ADJUSTABLE TORCH WITH LOCK MECHANISM

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to components for welding and cutting torches, and in particular, to a torch with an adjustable portion and a lock mechanism to secure the different portions of the torch in different particular configurations.

BACKGROUND

Welding and cutting torches are used in various applications. Sometimes the location of a particular application is too difficult for the user to reach with the torch. In such cases, the result is a poor weld or a poor cut.

Thus, there is a need for a torch that can be easily adjusted and reconfigured by a user to be used in a variety of applications.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to components for welding and cutting torches. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a torch with an adjustable portion that can be placed in different positions relative to the remainder of the torch. The torch includes a lock mechanism that is manipulated to secure the adjustable portion in a particular position so that the torch has a particular configuration.

In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a torch assembly comprises a torch body including a first torch body portion, a second torch body portion, and a joint movably coupling the first torch body portion to the second torch body portion, the joint permitting the first torch body portion to be moved relative to the second torch body portion between a first position and a second position, the joint including a lock mechanism that has a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the lock mechanism engaging the first torch body portion and the second torch body portion, wherein the first torch body portion is movable relative to the second torch body portion when the lock mechanism is in its unlocked configuration, and the first torch body portion is fixed relative to the second torch body portion when the lock mechanism is in its locked configuration.

In one alternative embodiment, the joint pivotally couples the first torch body portion and the second torch body portion.

In another embodiment, the lock mechanism includes a pivotally mounted arm that is disposable in a locked position and in an unlocked position, the lock mechanism being in its locked configuration when the pivotally mounted arm is in its locked position, and the lock mechanism being in its unlocked configuration when the pivotally mounted arm is in its unlocked position, the pivotally mounted arm being located in the recess and not obstructing a user's view of a torch head of the torch assembly.

In yet another embodiment, the first torch body portion includes a recess formed therein, and the pivotally mounted arm is located in the recess when it is in its locked position.

In another embodiment, the first torch body portion includes a first opening extending therethrough, the second torch body portion includes a second opening extending therethrough, and the lock mechanism includes a base member that extends through the first opening and through the second opening.

In an alternative embodiment, the base member has a shaft with an end that has several projections extending therefrom and several recesses defined between each pair of adjacent projections, the lock mechanism includes a sleeve member that is coupled to the base member, the sleeve member including a pair of holes formed therein, and a bar that couples the pivotally mounted arm to the base member, the bar extending through the holes in the sleeve member and through a pair of recesses in the base member.

In another embodiment, the bar has a first end and a second end located opposite to the first end, the bar has a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, and the bar has a first groove that extends around a circumference of the bar near the first end of the bar and a second groove that extends around the circumference of the bar near the second end of the bar.

In another embodiment, the pivotally mounted arm includes a first extending portion having a first hole and a second extending portion having a second hole, the first extending portion and the second extending portion defining a space therebetween in which the shaft can be positioned, and the bar extends through the first hole in the first extending portion, the holes in the sleeve member, recesses in the base member, and the second hole in the second extending portion.

In an alternative embodiment, the lock mechanism includes a ring defining an opening through which the shaft is inserted, and each of the first extending portion of the pivotally mounted arm and the second extending portion of the pivotally mounted arm engages the ring when the pivotally mounted arm is in its locked position.

In another embodiment, the first extending portion has a first cam surface, the second extending portion has a second cam surface, and the first cam surface and second cam surface engage the ring when the pivotally mounted arm is in its locked position and are spaced apart from the ring when the pivotally mounted arm is in its unlocked position.

In yet another embodiment, the lock mechanism includes a first clip and a second clip, both the first clip and the second clip being mountable on the first torch body portion, the first clip engages the first groove on the bar, and the second clip engages the second groove on the bar.

In an alternative embodiment, the first torch body portion includes a ridge having a pair of notches that receive the bar and a pair of grooves that receive the first clip and the second clip, the ridge, the first clip, the second clip, and the bar cooperating to retain alignment of the pivotally mounted arm.

In another embodiment, the first torch body portion includes a first set of teeth formed in a circular pattern, the second torch body portion includes a second set of teeth formed in another circular pattern, and the first set of teeth engage the second set of teeth when the pivotally mounted arm is moved to its locked position, the circular pattern of the first set of teeth being located on a ridge which prevents debris intrusion.

In an alternative embodiment, the first torch body portion includes a circular ridge having a surface on which a first abrasive material is disposed, the second torch body portion includes a groove having a surface on which a second abrasive material is disposed, and the first abrasive material engages the second abrasive material when the circular ridge engages the groove and when the pivotally mounted arm is moved to its located position, and the circular ridge prevents debris intrusion.

In another embodiment according to the present disclosure, a torch assembly comprises a torch body including a first torch body portion, a second torch body portion, and a joint pivotally coupling the first torch body portion to the second torch body portion so that the first torch body portion can pivot relative to the second torch body portion, the joint including a lock mechanism that has a pivotally mounted arm that can be moved to a locked position and to an unlocked position, wherein the first torch body portion is movable relative to the second torch body portion when the pivotally mounted arm is in its unlocked position, and the first torch body portion is fixed relative to the second torch body portion when the pivotally mounted arm is in its locked position.

In one embodiment, the first torch body portion includes a first opening extending therethrough, the second torch body portion includes a second opening extending therethrough, and the lock mechanism includes a base portion that extends through the first opening and through the second opening.

In another embodiment, the base portion has a shaft with a first recessed area and a second recessed area located on opposite sides of the shaft, the shaft including a hole extending from the first recessed area to the second recessed area, and the lock mechanism includes a bar that couples the pivotally mounted arm to the base portion, and the bar extends through the hole in the shaft.

In yet another embodiment, the lock mechanism includes a ring defining an opening through which the shaft is inserted, the pivotally mounted arm has a first extending portion with a first cam surface and a second extending portion with a second cam surface, and the first cam surface and second cam surface engage the ring when the pivotally mounted arm is in its locked position and are spaced apart from the ring when the pivotally mounted arm is in its unlocked position.

In another embodiment according to the present disclosure, a torch body for a torch assembly comprises a first torch body portion, a second torch body portion, and a joint pivotally coupling the first torch body portion to the second torch body portion so that the first torch body portion can pivot relative to the second torch body portion, the joint including a lock mechanism that has a pivotally mounted arm that can be moved to a locked position and to an unlocked position, the lock mechanism having a base and a bar coupling the pivotally mounted arm to the base, wherein the first torch body portion is movable relative to the second torch body portion when the pivotally mounted arm is in its unlocked position and not when the pivotally mounted arm is in its locked position.

