CA3058881A1 - Lighter - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighter. It has an elongated housing including a first end providing a hand grip and a second end including a fuel outlet for producing a flame; a fuel reservoir; a first valve in the fuel conduit; a second valve in the fuel conduit; a piezo ignition device; a spark gap connected to the piezoelectric crystal; a thumb press actuator slidably mounted in the housing to engage the piezo ignition device and to actuate the first valve; a finger press actuator mounted in the housing on an opposite side of the housing to actuate the second valve; and a lever pivotally mounted in the housing, wherein the thumb press actuator slides a greater distance than a distance of travel of the translation actuation with a corresponding reduction in an actuation force required for the translation actuation.

Description

LIGHTER
[001] The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/747,341 filed on October 18, 2018.
Technical Field

[002] The present application relates to lighters, and more particularly to piezoelectric lighters.
Background

[003] Piezoelectric lighters that are currently available for commercial and domestic use may require that the user exert significant force to cause ignition of the fuel. This is, in part, due to the applied force necessary to actuate the spring-loaded hammer of the igniter. However, certain members of the population may have difficulty applying this force, making the ignition difficult and the use of the lighter challenging.

[004] A lighter that can be used, for instance, for lighting a BBQ, which fits comfortably in the user's palm, and where the user can easily ignite the lighter using his or her fingers, would be advantageous. Additionally, a lighter with added security such that noxious fumes from the fuel cannot be easily expelled from the lighter when the fuel is not lit would equally be advantageous.
Summary

[005] The present disclosure relates to a lighter having a dual valve system, where the two valves are arranged in series such that both of the valves require actuation in order for the gas to escape from a fuel outlet, such that the fuel may be ignited for use.
This dual-valve system, where each of the valves is actuated by a separate actuator (each of the actuators triggered by a user's thumb or finger) provides an added safety feature, where the gaseous fuel are not released from the lighter unless both valves are actuated.

[006] Moreover, in some embodiments, the lighter may also have a lever mechanism that reduces the force that is required from a user for causing the spring-loaded hammer of the piezo ignition device to hit the piezoelectric crystal and create a voltage. The user does not have to press as hard to ignite the lighter, resulting in a reduction in strain.

[007] A broad aspect of the present disclosure is a lighter. The lighter includes an elongated housing including a first end providing a hand grip and a second end including a fuel outlet for producing a flame. The lighter includes a fuel reservoir mounted within the housing connected to the fuel outlet by a fuel conduit. The lighter includes a first valve in the fuel conduit. The lighter includes a second valve in the fuel conduit, wherein the first valve and the second valve are in series such that both of the valves need to be actuated for fuel to flow through the fuel conduit. The lighter includes a piezo ignition device of the type having a spring-loaded hammer for hitting a piezoelectric crystal to generate an ignition voltage in response to a translation actuation. The lighter includes a spark gap, arranged at the fuel outlet, connected to the piezoelectric crystal. The lighter includes a thumb press actuator slidably mounted in the housing to engage the piezo ignition device and to actuate the first valve. The lighter includes a finger press actuator mounted in the housing on an opposite side of the housing to actuate the second valve. The lighter includes a lever pivotally mounted in the housing and having a distal end engaging the thumb press actuator and a medial section engaging the piezo ignition device, wherein the thumb press actuator slides a greater distance than a distance of travel of the translation actuation with a corresponding reduction in an actuation force required for the translation actuation.

[008] In some embodiments, the housing may have a flattened body including a first side running along a length of the housing and a second side opposite to the first side.

[009] In some embodiments, the thumb press actuator may be accessible from the first side of the flattened body, and the finger press actuator may be accessible from the second side of the flattened body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the thumb press actuator may include a ridged surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fuel reservoir may be located at the first end of the elongated housing and may include an opening through which the fuel reservoir may be refilled without removing the fuel reservoir from the elongated housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the thumb press actuator may include a first abutment that engages with a curved member of the first valve and that actuates the first valve upon engagement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thumb press actuator may include a second abutment for engaging the distal end of the lever.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second valve may include a male end and a female end, and the second valve may be actuated upon the male end mating with the female end.

[0015] In some embodiments, the finger press actuator may slide upon application of an actuation force, the sliding causing the male end and the female end of the second valve to mate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fuel reservoir may include an adjustment knob for controlling the amount of fuel that leaves the fuel reservoir.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fuel conduit may include a first portion and a second portion that are joined when the second valve is actuated.

[0018]
In some embodiments, the lighter may include a support framework fitted within the elongated housing.

[0019]
In some embodiments, the fuel reservoir may be detachably connected to the support framework.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lever may be pivotably mounted to the support framework.

[0021]
In some embodiments, the support framework may include at least two detachable sections.

