressed fluid valve separately of the fuel valve. In this context, separately can be understood as independently. The auxiliary actuating mechanism may be for instance a compressed fluid valve release button. The auxiliary actuating mechanism may be provided in, i.e. on the housing 2 of the flame producing assembly 1. The nozzle arrangement 20 is shaped such that, when being supplied with compressed fluid during operation of the flame producing assembly 1, an encircling fluid curtain C is created around the flame F. Supplying compressed fluid to the nozzle arrangement 20 leads to the compressed fluid expanding when entering the nozzle arrangement 20, i.e. when exiting through the nozzle outlet 22, thereby creating an accelerated fluid stream (see arrows in FIG. 2). The shape of the fluid stream is determined by the nozzle outlet 22 and is encircling, i.e. curtain-shaped or wall-shaped. Depending on the shape of the nozzle arrangement 20 and the nozzle outlet 22, the degree of encirclement of the fluid curtain C may be varied. Thus, the fluid curtain C may be fully encircling (as shown in the figures) or at least partially encircling. In general, the fluid curtain can be understood as a virtual ring-like, cone-like or tube-like fluid wall. Depending on which fluid is used as compressed fluid an air curtain or air-fluid curtain may be created. In other words, a gas-curtain may be created. The compressed fluid is to be understood as compressed, partially compressed or expanded depending on where it is located between the compressed fluid container and the nozzle outlet 22. The skilled person will understand that the expansion of the compressed fluid is a gradual process. The fact that compressed fluid is supplied to the nozzle arrangement 20 enables or at least enhances the expansion and acceleration of the compressed fluid (or partially compressed or expanded fluid) to create a fluid stream and thereby the fluid curtain C. In general terms, compressed is to be understood relative to ambient conditions of the environment of the flame producing assembly 1. For instance compressed may be understood as condition of more than about 1 bar, specifically more than about 2 bar or more than about 3 bar.

[0068] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the nozzle arrangement 20 is positioned below the fuel nozzle opening 13 in a direction opposite to the flame direction f. Specifically, the nozzle outlet 22 is positioned below the fuel nozzle opening 13 at a predetermined distance 21. The predetermined distance 21 may be at least 0.1 mm to 10 mm, specifically 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm and particularly 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm. Positioning the nozzle arrangement 20, particularly the nozzle outlet 22 below the fuel nozzle opening 13 leads to the creation of a safer fluid curtain C without disturbance of the flame F. Furthermore, accidentally enhancing the flame F due to additional oxygen and/or fuel in the fluid curtain and/or dragged air within the fluid curtain may be prevented. In specific designs of flame producing assemblies which comprise a hood or a windshield above the fuel nozzle 12, the nozzle outlet 22 may be arranged below the level of flame detachment, i.e. below a flame opening of the hood or windshield, e.g. a flame detachment opening, through which the flame F detaches. Thus, in aspects, the nozzle arrangement 20, e.g. the nozzle outlet 22 may be arranged below a flame opening of the hood or windshield at a minimum predetermined distance of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, specifically 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm and particularly 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm in order to create a safer fluid curtain C without disturbance of the flame F. In other words, the nozzle arrangement 20, e.g. the nozzle outlet 22 may be positioned around the axis A and below a flame detachment opening in a direction opposite to the flame direction f. Alternatively described, the nozzle arrangement 20, e.g. the nozzle outlet 22 may be positioned around the axis A and below the flame, specifically a flame detachment, in a direction opposite to the flame direction f. With further reference to FIG. 2, the nozzle outlet 22 is arranged radially distanced from the axis A by a minimum predefined length 23. Specifically, the nozzle outlet 22 is arranged radially distanced from the axis A by the minimum predefined length 23 to reduce or eliminate a disturbance of the flame F by the fluid curtain C. In other words, the nozzle outlet 22 is configured and arranged such that the fluid curtain C is created radially distanced from the axis A by the minimum predefined length. In examples, the minimum predefined length may be 0.1 mm to 10 mm, specifically 0.5 mm to 8.0 mm and particularly 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm. In other words, the nozzle outlet 22, if it has a circumferential shape, has a predetermined (minimum) diameter to ensure an undisturbed production of the flame F. The diameter and/or dimensions of the length 23 are dependent of the dimensions of the flame F. The nozzle arrangement 20 is shaped such that an outlet direction o of fluid flowing through the nozzle outlet 22 is inclined outwardly with respect to the flame direction f. In this context, outwardly is to be understood in the meaning of radially outwardly with respect to axis A or flame direction f. In examples, the outlet direction o is inclined or angled with respect to axis A (or flame direction f). In the example of FIG. 2, the outlet direction o is angled with respect to the flame direction f by about 50?. In examples, the outlet direction o may be angled with respect to the flame direction f by about 10 to about 85?, specifically about 5? to about 45?, and more specifically about 15? to about 30?. Described in other words, the nozzle arrangement 20 has a circumferential opening which opens in a direction o inclined radially outward of the flame direction f. In embodiments, the nozzle arrangement 20 may be shaped such that the outlet direction o of fluid flowing through the nozzle outlet 22 is parallel to the flame direction f, i.e. parallel to the axis A. In examples, the nozzle arrangement 20 is configured and arranged to create a fluid stream which is separate from the flame F and does not interfere or disturb the flame F.