In one embodiment, the pivotally mounted arm includes a first extending portion having a first opening and a second extending portion having a second opening, the base being located between the first extending portion and the second extending portion, the base having a through hole, and the bar extending through each of the first opening, the second opening, and the through hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The torch assembly presented herein may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. It should be understood that the elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale and that emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the torch assembly. In the figures, like-referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a torch according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a close-up side view of a portion of the torch illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the portion of the torch illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of some components of the portion of the torch illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side view of some components of the torch illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view of some components of a joint and a lock mechanism of the torch illustrated in FIG. 1 shown in a locked configuration.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the components illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the components illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the components illustrated in FIG. 6 shown in an unlocked configuration with the torch body portions in a first configuration.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the components illustrated in FIG. 9 with the torch body portions in a second configuration.

FIG. 11 is an internal view of the components illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an internal view of the components illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing the disassembly of some components of the lock mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the torch body portions illustrated in FIG. 6 separated from each other.

FIG. 14A is a close-up side view of part of the torch body portion illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14B is a close-up side view of part of an alternative embodiment of a torch body portion according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14C is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of torch body portions according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an end view of one of the torch body portions illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 is an internal view of another one of the torch by portions illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a base member of the lock mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a sleeve of the lock mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the base member and the sleeve coupled together.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of an arm and a bar of the lock mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the arm illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 21A is a top view of the arm illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the lock mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the components illustrated in FIG. 22 assembled together.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of some of the components of another embodiment of a side portion of a torch body portion according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the side portion illustrated in FIG. 24 with the lock mechanism in a locked configuration.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the side portion illustrated in FIG. 24 with the lock mechanism in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view showing the inner surface of the torch body housing illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the lock mechanism of the torch body portion illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the components illustrated in FIG. 24 taken along line “29-29”.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the side portion illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 31 is a close-up perspective view of part of the side portion illustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a bar of the lock mechanism illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a clip of the lock mechanism illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a top view of a base member of the lock mechanism illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the base member illustrated in FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of some components of another embodiment of a torch head in a particular configuration according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 37 is another perspective view of the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is another perspective view of the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 36.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 36 in another configuration.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 36 in yet another configuration.

FIG. 41 is a side view of some of the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a part of a torch body portion included in the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 36.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a part of another torch body portion included in the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 36.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 36 in another configuration.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 36 in another configuration.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the torch head components illustrated in FIG. 36 in another configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of a torch assembly is presented herein. The torch assembly includes a torch that has two torch bodies or torch body portions that can move relative to each other. When one of the torch body portions is moved relative to the other torch body portion, the overall configuration of the torch is changed. In some applications, it may be desirous to change the configuration of the torch to suit the particular application, depending on the location of a workpiece or a seam to be welded or the location of a cut to be made. In some instances, the torch body that includes consumables can be moved to position the consumables in a desired position or location.

The torch also includes a lock mechanism that is manipulated by a user to secure the torch body portions in desired positions relative to each other. The lock mechanism has an unlocked configuration in which the torch body portions can move relative to each other, and a locked configuration in which the torch body portions are fixed relative to each other. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism includes a pivotally mounted arm that is movable between a locked or locking position and an unlocked or unlocking position.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example embodiment of some components of a torch assembly that can be used in a manual welding and/or cutting system is illustrated. At a high-level, a manual cutting system includes a power supply (not shown) and a torch assembly 20. The power supply is configured to supply (or at least control the supply of) power and gas to a torch 30 included in the torch assembly 20 via a torch lead or cable hose 22. For example, the power supply may meter a flow of gas received from a gas supply, which the power supply receives via cable hose 22, before or as the power supply supplies gas to the torch 30 via cable hose 22. In one implementation, torch 30 may be connected to a distal end of cable hose 22 via a quick disconnect connector 26 and the power supply may be connected to a proximal end of cable hose 22 via a quick disconnect connector 24.

The torch 30 includes a torch body 32 that has two torch body portions 200 and 300. In this embodiment, torch body portion 300 includes a consumable stack 50 as shown in FIG. 1. Torch body portions 200 and 300 are coupled to each other at joint 40, which allows torch body portions 200 and 300 to move relative to each other. In particular, torch body portion 300 can be moved relative to torch body portion 200 about axis 42, which extends through joint 40. Torch body portion 300 can move along the direction of arrow “A” from its illustrated lowered position 34 to an upper position. In addition, torch body portion 300 can be moved along the direction of arrow “B” from its upper position to its lowered position 34.

As disclosed herein, the torch 30 includes a lock mechanism 400 that is manipulated by a user to either allow the torch body portions 200 and 300 to move relative to each other, or to secure the torch body portions 200 and 300 in their particular positions, thereby fixing the configuration of the torch 30 prior to its use. The torch body 32 also includes a trigger 38 that is used for the operation of the torch 30. As will be understood based on the description below, the lock mechanism 400 extends through part of the torch body portion 200 and through part of the torch body portion 300.

Turning to FIGS. 2-4, close-up side and perspective views of components of the torch 30 and torch body 32 are illustrated. Initially referring to FIG. 2, the torch body portion 200 and the torch body portion 300 of the torch body 32 are illustrated relative to the joint 40 and the lock mechanism 400. As described in greater detail below, the lock mechanism 400 includes a pivotally mounted arm 470, which is shown in its locked position.

Turning to FIG. 3, torch body portion 200 includes side portions 210 and 212 that are coupled together using connectors (not shown), such as screws, that are inserted through coupling holes, such as coupling hole 211. Side portion 210 includes a support portion 214, and side portion 212 includes a support portion 216. Support portions 214 and 216 are located proximate to each other when side portions 210 and 212 are coupled together. Torch body portion 200 includes an end or end surface 204 that is located near the support portions 214 and 216. Torch body portion 300 includes side portions 310 and 312 that are coupled together using connectors (not shown), such as screws. Torch body portion 300 includes an end or end surface 302 as well.