[0022]
In some embodiments, the piezo ignition device may be connected to the support framework.

[0023]
Another broad aspect of the present disclosure is a lighter. The lighter includes an elongated housing including a first end providing a hand grip and a second end including a fuel outlet for producing a flame. The lighter includes a fuel reservoir mounted within the housing connected to the fuel outlet by a fuel conduit. The lighter includes a first valve in the fuel conduit. The lighter includes a second valve in the fuel conduit, wherein the first valve and the second valve are in series such that both of the valves need to be actuated for fuel to flow through the fuel conduit. The lighter includes a piezo ignition device of the type having a spring-loaded hammer for hitting a piezoelectric crystal to generate an ignition voltage in response to a translation actuation. The lighter includes a spark gap, arranged at the fuel outlet, connected to the piezoelectric crystal. The lighter includes a thumb press actuator slidably mounted in the housing to engage the piezo ignition device and to actuate the first valve. The lighter includes a finger press actuator mounted in the housing on an opposite side of the housing to actuate the second valve.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lighter may include a lever pivotally mounted in the housing and having a distal end engaging the thumb press actuator and a medial section engaging the piezo ignition device, wherein the thumb press actuator may slide a greater distance than a distance of travel of the translation actuation with a corresponding reduction in an actuation force required for the translation actuation.
Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] The invention will be better understood by way of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a drawing of a top-down view of an exemplary lighter showing a first of the lighter;

[0027] Figure 2 is a drawing of a top-down view of an exemplary lighter showing a second of the lighter;

[0028] Figure 3 is a drawing of a bottom-perspective view of an exemplary lighter;

[0029] Figure 4 is a drawing of a top-perspective view of an exemplary lighter;

[0030] Figure 5 is a drawing of a close-up top view of a thumb press actuator of an exemplary lighter;

[0031] Figure 6 is a drawing of a top-down view showing exemplary contents within the elongated housing of an exemplary lighter;

[0032] Figure 7 is a drawing of a top-down view showing exemplary contents, including an exemplary support framework, within the elongated housing of an exemplary lighter with an exemplary thumb press actuator mounted to the support framework;

[0033] Figure 8a is a photograph of a close up top-down view showing an exemplary thumb press actuator in a first position mounted to an exemplary support framework of -an exemplary lighter;

[0034] Figure 8b is a drawing of a close up top-down view showing an exemplary thumb press actuator in a second position mounted to an exemplary support framework of an exemplary lighter;

[0035] Figure 8c is a photograph of a close up top-down view showing where an exemplary thumb press actuator is to be positioned in a first position, the exemplary thumb press actuator mounted to an exemplary support framework of an exemplary lighter;

[0036] Figure 9 is a drawing of a top-down view of a second end of an exemplary lighter;

[0037] Figure 10 is a drawing of a top-view of a close-up of contents found in an exemplary lighter; and

[0038] Figure 11 is a drawing of a bottom view of an exemplary thumb press actuator.
Detailed Description

[0039] The present disclosure relates to a lighter, and more particularly to a lighter with a piezoelectric ignition system. The lighter combusts a fuel contained therein to generate a flame. The lighter may be used, for instance, to ignite gas stoves, BBQs, etc.

[0040] Reference is now made to Figures 1 and 2, illustrating an exemplary lighter 100 in accordance with the present teachings.

[0041] The lighter 100 includes an elongated housing 101, a thumb press actuator 102, a hand grip 126 at a first end of the elongated housing 101, a fuel outlet 104 at a second end of the elongated housing 101, and a finger press actuator 105.

[0042] In some examples, the lighter 100 may have an adjustment knob 103 to control the amount of fuel released from a fuel reservoir 110, thereby controlling, e.g., the height of the flame produced by the lighter 100.

[0043] In some examples, the lighter 100 may have one or more openings 106 to allow fuel in a gaseous state contained in the inner cavity of the elongated cavity to escape the elongated housing 101, and not remain trapped therein. In some examples, opening 106 may be present on the side of the elongated housing 101 on which the finger press actuator 105 is located. This would facilitate escape of the trapped gas that would seep through the opening 106. However, it would be understood that the opening 106 may be present on another side of the elongated housing 101 (or on more than one side), such as the side where the thumb press actuator 102 is located, without departing from the present teachings.

[0044] The hand grip 126 may be a portion of the elongated housing 101, as shown in Figure 1, of which the user grips with a hand at a first end of the elongated housing 101 to manipulate the lighter 100. The elongated housing 101 is hollow in order to receive the other components of the lighter 100 as described herein. In some embodiments, a sheath or gripping material may be added to the elongated housing 101 (e.g. made out of a rubber or foam material) to provide a non-slip surface to grip the elongated housing 101 (not shown).

