US20060130395A1

US20060130395A1 - Fire starter utilizing recycled materials

Info

Publication number: US20060130395A1
Application number: US11/016,005
Authority: US
Inventors: Linda Roth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-16
Filing date: 2004-12-16
Publication date: 2006-06-22

Abstract

A fire starter comprising a shallow cylinder formed from an amalgam of paper and wax. The purpose of the invention to provide an easy, reliable initiation of ignition and sustained combustion of wood without the need for kindling.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

N/A cl STATEMENT CONCERNING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention is a fire starter for use in directly igniting wood in fireplaces, stoves and open air camp fires.
2. Background of the Invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composition for starting fires in wood burning fireplaces, stoves and open air camp fires. The composition may be made by using waste paper and recycled candle wax.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, vertical view of the invention. The paper strips are randomly interwoven with each other as they are pressed between layers of wax.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention, showing its shape and the crown or rim.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Starting a fire fueled by wood can be a difficult, messy process, whether the fire is laid indoors in a fireplace or stove or outdoors in the open. The traditional method is to arrange small pieces of wood, commonly known as kindling, in close physical proximity to paper, wood shavings or some other material which is easily ignitable with a match or other flame source. After the burning process is initiated it must be maintained until additional wood fuel, usually physically larger in size is in turn ignited and its combustion becomes self sustaining. It is widely acknowledged that successfully starting a self sustaining fire using wood is partly an art and partly a matter of technique. The wood chosen as fuel can be wet due to lack of drying between cutting and burning, or due to exposure to moisture in the environment. Excess moisture inhibits combustion at all stages of the process from initial ignition to sustained burning. All of these difficulties can make starting a wood fire for recreational purposes a nuisance, in an emergency situation in the wilderness with rain and snow, these nuisances can become life threatening.
Volatile hydrocarbons of various types can be used to accelerate ignition and sustained combustion. Uncontrolled fires, whether indoors or out are a risk due to accidental spillage of accelerants or their over liberal application to the wood to be burned. Use of accelerants indoors presents the added problem of persistent unpleasant odors, as a byproduct of ignition. This phenomenon is often observed in so called one match light artificial fireplace logs marketed under various trade names.
The present invention provides reliable direct ignition of wood leading to sustained combustion without the need for kindling. Ignition and sustained combustion can be initiated using a single match, even in adverse weather conditions or when the wood to be burned is damp. The invention can be made from readily available waste materials The invention is generally shaped as a shallow column, the specific geometric characteristic of its form can vary.
In its preferred embodiment, the invention consists of a cylinder approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and 1 inch in height at its apex. The cylinder walls may taper slightly toward the base. Top or upper face of the cylinder has a slight crown or rim which extends above the main body. The rim provides an easily accessible means for igniting the invention.
The cylinder is formed from an amalgam of paper strips and wax. Paper strips 3/16 ths of an inch in width by approximately 1 inch in length is the preferred dimension. This size strip is commonly created by mechanical cross cut paper shredders. The wax employed can be natural or artificial in origin. Candle stubs are one source. A scent may be added to the constituent wax if desired.
The invention is made by pressing alternating layers of paper strips and molten wax into a mold of the desired shape. The process begins with a layer of paper strips being laid into the bottom of a mold. The arrangement of the paper strips in the mold may be are randomly interwoven with each other. Melted wax is added covering the paper in a thin layer. The paper and wax layers are compressed together as the wax cools. Additional layers of paper strips, followed by wax are added and compressed until the cavity of the mold is filled. The edges of the paper may protrude above the upper edge of the mold as successive layers of the paper and wax are added. Compression of the final paper/wax layer leaves a slight crown or rimmed upper edge. Other embodiments are within the following claims.

Claims

1. A fire starter for use in directly igniting wood comprising alternate layers of cross cut paper strips and wax formed into a shallow column, wherein said paper strips are approximately 3/16ths of an inch in width by approximately 1 inch in length, said shallow column having a slight crown or rim extending above its upper surface.

2. A fire starter as described in claim 1 wherein the wax is colored.

3. A fire starter as described in any of the previous claims in which the wax is scented.