[0069] In general, the nozzle arrangement 20 may also be referred to as a nozzle assembly 20 for creating the fluid curtain C. The nozzle arrangement 20 (or nozzle assembly 20) comprises an outer cylindrical wall 26 and an inverted cone-shaped element 24 which is arranged distanced from the outer cylindrical wall 26 in the flame direction f such that the nozzle outlet 22 is formed between the outer cylindrical wall 26 and the inverted cone-shaped element 24 (see, FIG. 2). Specifically, the nozzle outlet 22 is formed between an inclinedly downward facing surface 24a of the inverted cone-shaped element 24 in a direction opposite to the flame direction f and an upper end 26a of the outer cylindrical wall 26. Thereby, a direction of fluid flowing from the nozzle outlet 22 is diverted by the inverted cone-shaped element 24 so as to form the encircling fluid curtain C. The inclinedly downward facing surface 24a can be understood as a surface which is generally oriented in a direction opposite to the flame direction f but thereby, inclined radially outwardly. In other words, the inclinedly downward facing surface 24a is facing in a direction perpendicular to the outlet direction o (see, FIG. 2). The inverted cone-shaped element 24 is generally formed triangular in cross-section having a centric hole, i.e. the central lumen 25. The outer cylindrical wall 26 is arranged concentrically to an inner cylindrical wall 16 of the flame producing assembly 1. At least a portion of the fuel supply channel 14 is formed by or inside the inner cylindrical wall 16. Thereby a ring-shaped chamber of the nozzle arrangement 20 formed between the inner cylindrical wall 16 and the outer cylindrical wall 26. By the provision of the ring-shaped chamber an improved distribution of compressed fluid can be achieved. The inverted cone-shaped element 24 is arranged concentrically to the fuel nozzle 12 and the inner cylindrical wall 16. The inverted cone-shaped element 24 is arranged axially between the fuel nozzle 12 and the inner cylindrical wall 16. In examples, the inverted cone-shaped element 24 has a central lumen 25 which forms together with the inner cylindrical wall 16 the fuel supply channel 14 to the fuel nozzle 12. In embodiments, the inner cylindrical wall 16 may extend through the central lumen 25 of the inverted cone-shaped element 24 towards the fuel nozzle 12. The lumen 25 is to be understood as a channel or a hollow portion configured to guide fuel or receive an additional fuel piping, e.g. the inner cylindrical wall 16. As can be taken from FIG. 2, compressed fluid which is guided from the compressed fluid supply to the nozzle arrangement 20 flows towards the nozzle outlet 22. Due to the specific shape of the nozzle arrangement 20, particularly the inverted cone-shaped element 24, the compressed fluid is guided radially outwardly along the outflow direction o, thereby expands and accelerates to create the air curtain C. It is to be understood, that the configuration as shown in FIG. 2 represents merely an example of how to implement the nozzle arrangement 20. Other arrangements than using the inverted cone-shaped element 24 are possible. For instance, a curved element may be used or the inner cylindrical wall 16 may be adapted, e.g. by having a cylindrical protrusion extending radially outwardly, to form together with the cylindrical outer wall 26 the nozzle outlet 22. In further embodiments, a horizontal wall portion (i.e. perpendicular to the axis A) may be provided which closes off the outer cylindrical wall 26 and which comprises one or more recesses, e.g. circumferentially distributed recesses, which form the nozzle outlet 22 and which may be inclined.