[0045] In some examples, the elongated housing 101 may have a flattened cylindrical shape (e.g. with an ovular cross-section) as shown in Figure 1, featuring a first flattened side 132 and a second flattened side 133 opposite to the first side 132.
In some examples, the thumb press actuator 102 may be located on the first side 132, and the finger press actuator 105 may be located on the second side 133. The configuration of the thumb press actuator 102 and the finger press actuator 105 may be that one is present in proximity to the other such that a user may manipulate both the thumb press actuator 102 and the finger press actuator 105 with one hand.

[0046] It will be understood that in some examples the elongated housing 101 may have another shape, such as a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, a prismatic shape, etc.

[0047] In some examples, the elongated housing 101 may be made out of metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, etc. In other examples, the elongated housing 101 may be made out of plastic, with preferably a heat-resistant second end (e.g.
metal) where the ignition outlet 104 is situated.

[0048]
The thumb press actuator 102 may be slidably mounted to the elongated housing 101, such that the thumb press actuator 102 slides when a force is applied to the thumb press actuator 102 (e.g. such as by the user's thumb). The thumb press actuator 102 may slide from a first position (e.g. Figure 8a) to a second position (e.g.
Figure 8b). In some examples, the thumb press actuator 102 may instead be a button that is depressed when a user presses on the thumb press actuator 102.

[0049]
The thumb press actuator 102 may have a ridged surface 113 as shown in Figure 5 for providing a grip for the thumb when pressing on the thumb press actuator 102. The thumb press actuator 102 may also have a rugged surface to provide a grip for the thumb when a user presses on the thumb press actuator 102.

[0050]
The finger press actuator 105 may also be slidably mounted to the elongated housing 101 as shown in Figure 2. The finger press actuator 105 may also be a press button that is depressed when a force is exerted thereon. The press button actuator 105 may have a ridged or rugged surface for improving grip or traction of the finger that is applying a force on the finger press actuator 105.

[0051]
The finger press actuator 105 may be configured such that it slides in a direction opposite to that of the thumb press actuator 102 when a pressure is applied thereon.

[0052]
The fuel outlet 104 is an opening for allowing the fuel to exit. As shown in Figure 9, the fuel outlet 104 may be positioned in proximity to a spark gap 116 for creating a spark for igniting the expelled fuel.

[0053]
As shown in Figure 4, the fuel outlet 104 is positioned at a second end of the elongated housing 101 and may be an opening at the tip of the elongated housing 101.
In some examples, the opening may be located on an end cap 130 positioned at an end of the elongated housing 101, the end cap 130 fitted to the elongated housing 101.

[0054] Reference is now made to Figures 6 and 7, illustrating exemplary components of a lighter 100 found in an elongated housing 101 of a lighter 100.

[0055] The lighter 100 has a fuel reservoir 110, a piezo ignition device 111, a fuel conduit 107. The lighter has a first valve 112 and a second valve 119 for controlling the flow of fuel in the fuel conduit 107. The lighter 100 may have a lever positioned next to the piezo ignition device 111.

[0056] The piezo electric crystal 114 is connected to the spark gap 116.The lighter 100 has a spark gap 116. The lighter 100 may have wires 108 and 109 for transmitting voltage created by the piezo electric crystal 114 to the spark gap 116 (i.e.
the wires 108 and 109 acting as electrical terminals across which a transient discharge passes).

[0057] The lighter 100 may have a structural framework 125 for receiving and supporting different components of the lighter 100. The structural framework 125 may span at least part of the length of the lighter 100 and may be, e.g., a shaped sheet of plastic as shown in Figure 6. The structural framework 125 may have protrusions on either side that are shaped to mate with the inner walls of the inner cavity of the elongated housing 101 to assist in securing the structural framework 125 in the inner cavity of the elongated housing 101. The structural framework 125 may have more than one section (e.g. two sections ¨ section 125a and section 125b as shown in Figure 6), where the two sections may be joined together by a connector or a fitting (e.g. a tooth portion connected to one section for joining to a cavity of the other section).

[0058] The fuel reservoir 110 contains or can contain an ignition fuel for generating a flame when exposed to, e.g., a spark (such as the spark created by the spark gap 116). For instance, the fuel reservoir may contain lighter fuel, such as butane or a hydrocarbon mixture. In some examples, the fuel reservoir 110 may be detachably connected to the structural framework 125. For instance, the fuel reservoir may have a head portion 127 shaped to fit into and remain secured in a cavity at an end of the structural framework 125. In some examples, the fuel reservoir 110 is made out plastic, glass, etc.