The pivotally mounted arm 470 is shown in FIG. 3 in its locked position 490. When the pivotally mounted arm 470 is rotated about bar 460 to its unlocked position, torch body portion 300 can move along the direction of arrow “A” and pivot around axis 42. Torch body portion 300 can be moved to any particular position relative to torch body portion 200 up until end surface 302 engages end surface 204, which limits the range of movement of torch body portion 300. When torch body portion 300 is in its desired position, pivotally mounted arm 470 is rotated about bar 460 and moved to its locked position 490. When pivotally mounted arm 470 is in its locked position, the lock mechanism 400 is in its locked configuration. When a user desires to reconfigure the torch assembly 20, the pivotally mounted arm 470 is moved from its locked position 490 to its unlocked position, and torch body portion 300 can be moved along the direction of arrow “B”.

Referring to FIG. 4, torch body portion 200 has been removed from torch body portion 300. The side portions 310 and 312 defining end surface 302 and a cavity 314 therebetween are shown. Torch body portion 200 is located within cavity 314 of side portions 310 and 312.

Turning to FIG. 5, a side view of some components of the torch illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown. In this view, side portion 212 of torch body portion 200 is illustrated with opposite ends 202 and 203. Torch body portion 300 is pivotally connected to torch body portion 200 at joint 40 where lock mechanism 400 is located.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, different views of parts of torch body portions 200 and 300 and some components of the joint 40 and lock mechanism 400 are shown. In these drawings, lock mechanism 400 is shown in its locked configuration, in which torch body portions 200 and 300 are not permitted to move relative to each other.

Initially referring to FIG. 6, only a small part of torch body portion 200 is shown. Torch body portion 200 includes a mounting hole 260 through which a connector, such as a screw, can be inserted to couple the side portions of the torch body portion 200. Similarly, only a small part of torch body portion 300 is shown. Torch body portion 300 includes mounting holes 360 and 362 through which connectors, such as screws, can be inserted to couple the side portions of the torch body portion 300.

Torch body portion 300 includes an outer surface 320 and an inner surface 322 (see FIGS. 6 and 8). The outer surface 320 has a ridge 321 formed thereon that defines a recess 323. The ridge 321 has a wall 321A as shown in FIG. 6. When the pivotally mounted arm 470 is in its locked position 490, the pivotally mounted arm 470 is located in the recess 323 and the tapered surface 473 which matches the shape of wall 321A is proximate to it. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the arm 470 has a lower surface 475 that has a profile matching the surface of recess 323. By being located in the recess 323, the likelihood of the pivotally mounted arm 470 being inadvertently engaged by and moved by the user of the torch 30 is greatly reduced. As best seen in FIG. 8, an outer surface of the pivotally mounted arm 470 located in the recess 323 is generally smooth and continuous with the ridge 321. When the arm 470 is located in recess 323, the arm 470 does not obstruct the user's view of the torch head. Also, the risk of the arm 470 being accidentally caught or snagged by the user or any item in the surrounding environment is eliminated.

Referring back to FIG. 6, the lock mechanism 400 includes a sleeve member 440 to which pivotally mounted arm 470 is coupled by bar 460. The various components of lock mechanism 400 are described in greater detail below. The sleeve member 440 is used for the cam lever tension adjustment and is locked in place by bar 460. In different embodiments of the lock mechanisms described herein, the bars 460 and 660 (described below) about which the arms 470 and 670 pivot are interchangeable. The bars 460 and 660 can be referred to alternatively as elongate members.

Turning to FIGS. 9-12, different outside and inside views of the parts of the torch body portions 200 and 300 and the lock mechanism 400 illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 are shown. Initially referring to FIG. 9, bar 460 has a longitudinal axis 462 that is an axis about which arm 470 can be pivoted or rotated. In this view, arm 470 has been rotated about bar 460 to its unlocked position 492. The ridge 321 and the recess 323 located on the outer surface of torch body portion 300 are visible with the arm 470 moved to its unlocked position 492.

In FIG. 9, torch body portion 300 is shown in a first position 306 relative to torch body portion 200, which results in the torch body portions 200 and 300 having a particular configuration. When torch body portion 300 is in its first position 306, end surface 302 of torch body portion 300 engages end surface 204 of torch body portion 200. Torch body portion 300 also has an end 338 which engages torch body portion 200 and limits movement of torch body portion 300 along the direction of arrow “C” in FIG. 10. Turning to FIG. 10, because arm 470 is in its unlocked position 492 due to its movement about bar 460, torch body portion 300 can be moved to a second position 308 relative to torch body portion 200. As torch body portion 300 is moved along arrow “C”, end 302 is moved away from end 204.

As shown in FIG. 9 (and also in FIG. 20), the arm 470 has a pair of extending portions 474 and 476 that have cam surfaces 485 and 487, respectively. When arm 470 pivots about bar 460 from its unlocked position 492 to its locked position 490, the cam surfaces 485 and 487 engage the ring 430. As a result, the cam surfaces 485 and 487 apply tension between the bar 460 and the ring 430, thereby clamping the various components of the lock mechanism 400 together which forces torch body portion 200 and torch body portion 300 toward each other.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, internal views of the components illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 are shown. Torch body portion 200 is positioned inside of the inner surface 322 of torch body portion 300. The lock mechanism 400 is coupled to both torch body portion 200 and torch body portion 300. As shown back in FIG. 1, pivot axis 42 passes through the lock mechanism 400. In FIG. 11, torch body portion 300 is in its first position 306 (see FIG. 9). End 302 of torch body portion 300 is in contact with end 204 of torch body portion 200. Torch body portion 300 includes two spaced apart wall portions 301 and 336. Wall portion 301 includes end 302, and wall portion 336 includes end 338.

Torch body portion 200 includes two spaced apart wall portions 224 and 226, and a wall 270 that defines with wall portion 226 a notch 272 therebetween that ends at a surface 274. Integrally formed with wall 270 is a plate 271 that extends perpendicularly from wall 270. Not only is plate 271 provide a stiffening function, but it also mitigates the risk of a pinch point being formed between torch body portions 200 and 300. When the torch body portions 200 and 300 rotate relative to each other, plate 271 prevents a user's finger or portion of a glove from being pinched between the torch body portions 200 and 300. When the torch body portion 300 is moved along the direction of arrow “C” in FIG. 12, end 338 of torch body portion 300 engages the notch 272 of torch body portion 200. The movement of torch body portion 300 along arrow “C” is limited by the engagement of end 338 with surface 274 (see FIG. 12). In this position 308 (see FIG. 10), end 302 of torch body portion 300 is spaced apart from end 204 of torch body portion 200.

