Apparatus for use by user in connection with fire source

Abstract

An apparatus is for use by a user having a hand in connection with a fire source. The apparatus includes a handle portion configured to be grasped by the hand of the user. A panel portion extends from the handle portion. The panel portion is configured to be positioned proximate to the fire source by the user. A heat shield portion is configured to be supported by any one of the panel portion and the handle portion. The heat shield portion is positioned relative to the handle portion. This is done in such a way that the heat shield portion, in use, shields, at least in part, the hand of the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for use by a user having a hand in connection with a fire source, the apparatus comprising:
 a handle portion being configured to be grasped by the hand of the user; and   a panel portion extending from the handle portion, and the panel portion being configured to be positioned proximate to the fire source by the user once the handle portion is grasped by the hand of the user; and   a heat shield portion being configured to be supported by any one of the panel portion and the handle portion, and the heat shield portion being positioned relative to the handle portion in such a way that the heat shield portion, in use, shields, at least in part, the hand of the user once (A) the handle portion is grasped by the hand of the user, and (B) the panel portion is positioned proximate to the fire source.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the handle portion is configured to be pivotally moved by the user.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the panel portion is configured to be foldable or rollable.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the handle portion includes a heat resistant material.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the panel portion includes a non-combustible material.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the panel portion and the handle portion are integrated with each other.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the heat shield portion is integrated with any one of the panel portion and the handle portion.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the heat shield portion includes a heat resistant material.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the heat shield portion is configured and is positioned to surround, at least in part, the hand of the user once the user grasps the handle portion.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the heat shield portion includes:
 cup-like formations positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion. 
   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 airflow guides positioned on an outer surface of the panel portion, and the airflow guides are configured to focus airflow over the fire source.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the airflow guides are spaced apart from each other.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the airflow guides are aligned toward each other at one end of the panel portion.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the handle portion is configured for use by one instance of the hand of the user.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the handle portion is configured for use by both instances of the hand of the user.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the handle portion includes a water resistant material.