Decorative torch for use with pressurized fuel source

Abstract

A decorative torch produces a luminous flame and can be used on a patio or balcony as an aesthetically pleasing light and/or heat source. A filter received in a passage of a fuel tube minimizes acoustical noise generated by the flow of fuel from a pressurized fuel source. The fuel tube may omit any vents to enhance the luminous character of the flame and/or to reduce acoustical noise. Alternatively, a sleeve may be used to seal one or more vents. The sleeve may, or may not, be positionable on the fuel tube to adjust the number of vents sealed.

1 . A device for producing a luminous flame from a pressurized fuel source, the device comprising: 
 a burner including a plurality of apertures;    a fuel tube, the fuel tube comprising a first end, a second end and a passage extending between the first and the second ends, the first end of the fuel tube connected to the burner, the passage of the fuel tube providing fluid communication between the second end thereof and the burner;    a valve coupled to the second end of the fuel tube and selectively couplable to the pressurized fuel source, the valve selectively operable to control a flow of fuel from the pressurized fuel source to the burner via the fuel tube; and    a filter closely received in the passage of the fuel tube to at least reduce an acoustic noise created when pressurized fuel is transferred from the pressurized fuel source to the burner via the valve and the fuel tube.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the filter is voluted.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the filter is fiberglass.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a lid sized to cover at least the burner.    
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a shell having an interior sized to receive the burner, the fuel tube, and the pressurized fuel source therein.    
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the valve is adjustable from a location exterior to the shell.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the shell forms a drain opening proximate a bottom thereof.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the shell forms a slot.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein a user operable portion of the valve extends through the slot in the shell.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the fuel tube has no vents formed therein between the first and the second ends.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the fuel tube has a number of vents formed therein, the vents extending into the passage, and further comprising: 
 a sleeve closely received about a portion of the fuel tube to seal at least one vent.    
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the fuel tube has a number of vents formed therein, the vents extending into the passage, and further comprising: 
 a sleeve closely received about a portion of the fuel tube to seal at least one vent, and slidingly positionable on the fuel tube to seal a selectable number of the vents.    
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 a stop proximate the second end of the fuel tube and extending from the fuel to retain the sleeve on the fuel tube.