Torch body portions 200 and 300 move relative to each other along a range of positions between the extreme or end positions shown in FIG. 11 and in FIG. 12. Each of the torch body portions 200 and 300 are configured so that they remain overlapped with each other through their full ranges of motion, including their extreme positions. In particular, the length of wall portion 226 is determined so that wall portion 226 continuously overlaps with at least a portion of wall portion 336 during the full range of movement between torch body portions 200 and 300. Similarly, the length of wall portion 224 is determined so that wall portion 224 continuously overlaps with at least a portion of wall portion 301 during the full range of movement between torch body portions 200 and 300. By overlapping each other with a very close clearance, any gaps or spaces are continuously covered, which mitigates the intrusion of debris.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, torch body portion 200 has a body section 206 that defines an opening 208 having a longitudinal axis 205. Torch body portion 300 has a body section 304 that has a longitudinal axis 305. The end of the range positions illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 define a range of motion of approximately 60 degrees, which can be described relative to longitudinal axes 205 and 305. When torch body portion 200 and torch body portion 300 are in the position 306 (see FIG. 11), the torch body portion 200 is in its uppermost position in its range of motion relative to torch body portion 300. In this position 306, the longitudinal axis 205 of torch body portion 200 is oriented downwardly approximately 30 degrees relative to longitudinal axis 305 of torch body portion 300. When the torch body portion 200 and torch body portion 300 are in the position 308 (see FIG. 12), the torch body portion 200 is in its lowermost position in its range of motion relative to torch body portion 300. In this position 308, the longitudinal axis 205 of torch body portion 200 is oriented downwardly approximately 90 degrees relative to longitudinal axis 305 of torch body portion 300. As a result, torch body portion 200 and torch body portion 300 move relative to each other over a range of approximately 60 degrees between positions 306 (FIGS. 11) and 308 (FIG. 12). It is to be understood that torch body portion 200 and torch body portion 300 can be placed in many different positions and orientations between the extreme positions.

Turning to FIG. 13, the bar 460 is shown as movable along the direction of arrow “D” to be separated from sleeve member 440. In this view, the bar 460 has already been removed from sleeve member 440 and the pivotally mounted arm 470 has been removed as well. The bar 460 has been repositioned next to sleeve member 440 for illustrative purposes.

In FIG. 14, the torch body portions 200 and 300 have been separated from each other. Torch body portion 200 includes an outer surface 220 and a mounting portion 230 that includes a circular raised ridge 240 containing teeth 242 on the upper surface of the ridge 240. The ridge 240 can be referred to alternatively as a fence as it prevents debris from passing it to the area 225 inside of the ridge 240. The ridge 240 has a three-sided rectangular cross-sectional shape. The teeth 242 can include a finely spaced teeth that provide a finer control of the relative positions of torch body portions 200 and 300. In addition, placement of teeth on a larger radius provides a finer tooth count for more discrete positioning and better ability to resist torque applied by a user or other object in the environment trying to displace the torch head from its locked position. As described in detail below, the sleeve member 440 is coupled to the mounting portion 230.

Torch body portion 300 also includes a mounting portion 330 that includes a through hole 332 proximate to which a ring 430 is positioned. The through hole 332 is sized so that the sleeve member 440 extends through the hole 332. The different ends 302 and 338 of torch body portion 300 are spaced apart from each other. Torch body portion 300 includes an outer edge or perimeter 334 that extends between ends 302 and 338.

The mounting portion 330 includes two sets of lobes that define slots therebetween on opposite sides of the through hole 332. As shown in FIG. 14, on one side of through hole 332 is a pair of lobes 370 and 372 that define a slot 374 therebetween. On the opposite side of through hole 332 is another pair of lobes 380 and 382 that define a slot 384 therebetween. The slots 374 and 384 are aligned with each other and are sized to receive the bar 460 of the lock mechanism 400. The lobes 370, 372, 380, and 382 constrain the bar 460 and keep the arm or cam lever 470 aligned with the torch head, the ridge 321, and the recess 323.

Referring to FIG. 14A, a close-up side view of part of the torch body portion 300 is illustrated. In particular, lobes 370 and 372 are shown with slot 374 therebetween. Referring to FIG. 14B, an alternative embodiment of a torch body portion is illustrated. In this embodiment, the torch body portion 300B has a different structure to retain a bar 460 relative to the torch body portion 300B. Instead of having a pair of lobes that define a slot therebetween, torch body portion 300B has a continuous portion 390 that surrounds and defines a slot 394 into which the bar 460 of the lock mechanism 400 can be inserted. Continuous portion 390 resembles a configuration in which the lobes 370 and 372 are extended and connected to each other. While the bar 460 is constrained against lateral movement in slot 374, the bar 460 in slot 394 can drift up and down along the longitudinal axis of the base member 410.

Turning to FIG. 14C, a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of torch body portions is illustrated. In this embodiment, torch body portion 200A is an alternative to torch body portion 200, and torch body portion 300A is an alternative to torch body portion 300. For torch body portion 200A, instead of teeth 242 on ridge 240, torch body portion 200A has an abrasive material 250A on the ridge 240A. Ridge 240A is circular or ring-shaped and the abrasive material 250A may be an abrasive coating applied to the uppermost surface of ridge 240A. Similarly, for torch body portion 300A, instead of teeth 342 formed in groove 340, torch body portion 300A has an abrasive material 350A on the innermost surface of the groove 340A. The abrasive materials 250A and 350A engage each other when the ridge 240A is inserted into the groove 340A, and provide additional resistance to any movement of torch body portions 200A and 300A relative to each other when a lock mechanism is placed in its locked position. In different embodiments, the abrasive material can be any material that has better wear resistance relative to the material of the torch body portions.

Referring to FIG. 15, sleeve member 440, which is coupled to base member 410, extends from the outer surface of the mounting portion 230 of torch body portion 200. The base member 410 is located on the inside of the mounting portion 230 next to inner surface 222 of torch body portion 200. Torch body portion 200 has an outer edge or perimeter 234 that extends from a wall 236 to another wall 238. As shown, the teeth 242 extend upwardly from mounting portion 230.