[0070] As explained above with respect to the general disclosure, the wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 is configured to create a protective fluid curtain C around the flame F. In the following two different embodiments of the wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 using different compressed fluids will be described in more detail which are combinable with any of the previously described.

First Embodiment

[0071] In the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 2), compressed air is used as compressed fluid. In this embodiment, the compressed fluid supply comprises a compressed air container and one or more compressed air channels via which the compressed air container is coupled to the nozzle arrangement 20. In this embodiment, the compressed fluid supply may also be referred to as compressed air supply. The compressed air container is filled or fillable with compressed air. In other words, the compressed air container contains compressed air. The compressed fluid valve is a compressed air valve. In this embodiment, the compressed air is guided to the nozzle arrangement 20 from the compressed air container, expands and accelerates during expansion through the nozzle outlet 22. Thereby an encircling air curtain C, or partially encircling air curtain C (depending on the specific design of the nozzle arrangement 20 as explained above) is created around the flame F during operation of the flame producing assembly 1.

[0072] The compressed air container is embedded in the housing 2 of the flame producing assembly 1. Thereby, a compact device can be provided without need for additional auxiliary components for achieving full functionality. In configurations, the compressed air container may be removably attached to the housing 2 of the flame producing assembly 1 and coupled to the nozzle arrangement 20 via an air inlet valve, in particular an air-tight air inlet valve, and one or more compressed air supply channels. Thereby, compressed air containers can be used like disposable and/or exchangeable cartridges, whereby a user may simply exchange a used with a fresh compressed air container.

[0073] In some variations, the compressed air container is prefilled with compressed air. Specifically, the compressed air container may be prefilled with compressed air during the manufacturing process of the flame producing assembly 1. In examples, the compressed air container may be prefilled with compressed air immediately before acquisition of the flame producing assembly 1 by a user. However, it is not essential that the compressed air container is prefilled with compressed air. Specifically, the compressed air container is refillable with compressed air. The compressed air container may be refillable via an embedded air filling device and/or an external filling device. The provision of a refillable compressed air container leads to an improved lifetime cycle and a more sustainable device as there is no need of replacing an empty compressed air container. The skilled person will understand that the expression refillable or prefilled with compressed air can include filling compressed air from a compressed air source into the compressed air container, and/or may include pressing ambient air, partly compressed air or uncompressed air into the compressed air container to be compressed therein. In examples, a pressure differential with respect to the environmental conditions may be produced inside the compressed air container.

[0074] The flame producing assembly 1 comprises an air inlet valve. The air inlet valve is coupled to the compressed air container and may be coupleable to an external air filling device to refill compressed air into the compressed air container. In examples, the external air filling device may be a pump. Specifically, the external air filling device may be an electrical pump or a manual pump, e.g. a bicycle pump or a pouch pump. In examples, the external air filling device may be an auxiliary compressed air canister or another kind of compressed air source, e.g. an air pressure line. The air inlet valve is arranged on the housing 2 of the flame producing assembly 1, for instance on a bottom of the flame producing assembly 1, i.e. opposite of the fuel nozzle opening 13. In examples, the air inlet valve may be airtight. The configuration of the flame producing assembly 1 being coupleable to an external air filling device reduces the complexity and the cost of the flame producing assembly 1. Furthermore, a smaller and more light-weight device can be provided.

[0075] In aspects, where the flame producing assembly 1 comprises an embedded air filling device, the embedded air filling device is coupled to the compressed air container. The embedded air filling device is adapted to press air into the compressed air container. In examples, the embedded air filling device may be an electrical pump or a manual pump. In examples, the embedded air filling device may be configured to convert mechanical motion to compressed air. The embedded air filling device may be embedded into the flame producing assembly 1, particularly into the housing 2 of the flame producing assembly 1. In other words, the embedded air filling device is arranged within the housing 2 of the flame producing assembly 1. The embedded air filling device is fluidically coupled to the compressed air container via an internal valve. The internal valve may be a one-way valve which only allows air to be pumped into the compressed air container. The embedded air filling device is further fluidically coupled to the exterior of the flame producing assembly 1 via an external valve. The external valve may be a one-way valve which only allows ambient air to be drawn in from the environment. The external valve may also be configured to allow refilling the compressed air container via an external air filling device. The expression adapted to refill compressed air into the container can be understood that either ambient air can be filled into the container to be compressed therein or that compressed air is generated and then filled into the compressed air container. In both cases the compressed air container is refilled with compressed air.

