SNORKEL FOR GAS IGNITER

Description

BRIEF SUMMARY

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63/263,341, filed Nov. 1, 2021, and titled, “SNORKEL FOR GAS IGNITER,” the contents of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a gas ignition system, and more particularly to a gas ignition system for a grill.

Gas cooking devices, including gas barbecue grills, are very widely used today. Typically, gas cooking devices utilize natural gas or liquid petroleum gas as fuel. One or more gas burners may be located inside a cooking chamber. Typically, there is an igniter which ignites the gas within the burner to cook with or to produce the heat. The connection between the burner and the igniter has been difficult given the design of the grills and the distance between the igniter and the burner. This results in the user having to either set the gas to the highest setting to get the igniter to work, or to use a match or long stick to get the gas to ignite. This has several health and safety concerns for the user.

It is desired to have a design of the ignition system of a grill to allow for an easy, safe, and efficient means to ignite the gas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an ignition system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a device that allows for a safer and easier method of lighting a grill or gas burner where the igniter is protected from dirt or grease. The system can be incorporated into radiant burners, barbeques, outdoor gas fired equipment, indoor gas heating equipment, gas boilers, gas cookers, and any other appliance or piece of equipment that requires a lighter to ignite combustible fuels and/or atomized liquid fuels.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of the gas ignition system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system may be comprised of a gas supply tube 1.0, a gas ignition snorkel 2.0, and an igniter unit 3.0

In an embodiment of the invention, the gas supply tube 1.0 may be a perforated tube, where the gas or fuel is supplied through the tube 1.0 and when ignited, a flame 1.2 is expelled through a series of openings in the tube 1.0 to heat the grill or burner. The tube 1.0 may be a predetermined shape, size, diameter, and with a predetermined layout of openings.

In an embodiment of the invention, the snorkel 2.0 may be a hollow tube that has an open end which connects to the tube 1.0 and is positioned over at least one of the openings to allow the gas to flow up to the igniter 3.0. At an opposite end of the snorkel 2.0 may be a gas flow regulator flap 2.1. The gas flow regulator flap 2.1 may be attached to control the flow of the gas within the snorkel 2.0 and the tube 1.0. This may have an external attachment to allow for adjustment of the flap 2.1 from a safe distance. This is a key safety feature to reduce the volume of gas in the snorkel 2.0 and minimize the change or an explosion due to a buildup of gas within the snorkel 2.0. In the depicted embodiment, the snorkel 2.0 may have a single bend. In other embodiments and based on the burner or grill design, the snorkel 2.0 may have varying bends and designs to connect the igniter 3.0 to the tube 1.0. The snorkel 2.0 may be an opening where the igniter 3.0 is inserted into the hollow interior of the snorkel 2.0. The igniter 3.0 may have a power unit to create the spark needed to ignite the gas.

In operation, the gas control know is turned on, where upon the gas can enter the snorkel 2.0 and the igniter 3.0 is activated where a spark ignites the gas, and a flame is produced in the tube 1.0 through the openings. By controlling the gas flow regulator flap 2.1 the intensity of the flame is adjustable. This is advantageous because the snorkel 2.0 protects the igniter 3.0 from grease, dirt, and other issues which are common when the igniter 3.0 is left uncovered, and also protects the igniter 3.0 by being out of the direct flame and increasing the longevity and life of the igniter 3.0. The snorkel 2.0 also provides a benefit of reducing the velocity of the gas/fuel which thus requires a smaller igniter 2.0.

The tube 1.0 and the snorkel 2.0 may be constructed from various materials such as steel, aluminum, and the like which are able to withstand the high temperatures of the fire. The shape and diameter of the tube 1.0 and the snorkel 2.0 are based on the grill or burner size and design to properly accommodate the grill or burner. The flow rate of the gas is also taken into account when design the tube 1.0 and the snorkel 2.0.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.