In FIG. 16, the inner surface 322 of torch body portion 300 includes a circular groove 340 formed therein. The circular groove 340 includes teeth 342 located in and along the length of the groove 340. The groove 340 and the teeth 342 are located around the hole 332 that extends through the torch body portion 300. The depth of the groove 340 is such the ridge 240 extends into the groove 340 and remains slightly in the groove 340 when the torch body portions 200 and 300 are rotated, which prevents debris and contamination from entering the area 225 inside of the ridge 240 (see FIG. 14). The ends 302 and 338 of torch body portion 300 that limit its movement as described above are also shown.

The teeth 242 on torch body portion 200 are aligned with the teeth 342 on torch body portion 300 when the torch body portions 200 and 300 are proximate to each other. When the pivotally mounted arm 470 is in its locked position, the arm 470 forces torch body portion 300 against torch body portion 200. As a result, teeth 242 and teeth 342 are engaged with each other, which prevents torch body portions 200 and 300 from pivoting or rotating relative to each other. When the pivotally mounted arm 470 is in its unlocked position, teeth 242 and 342 are not forced into engagement with each other, which allows torch body portion 300 to move relative to torch body portion 200.

Referring to FIGS. 17-19, different views of the sleeve member 440 and the base member 410 of the lock mechanism 400 are shown. In FIG. 17, the base member 410 includes a plate 412 from which a shaft 414 extends. The shaft 414 has an engaging portion 416 with an outer surface 418 having external threads 420 thereon. One end of the shaft 414 is coupled to the plate 412, and in some embodiments, the shaft 414 is integrally formed with the plate 412. The opposite end 422 of the shaft 414 has several spaced-apart projections 424 extending therefrom in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the shaft 414. Between adjacent spaced-apart projections 424 are recesses or notches 426.

In FIG. 18, the sleeve member 440 includes a body 442 with opposite ends 444 and 446. The body 442 has an outer surface 456 and an inner surface 452. The inner surface 452 includes threads 454 therealong from end 444 to end 446. The body 442 also includes a pair of holes 448 and 450 that are located on opposite sides of the body 442. Each of the holes 448 and 450 extends through the body 442 from its outer surface 456 to its inner surface 452. Proximate to each of the holes 448 and 450 is a recessed portion (only recessed portion 458 proximate to hole 450 is shown in FIG. 18). In one embodiment, sleeve member 440 has a generally cylindrical configuration.

Sleeve member 440 can be mounted to base member 410 by engaging threads 454 on sleeve member 440 with threads 420 on base member 410. As shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 19, sleeve member 440 can be screwed onto the engaging portion 416 of the base member 410. The plate 412 and lower end of the shaft 414 of the base member 410 are spaced apart from sleeve member 440. Bar 460 can be inserted through hole 448 in sleeve member 440 and then through a recess or notch 426 defined between two projections 424. The insertion of the bar 460 through select projections 424 around the base member 410 keeps the components fixed. Namely, the relative positions of the base member 410 and the sleeve member 440 are fixed by the bar 460.

A user can vary the tension on the cam lever or arm 470 by adjusting the positions of the base member 410 and the sleeve member 440. To adjust their relative positions, a user can remove the bar 460 from the sleeve member 440 and then rotate the base member 410 one or more positions relative to the sleeve member 440 using a tool, such as a screwdriver, on the outside of the base member 410. The base member 410 positions are those in which the projections 424 are located so that opposing recesses or notches 426 are aligned with holes 448 and 450. Once the desired position of the base member 410 is reached, the bar 460 can be reinserted into the holes 448 and 450 in the sleeve member 440.

During setup or modification of the torch head, a user can play with and try different tensions on the cam lever 470. If the tension on the cam lever 470 is either too high (the arm 470 is difficult to pivot to its locked position) or too low (it is too easy to pivot the arm 470), the user can remove the bar 460, rotate the base member 410 relative to the sleeve member 440, and reinsert the bar 460.

In one embodiment, the threads on the base member 410 and the sleeve member 440, the projections on the base member 410, and the bars 460, and the manner of adjustment thereof are coordinated to achieve the desired tension on the lock mechanism. By adjusting the sleeve member 440 and the base member 410 as described above, all component variations in the stack can be accounted for while providing the desired locking tension. In an alternative embodiment of a lock mechanism, shims can be used to make up any difference of component variations, while still achieving a desired locking tension.

Turning to FIGS. 20, 21, and 21A, different views of the arm 470 are shown. In FIG. 20, arm 470 includes a body 472 with extending portions 474 and 476 that define a space 478 therebetween. When the arm 470 is mounted to the sleeve member 440 with bar 460, the sleeve member 440 is located in the space 478. Extending portion 474 includes a hole 480 extending therethrough. Similarly, extending portion 476 includes a hole 482 extending therethrough. When the arm 470 is positioned with sleeve member 440 in space 478, bar 460 can be inserted through hole 480, through the holes 448 and 450 in sleeve member 440, and through hole 482. As shown in FIG. 21, the body 472 may have a tapered configuration relative to the extending portions 474 and 476, which can reduce the overall profile of the arm 470.

The lower surface 475 of the arm 470 is visible in FIG. 20. The lower surface 475 has a planar and continuous surface 477 that extends to and includes the surfaces of extending portions 474 and 476. The lower surface 475 also has two curved recesses 475A and 475B located on opposite sides of planar and continuous surface 477. The surfaces of the arm 470 match the surfaces of the recess 323 of the torch body portion 300 so that their silhouettes match.

Referring to FIG. 21A, the arm 470 has an upper surface 479 that has two different surface portions. In particular, upper surface 479 has a planar and continuous portion 479A that encompasses the upper surfaces of extending portions 474 and 476. In this embodiment, upper surface 479 is parallel to lower surface 477 of arm 470. Upper surface 479 also has a tapered surface 479B, that is also shown in FIG. 21. Arm 470 also has a side tapered surface 471 (see FIG. 21A). The tapered surfaces are located on the outside of the arm 470.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, exploded and assembled perspective views of the components of the lock mechanism 400 are illustrated. To simplify the description of the components, torch body portions 200 and 300 are not illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the base member 410 with its plate 412, shaft 414, threads 420, projections 424, and recesses 426. After the base member 410 is inserted through the hole formed in torch body portion 200, the sleeve member 440 is threaded onto the base member 410 by engaging threads 454 with threads 420, which mounts both the base member 410 and the sleeve member 440 to the torch body portion 200.