[0076] In particular configurations of the first embodiment, the embedded air filling device comprises a deformable elastic pouch with a first valve coupled to the compressed air container to pump air into the compressed air container, and a second valve coupled to an exterior of the flame producing assembly 1 to draw in ambient air from the environment into the pouch. In examples, the first valve is a one-way valve only allowing air to be pumped out of the pouch into the compressed air container. In examples, the second valve is a one-way valve only allowing air to be drawn into the pouch from the environment. The deformable elastic pouch is configured to be reversibly mechanically deformable by external pressurization, e.g. by a user squeezing or pressing the pouch, such that, when being pressed, air is pumped into the compressed air container via the first valve, and when returning to its unpressed state, ambient air is drawn into the pouch from the environment, particularly via the second valve. The deformable elastic pouch is adapted and arranged to be accessible from at least one exterior surface of the housing 2 of the flame producing assembly 1. In some examples, the deformable elastic pouch is adapted and arranged to be accessible from two opposing exterior surfaces of the housing 2 of the flame producing assembly 1. Accessible in this context can be understood as being actuatable and/or reachable by a user to be deformed. In examples, the embedded air filling device further comprise one or more buttons. The button is mechanically coupled to the deformable elastic pouch and may be arranged to be accessible from outside the housing 2 of the flame producing assembly 1 to mechanically deform the deformable elastic pouch.

[0077] In configurations, the embedded air filling device may be a reciprocal piston pump.

[0078] In particular aspects of the first embodiment, the flame producing assembly 1 further comprises a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is coupled to the compressed air container and configured to release air from the compressed air container if a pressure inside the compressed air container exceeds a predetermined limit. The predetermined limit of pressure when the pressure release valve is activated may be at most 0.5, at most 1 bar, at most 2 bar, at most 3 bar, at most 4 bar, at most 5 bar, at most 10 bar or at most 15 bar. The pressure relief valve increases the safety of the device to prevent overpressure inside the compressed air container. If the pressure inside the compressed air container exceeds the predetermined limit, the pressure relief valve will open and air will be released, for instance to the environment. In that, the flame producing assembly may be protected from being damaged by overpressure and the user of the flame producing assembly may be protected from injuries due to damages of the flame producing assembly. In variations of this aspect, the pressure relief valve may be configured to release air to the air nozzle arrangement, e.g. via one or more separate bypass lines.

[0079] In aspects, the wind resistant flame producing assembly 1 further comprises a compressed air main valve. The compressed air main valve is arranged between the compressed air container and the nozzle arrangement 20. The flame producing assembly 1 further comprises a main valve actuating mechanism for activating and deactivating the compressed air main valve. In other words, the compressed air main valve is actuatable via the main valve actuating mechanism. The main valve actuating mechanism is accessible from an exterior of the flame producing assembly housing 2. In examples, the main valve actuating mechanism may be arranged on or in a flame producing assembly housing surface, i.e. an exterior flame producing assembly housing surface. In some examples, the valve actuating mechanism may be in the form of a sliding or push button. The compressed air main valve is arranged upstream of the compressed air valve. For instance, the compressed air main valve can be arranged at an outlet of the compressed air container towards the one or more compressed air channels leading to the nozzle arrangement 20. In examples, the compressed air main valve may be arranged within the compressed air channel or at an inlet of the compressed air channel towards the nozzle arrangement 20. By the provision of a compressed air main valve, the creation of the air curtain C may be controlled independently of the fuel actuating mechanism 3 and/or the auxiliary actuating mechanism. Unwanted loss of compressed air, for instance in case a user accidentally activates the air curtain C and/or the compressed air valve via the fuel actuating mechanism or the auxiliary actuating mechanism can be prevented. The term upstream can be understood as a relative position with respect to the flow of compressed air/fuel, wherein the flow direction extends from the compressed air container through the one or more compressed air channels through nozzle arrangement, e.g. the ring-chamber and out through nozzle outlet. That means, in this example, for instance, the compressed air container is arranged upstream of the one or more compressed air channels.