As discussed above, ring 430 is coupled to torch body portion 300 around hole 332. When torch body portion 300 and torch body portion 200 are coupled together, sleeve member 440 slides through hole 332 and the opening defined by ring 430. When the illustrated components are assembled in the manner illustrated in FIG. 23, the bar 460 is inserted through holes 448 and 450 of sleeve member 440, through two of the recesses 426, and through the holes 480 and 482 in the extending portions 474 and 476 of arm 470. When the pivotally mounted arm 470 is rotated about bar 460, the ends of the extending portions 474 and 476 engage the ring 430, which forces the torch body portions 200 and 300 toward each other. The ring 430 is made of a metal material, which reduces and distributes any stress applied to the torch body portion 300 due to rotation of the arm 470.

Turning to FIGS. 24-35, another embodiment of a torch body portion according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Torch body portion 500 has a generally similar structure to torch body portion 300 described above. However, a side portion 510 of torch body portion 500 is slightly different from the side portion 310 of torch body portion 300. Side portion 510 can be referred to alternatively as a head of the torch body portion. In addition, a lock mechanism 600 of torch body portion 500 is slightly different from lock mechanism 400 of torch body portion 300. The lock mechanism 600 can be referred to as a locking pivoting mechanism.

In FIGS. 24 and 25, a plan view and a perspective view, respectively, of side portion 510 of torch body portion 500 are illustrated. In this embodiment, side portion 510 has an outwardly oriented ridge 512 that has two notches 514 and 516 formed therein on opposite sides. Notch 514 is defined between spaced apart lobe 514A and lobe 514B. Similarly, notch 516 is defined between spaced apart lobe 516A and lobe 516B. The orientation of arm 470 or arm 670 is controlled by providing bar rotational limits.

The torch body portion 500 includes a lock mechanism 600 that is different from the lock mechanism 400. Lock mechanism 600 is shown in its locked configuration. The lock mechanism 600 includes a base member 610 that has an elongate member 660, such as a bar, extending therethrough. The bar 660 drives the orientation of the lever arm 670. Control of the arm orientation is accomplished by providing bar rotational limits. The lock mechanism 600 also includes an arm 670 with two extending portions 674 and 676. The bar 660 extends through the two extending portions 674 and 676. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the notches 514 and 516 are sized to receive opposite ends of bar 660. The arm 670 is pivotable about the bar 660 between a locked position 690 and an unlocked position 692 (see FIG. 26). The lock mechanism 600 includes two clips 640 that are coupled to side portion 510, as described below, and which engage the bar 660 to guide its rotation relative to side portion 510. It is to be understood that bars 460 and 660 can be used interchangeably between the different embodiments of the lock mechanisms 400 and 600. The only difference between the bars 460 and 660 is whether the clips 640 are used with bar 660.

Turning to FIG. 26, the lock mechanism 600 is shown in an unlocked configuration. In this configuration, the arm 670 has been rotated around bar 660 to an unlocked position 692. When arm 670 is in its unlocked position 692, side portion 510 can be rotated relative to side portion 505. Just like lock mechanism 400, the lock mechanism 600 allows the side portion 510 to move relative to side portion 505 between a first position and a plurality of second positions, and not just between only two fixed positions. In one embodiment, similar to the range of motion between torch body portions 200 and 300 as discussed above, the positioning of side portion 510 can be any position between, and also including, 30 degrees from a horizontal axis to 90 degrees from that horizontal axis. In an alternative embodiment, the side portion 510 may be movable between positions that are farther apart than 30 degrees to 90 degrees. In one example, a torch head can be rotated from −90 to +90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis.

Referring to FIG. 27, a bottom view of side portion 510 is shown. Side portion 510 includes an inner surface 520 that has a circular groove 522 formed therein. The groove 522 includes numerous teeth 524 that are engaged by teeth on the other side portion of the torch body portion 500 when the side portions are clamped or locked together with the lock mechanism 600. Side portion also includes an annular flange 530 that is located inwardly of the groove 522. The annular flange 530 includes an inner edge 532 that defines a perimeter of a through hole 534. Also shown in FIG. 27 are end surfaces 540 and 542, which are similar to ends or end surfaces 302 and 338 described above. In different embodiments, the lock mechanisms 400 and 600 may or may not include teeth on a ridge. In those embodiments, without teeth, the ridge on one torch body portion is engaged in a groove or slot formed in the other torch body portion.

Turning to FIG. 28, an exploded perspective view of the various components of the lock mechanism 600 is illustrated. The through hole 534 of side portion 510 is defined by the annular flange 530. The notches 514 and 516 are located on opposite sides of the ridge 512. Proximate to notch 514 is a generally U-shaped groove 515 on the inside of ridge 512. Proximate to notch 516 is another generally U-shaped groove on the inside of ridge 512. It is to be understood that the U-shaped grooves proximate to notches 514 and 516 can be provided on torch body portion 300 proximate to notches 374 and 384. When U-shaped grooves are provided next to notches 374 and 384, clips 640 can be included when bar 660 is used with torch body portion 300.

The base member 610 of the lock mechanism 600 has a plate 612 and a shaft 614 extending from the plate 612. On one side of shaft 614 is a recessed area 620. A hole 622 extends through shaft 614 from one side to the other side. The hole 622 is sized so that it can receive the elongate member or bar 660 therethrough.

When the shaft 614 of the base member 610 extends through hole 534, the plate 612 is positioned on one side of annular flange 530. The lock mechanism 600 also includes a ring 630 that is positioned on an opposite side of annular flange 530 from plate 612.

As mentioned above, pivotal arm 670 has extending portions 674 and 676 with holes 680 and 682, respectively. The extending portions 674 and 676 have cam surfaces 675 and 677, respectively, that engage the ring 630 when the arm 670 is in its locked position 690, which forces the torch body portions toward each other. The ring 630 is made of a metal material, which reduces and distributes any stress applied to the torch body portion 500 due to rotation of the arm 670. In its locked position 690, the cam surfaces 675 and 677 of the arm 670 force the ring 630 toward plate 612 while pulling plate 612 toward the ring 630 via bar 660. As a result, the side portions 505 and 510 are locked or clamped together between ring 630 and plate 612, thereby preventing any relative movement by them.

Bar 660 extends through holes 680 and 682 as well to couple the arm 670 to the base member 610. Lock mechanism 600 includes a pair of clips 640 that are used to couple the bar 660 to the side portion 510. The clips 640 are described in greater detail below.

Turning to FIG. 29, a cross-sectional side view of several components of the lock mechanism 600 is illustrated. The base member 610 is positioned so that it extends through the hole 534 defined by the annular flange 530 of side portion 510. Plate 612 of base member 610 is located on one side of the annular flange 530, and ring 630 is located on the other side of the annular flange 530. Located in the through hole 622 is the bar 660, which also passes through extending portions of the arm 670. The arm 670 is in its locking position 690.

In FIGS. 30-31, different perspective views of side portion 510 are illustrated. The components of lock mechanism 600 have been removed from side portion 510 to show different features of the side portion 510. In FIG. 30, the ridge 512 of side portion 510 includes oppositely located notches 514 and 516 on different sides of through hole 534. Notch 516 has a generally U-shaped groove 517 proximate thereto. In FIG. 31, groove 517 extends between two opposite ends 518 and 519. Each of the grooves 515 and 517 is sized to receive one of the clips 640 therein. In this embodiment, either bar 460 or bar 660 can be used in notches 514 and 516 of torch body portion 500. If bar 660 is used in notches 514, clips 640 may or may not be provided on bar 660. In an alternative embodiment, either bar 460 or bar 660 can be used in notches or slots 374 and 384 of torch body portion 300.

A perspective view of bar 660 is illustrated in FIG. 32. Bar 660 has a longitudinal axis 662 that extends between opposite ends 664 and 666. The bar 660 also includes a pair of grooves 665 and 667, each of which is located proximate to or near one of the ends 664 and 666. Grooves 665 and 667 extend continuously around the circumference or perimeter of the bar 660. Each groove 665 and 667 engaged by one of the clips 640, which orients and secures the bar 660 to the base member 610.

Referring to FIG. 33, clip 640 has a middle portion 642 and two ends 646 and 648 located opposite to each other. Middle portion 642 and ends 646 and 648 collectively define a central area 654. Middle portion 642 has an inner surface 644 with an inwardly oriented projection 645. End 646 has a protruding portion 650 with an inner surface 651. Similarly, end 648 has a protruding portion 652 with an inner surface 653.

Each clip 640 is inserted into one of the grooves 515 and 517 located in the side portion 510. Clip 640 is oriented so that ends 646 and 648 are inserted first into the ends 518 and 519 of groove 515 or groove 517. Clips 640 are engaged with grooves 665 and 667 in bar 660 while clips 640 are located in the grooves 515 and 517. In particular, for one of the clips 640, inwardly oriented projection 645 and protruding portions 650 and 652 are received in groove 665. Similarly, for the other of the clips 640, its inwardly oriented projection 645 and protruding portions 650 and 652 are received in groove 667. Projections 645 and protruding portions 650 and 652 are spaced apart sufficiently so that the bar 660 can rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, different views of base member 610 are illustrated. The shaft 614 of the base member 610 has an outer surface 616 and a distal end 624. The outer surface 616 has oppositely located recessed areas 618 and 620. As described above, through hole 622 extends between the recessed areas 618 and 620.

Turning to FIGS. 36-46, an alternative embodiment of a torch assembly according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Torch assembly 700 includes a torch body portion 710 of which only part is shown. Coupled to torch body portion 710 is another torch body portion 720 that includes two opposing sections 730 and 740 that are coupled to each other using connectors, such as screws. Torch body portion 720 has a longitudinal axis 721 (see FIG. 36).

Torch assembly 700 also includes another torch body portion 770 that is pivotally coupled to torch body portion 720 and that has a longitudinal axis 771 (see FIG. 36). Torch body portion 770 can be rotated relative to torch body portion 720 to a desired position, and then secured in place relative to torch body portion 720 via a lock mechanism, such as either of the previously described lock mechanisms 400 or 600. In this embodiment, torch body portion 770 can be oriented downwardly in a lowered position 772 as shown in FIG. 36 so that its longitudinal axis 771 is at a 90 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis 721 of torch body portion 720. As described in greater detail below, from its position shown in FIG. 36, torch body portion 770 can be rotated 90 degrees upwardly so that longitudinal axis 771 is parallel to longitudinal axis 721 of torch body portion 720, as shown in FIG. 40. In some implementations, longitudinal axis 771 may be parallel to and colinear with longitudinal axis 721. Torch body portion 770 can be placed into any intermediate position between the 90 degree downward position (see FIG. 36) and the 0 degree or horizontal position (see FIG. 40).

Referring to FIG. 36, section 740 includes a rounded wall 743 that has a radius of curvature that matches the radius of curvature of a similar rounded wall of section 730. Proximate to rounded wall 743 is an end wall 744. Torch body portion 770 includes two sections (only section 780 is illustrated in FIG. 36) that mate with each other and are coupled together using connectors. Section 780 has an end wall 786, which is described in detail below. Torch assembly 700 also includes a cap member 795 that is located at the intersection of torch body portions 720 and 770.

Torch assembly 700 also includes two independently movable shields or gates 800 and 810 that prevent debris and contamination from entering the torch assembly 700 when torch body portion 770 rotates relative to torch body portion 720. Shield 800 is a curved plate with opposing ends 802 and 804. Similarly, shield 810 is a curved plate with opposing ends 812 and 814. The shields 800 and 810 are spaced apart from each other. When torch body portion 770 is in its downward position 772 (see FIG. 36), shield 800 is in position 806 in which end 786 of section 780 overlaps with part of shield 800. At the same time, shield 810 is in position 816 in which section 780 overlaps with shield 810. Positions 806 and 816 are located at ends of the range of movement for shield 800 and shield 810, respectively. The overlapping arrangement with shields 800 and 810 prevents debris from entering into the torch assembly 700 when the components are in their positions illustrated in FIG. 36. The shields 800 and 810 provide a closed system and assist with maintaining a clean cylinder.

Turning to FIGS. 37 and 38, section 730 of torch body portion 720 and cap member 795 have been removed to show some of the internal surfaces of the torch assembly 700. Torch body portion 710 is connected to section 740, of which rounded wall 743 and end wall 744 are shown. Section 740 includes an arcuate groove 748 formed therein that has an end 749B. Groove 748 is sized and configured so that shield 810 can move and slide in groove 748. In position 816, shield 810 is located so that end 812 of shield 810 is located in the groove 748. In this position 816, end 814 of shield 810 overlaps with end wall 788 of section 780 (see FIG. 38). As a result, in position 816, shield 810 prevents contaminants and debris from entering torch assembly 700. Wall 745 of section 740 overlaps with shield 810 having its end 812 engaged with groove end 749B.