[0080] In configurations of this first embodiment, other gases or gas mixtures than air, e.g. carbon dioxide or inert gases, may be used. In embodiments (not shown in the figures), the compressed fluid supply may be an embedded air filling device and/or an external air filling device, e.g. an air pump with one or more air supply channels coupled to the nozzle arrangement 20. That means, in this embodiment, air is pressed or pushed through the nozzle arrangement 20 via the embedded or external air filling device, whereby the air filling device is only activated when the flame producing assembly 1 is in operation.

Second Embodiment

[0081] In the second embodiment (not shown in the figures), the fuel of the fuel container is used as compressed fluid which is then supplied to the nozzle arrangement 20. In this embodiment, compressed fuel, particularly liquid butane, liquid isobutane or liquid propane may be used as fuel in the flame producing assembly 1 for producing the flame F. The compressed fluid supply of this embodiment is provided by the fuel container, the fuel supply channel 14 and a fuel supply branch. The fuel supply branch extends, i.e. branches of, from the fuel supply channel 14 to the nozzle arrangement 20 such that the nozzle arrangement 20 is coupled to the fuel container. The compressed fluid valve is a compressed fuel valve which is arranged in the fuel supply branch. Being arranged in the fuel supply branch includes the possibilities of arranging the compressed fuel valve within, at an inlet or at an outlet of the fuel supply branch. The fuel valve may be arranged downstream of the compressed fuel valve. When the compressed fuel is supplied to the nozzle arrangement 20 via the fuel supply branch, ambient air is drawn into the expanding fuel to create an at least partially (or fullydepending upon the above-described nozzle arrangement 20 design) encircling air-fuel curtain C around the flame F during operation of the flame producing assembly 1. Using the fuel of the flame producing assembly 1 as a compressed fluid source leads to a simpler and safer assembly as no separate compressed air equipment, e.g. compressed air container and compressed air channels, are required. During expansion, the compressed fuel draws in ambient air into the expanding fuel whereby an air-fuel stream is generated which, via the nozzle arrangement 20, creates the at least partially encircling air-fuel curtain C around the flame F. Specifically, the fuel supply branch comprises a plurality of orifices circumferentially distributed about the fuel supply branch. The orifices are configured and arranged to establish a fluidic connection between the inside of the fuel supply branch and ambient air. Negative pressure is created right outside the fuel supply branch, i.e. right outside the one or more orifices. This creates a suction of air that is provided by the surrounding environment into the fuel supply branch. In turn, this results in the compressed fuel, specifically expanding fuel, being mixed with air inside the fuel supply branch. The high velocity mixture is guided through the nozzle arrangement 20, i.e. to the nozzle outlet 22 and as it exits creates the air-gas curtain, i.e. the air-fuel curtain. In aspects, the size of the orifices may be designed so that the mixture of fuel with air is diluted enough to be inert in the presence of an accidental flame, but forceful enough (i.e., of high velocity) so it can protect the flame it surrounds. The fuel supply branch opens out into the nozzle arrangement 20 through a branch outlet. In examples, the branch outlet is shaped such that a branch direction of fuel flowing out of the branch outlet is inclined outwardly with respect to the flame direction f. Inclined outwardly is to be understood in the meaning of inclined radially outwardly with respect to axis A or flame direction f. In examples, the branch direction is angled with respect to the flame direction f by about 1? to about 85?, specifically about 5? to about 45?, and more specifically about 15? to about 30?. In other words, the branch outlet, i.e. the branch direction may be parallel to the outlet direction o.

Air Curtain Device

[0082] The present disclosure further relates to an air curtain device for a flame producing assembly, the flame producing assembly being configured to produce a flame F along an axis A in a flame direction f. The air curtain device comprises a nozzle arrangement which is configured to create an air curtain C around the flame F produced by the flame producing assembly. In other words, the air curtain device may be similarly configured as the wind resistant flame producing assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, however, the air curtain device may be used as an add-on for a standard flame producing assembly. In aspects, the air curtain device comprises a main body having a central lumen along the axis A therethrough for receiving a fuel nozzle of the flame producing assembly. The main body is releasably mountable on the flame producing assembly such that the fuel nozzle of the flame producing assembly is received in the central lumen. The air nozzle arrangement is provided in the main body and has a nozzle outlet which at least partially encircles the central lumen. The air curtain device further comprises a compressed air container for storing compressed air. The compressed air container is provided in the main body and is coupled to the air nozzle arrangement via a compressed air channel. The air curtain device further comprises a compressed air valve for controlling supply of compressed air from the compressed air container to the nozzle arrangement. The nozzle arrangement is shaped such that, when being mounted on the flame producing assembly and when being supplied with compressed air during operation of the flame producing assembly, an at least partially encircling air curtain C is created around the flame F.

[0083] In some examples, the main body is shaped such that the fuel nozzle of the flame producing assembly extends through the central lumen outside the central lumen in the flame direction f. In examples, the main body is shaped such that the fuel nozzle is coupleable with a first opening of the central lumen. Specifically, an auxiliary fuel nozzle is formed on a second opening of the central lumen being opposite of the first opening. In aspects, the second opening is oriented in the flame direction f.

[0084] The air nozzle arrangement has one or more openings which together form the nozzle outlet. The nozzle outlet extends circumferentially at least partially around the second opening of the central lumen being oriented in the flame direction f. In examples, the nozzle outlet is arranged radially distanced from the central lumen by a minimum predefined length to reduce or eliminate a disturbance of the flame F by the air curtain C. In other words, the nozzle outlet is configured and arranged such that the fluid curtain is created radially distanced from the axis A by the minimum predefined length.

[0085] In some examples, the air nozzle arrangement is shaped such that an outlet direction of fluid flowing through the nozzle outlet is parallel to the axis A. In examples, the air nozzle arrangement is shaped such that an outlet direction of fluid flowing through the nozzle outlet is inclined outwardly with respect to the axis A. In examples, the outlet direction may be angled with respect to the axis A by about 1? to about 85?, specifically about 5? to about 45?, and more specifically about 15? to about 30?.

[0086] In aspects, the air nozzle arrangement comprises an outer cylindrical wall and an inverted cone-shaped element which is arranged distanced from the outer cylindrical wall in the flame direction f such that the nozzle outlet is formed between the outer cylindrical wall and the inverted cone-shaped element. Thereby, a direction of fluid flowing from the nozzle outlet is diverted by the inverted cone-shaped element so as to form the encircling fluid curtain C. The air curtain device further comprises an inner cylindrical wall which forms the central lumen inside the inner cylindrical wall. The inverted cone-shaped element is arranged concentrically to the central lumen. In aspects, the compressed air valve is operatively coupleable to a fuel actuating mechanism of the flame producing assembly such that the compressed air valve is activatable and deactivatable simultaneously with a fuel valve of the flame producing assembly by the fuel actuating mechanism. In some examples, the air curtain device further comprises an auxiliary actuating mechanism for activating and deactivating the compressed air valve separately of a fuel valve of the flame producing assembly.

Example Method

[0087] The present disclosure further relates to a method for creating an air curtain with a wind resistant flame producing assembly. A user is in an environment of forced air/wind conditions and has in their hands a wind resistant flame producing assembly according to the present disclosure. The user turns a switch which activates the compressed air main valve to enable circulation of the compressed air. The user presses the button that activates the fuel valve and sparkler/igniter as well as the compressed air valve. Fuel is released from the fuel nozzle and a flame is produced. In parallel to the flame compressed air is released through the nozzle arrangement. The previous step remains for the duration of the user keeping the fuel valve and the compressed air valve active.

[0088] While active, the compressed air flows through the nozzle arrangement creating a protective curtain/wall of air, i.e. an air curtain around the flame thus protecting it from lateral winds/forced air. When the compressed air is exhausted the user can refill the compressed air container with compressed air by using, for instance, an embedded air pump, or a compressed air canister.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0089]

TABLE-US-00001 1 Flame producing assembly 2 Housing 3 Fuel actuating mechanism 10 Fuel nozzle arrangement 12 Fuel nozzle 13 Fuel nozzle opening 14 Fuel supply channel 16 Inner cylindrical wall 20 Nozzle arrangement 21 Minimum predefined distance 22 Nozzle outlet 23 Minimum predefined length 24 Inverted-cone shaped element 24a Downward facing surface 26 Outer cylindrical wall 26a Upper end A Axis F Flame f Flame direction C Air curtain o Outlet direction