Shield 800 is shown in its position 806 with end 804 being overlapped by end wall 786. In this position 806, end 802 of shield 810 is spaced apart from end wall 786 by a distance “d1” (see FIG. 37). Section 780 also includes an arcuate groove 784 formed therein in which shield 800 is movable and slidable. In FIG. 38, end 785B of groove 784 is shown, and in position 806, end 804 of shield 800 is engaged by end 785B. When section 780 is rotated relative to section 740, end 785A of groove 784 moves shield 800 toward end 785B of groove 784. As described in detail below, as section 780 rotates, shield 800 moves until it engages end wall 744.

Turning to FIG. 39, a perspective view of some components of torch assembly 700 are illustrated in a different configuration. In this view, section 780 (along with its mating section that is not shown) is rotated along the direction of arrow “E” about a pivot axis. As section 780 rotates, longitudinal axis 771 is no longer oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis 721 of torch body portion 720 and is oriented at an acute angle relative to longitudinal axis 721. As section 780 is rotated from its lowered position 772 to intermediate position 774 (see FIG. 39), shield 800 remains in position 806 and shield 810 remains in position 816. In addition, as section 780 is rotated along the direction of arrow “E”, end wall 786 moves closer to end wall 744 of section 740. Due to shield 800 not moving yet, the distance between end wall 786 and shield end 802 decreases to distance “d2”, which is less than distance “d1”.

Turning to FIG. 40, section 780 has been rotated along the direction of arrow “E” in FIG. 39 to a position 778 in which end wall 786 of section 780 abuts end wall 744 of section 740. After section 780 has rotated a sufficient distance from its lowered position 772 and its intermediate position 774, end 785A (see FIG. 40) of groove 784 engages end 804 of shield 800 and moves it along groove 784 until it engages end wall 744 and is in its end position 808. Similarly, after a certain amount of rotation of section 780, shield 810 is moved by the end of a groove in a rotating section so that it is in its end position 818. In this end position 818, a portion of shield 810 still overlaps with wall 745 to prevent debris from entering. While in position 818, shield 810 is no longer located in groove 748.

In FIG. 41, a side view of most of the components illustrated in FIG. 40 is shown. The shields 800 and 810 have been removed for ease of reference. In this horizontal configuration, longitudinal axis 721 and longitudinal axis 771 are parallel to each other, and in this embodiment, while not required, are colinear. The groove 748 and its end 749B in section 740 is shown. Groove 784 and its opposing ends 785A and 785B in section 780 are also shown. Section 780 has an inner surface 782.

Turning to FIG. 42, a perspective view of section 740 is illustrated. The rounded wall 743 that is proximate to end wall 744 has its own end 743A. The length of rounded wall 743 is such that it maintains contact and overlaps with shield 800 during the full range of movement of shield 800. Round wall 743 continues on an edge surface 750 along which shield 800 slides as well. Movement of shield 800 along edge surface 750 is limited by an end wall 754 of a ridge 752. Similarly, wall 745 is also a rounded wall with an end 745A. Wall 745 along with wall 746 define the groove 748 described above. Wall 745 also continues on an edge surface 760 along which shield 810 slides. Movement of shield 810 along edge surface 760 is limited by an end wall 756 of ridge 752. Section 740 also includes an inner surface 742, which in FIG. 42 is shown as a solid piece, but in the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 742 has a through hole that is engaged by a portion of a locking mechanism.

Turning to FIG. 43, a perspective view of section 780 is illustrated. Section 780 includes an inner surface 782 that defines a central opening 783. The inner surface 742 of section 740 may have a similarly shaped and sized central opening. Inner surface 782 includes groove 784 which extends to its ends 785A and 785B. As described above, groove 784 slidably receives shield 800 therein. Section 780 also includes another groove 790 formed in inner surface 742. Groove 790 has opposite ends 791A and 791B as well. Groove 790 is sized to slidably receive shield 810 therein.

Referring to FIGS. 44-46, the movement of section 780 relative to section 740 from its horizontal position to a lowered position is illustrated. Initially referring to FIG. 44, section 780 is rotated along the direction of arrow “F” from its horizontal position to an intermediate position 775. During the initial rotation of section 780, shield 800 remains in its end position 808 and shield 810 remains in its end position 818, even though section 780 is rotating. Shields 800 and 810 do not move in their respective grooves until the relevant groove end engages the particular shield 800 or 810 to start moving that shield 800 or 810 in its groove. When section 780 is in intermediate position 775, end wall 786 has moved away from end wall 744, which exposes a portion of shield 800.

Turning to FIG. 45, section 780 has been rotated more along the direction of arrow “F” to a further intermediate position 776. When section 780 is moved to intermediate position 776, shield 800 still remains in its end position 808, but shield 810 moves slightly to its own intermediate position 817A. As shown, a little more of shield 810 overlaps with wall 745 when shield 810 is in intermediate position 817A than when shield 810 is in end position 818. Shield 810 moves before shield 800 when section 780 rotates along the direction of arrow “F” because the groove in which shield 810 is engaged is shorter than the groove in which shield 800 is engaged.

Referring now to FIG. 46, section 780 has been rotated further along the direction of arrow “F” to a further intermediate position 777. Due to this rotation, shield 800 has been engaged by the end 791B of groove 790 which moves shield also along the direction of arrow “F” to an intermediate position 807. In this position 807, end wall 786 has moved relative to shield 800 so that a majority of shield 800 is now exposed. At the same time, shield 810 continues to rotated about the direction of arrow “F” to another intermediate position 817B in which shield 810 covers even more of wall 745. Section 780 can be rotated more until it reaches its downward or lowered position 772, which is illustrated in FIGS. 36-38.

It is to be understood that in various embodiments, the sections that mate to sections 740 and 780 can be mirror images of them. In an alternative embodiment, components of a torch assembly may be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the torch body, which would allow a torch assembly with a torch body portion oriented downward to rotate 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis to point upward. In an alternative embodiment, one of the torch body portions that is secured in place by a lock mechanism according to the present disclosure can be a telescoping member.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

While the present disclosure makes reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claim(s). Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.