[0059]
The fuel reservoir 110 may also have an opening 124 for refilling the fuel reservoir 110. The opening 124 is sealable to prevent fuel from escaping from the reservoir 110 when the opening 124 is not being used to refill the reservoir 110. The opening 124 may be positioned at a bottom portion of the fuel reservoir 110 such that = the opening 124 is accessible from the outside when the fuel reservoir is placed in the elongated housing 101 as shown in Figure 3. The fuel reservoir 110 may have a bottom cap 128 for matting and fitting with the first end of the elongated housing 101.

[0060] The fuel reservoir 110 may also have an adjustment knob 103 for regulating the amount of fuel that exits the reservoir 110 over time. The adjustment knob 103 may be rotated in one direction to close the aperture out of which the fuel escapes, and be rotated in the other direction to open the aperture out of which the fuel escapes. The adjustment knob 103 may be accessible from the outside of the lighter 100 when the fuel reservoir 110 is contained within the elongated housing 101. In some embodiments, the adjustment knob 103 may be fitted to the bottom cap 128 of the fuel reservoir 110.

[0061]
The piezo ignition device 111 is an ignition device using piezo ignition to create a voltage as is known in the art. The piezo ignition device 111 has a piezoelectric crystal 114 (e.g. PZT, quartz, etc.), a spring-loaded hammer 115 for striking the piezoelectric crystal 114 and may have a button 129 that is compressed by an applied force. The piezo ignition device 100 may use a center punch system for transmitting the force applied to the button to the spring-loaded hammer 115 such that the spring-loaded hammer 115 strikes the piezoelectric crystal 114. Wires 108 and 109 may be connected to the piezoelectric crystal 114 and joined to a head of the lighter in proximity of the fuel outlet 104, the wires creating a spark gap 116 near the fuel outlet 104 to ignite the fuel exiting from the fuel outlet 104. The piezo ignition device 111 may be located anywhere along the inside of the elongated housing 101 provided that the piezo ignition device 111 is in proximity to the thumb press actuator 102 such that the sliding of the thumb press actuator 102 applies a force, either directly or indirectly (e.g. via the lever 118), onto the button of the piezo ignition device 111 for causing the spring-loaded hammer 115 to strike the piezoelectric crystal 114.

[0062] The structural framework 125 may have a fitting for receiving the piezo ignition device 111.

[0063] The fuel conduit 107 provides a passage for directing the fuel from the fuel reservoir 110 to the fuel outlet 104. The fuel conduit 107 may be flexible or rigid. In some examples, the fuel conduit 107 may be a plastic tube. The fuel conduit 107 may be composed of one or more sub-parts. For instance, a valve (e.g. valve 119) may segment the fuel conduit 107 into two sub-parts as shown in Figure 10.

[0064] The first valve 112 regulates the fuel that exits the fuel reservoir 110. For example, the first valve 112 may have a curved member or lever 120 that, when displaced, causes the first valve 112 to open and allow the fuel to seep out of the fuel reservoir 110. In this example, when the lever 120 is in its default position, the first valve 112 is closed. It will be understood that the first valve 112 may involve another mechanism for regulating the fuel that exits the fuel reservoir 110 without departing from the present teachings.

[0065] The second valve 119 regulates the passage of the fuel that is in the fuel conduit 107 travelling to the fuel outlet 104. The second valve 119 may be composed of a female end 119a connected to a first sub-part of the fuel conduit 107 and a male end 119b connected to a second sub-part of the fuel conduit 107. When the second valve 119 is actuated, the female end 119a and the male end 119b mate, allowing the fuel to travel from the first sub-part of the fuel conduit 107 to the second sub-part of the fuel conduit 107. The female end 119a may be a sealable opening, that is sealed and prevents fuel from escaping form the opening unless the male end 119b is fitted to open the female and 119a, allowing the fuel to leave the first portion of the fuel conduit 107. It will be understood that the second valve 119 may include another mechanism for controlling the passage of fuel that is in the fuel conduit 107 to the fuel outlet 104 without departing from the present teachings.

[0066] A lever 118 may be placed in proximity to the piezo ignition device 111 as shown in Figure 10. The lever 118 may be pivotably joined to the structural framework 125 (can rotate about a pivot point, the lever 118 attached at the pivot point to the structural framework 125). The lever 118 has a medial section 117a and a distal end 117b. The medial section 117a of the lever 118 may be placed in proximity or in contact with the button 129, such that movement of the medial section 117a of the lever 118 towards the button 129 causes the button 129 to undergo a translation action.
The distal end 117b may have a vertical projection.

[0067]
As shown in Figure 11, the thumb press actuator 102 may have, on its underside (i.e. the side facing the interior of the elongated housing 101) a first abutment 122 and/or a second abutment 123. The first abutment 122 may be placed at or near one end of the thumb press actuator 102, and the second abutment 123 may be placed at or near to the other end of the thumb press actuator 102.

[0068]
The first abutment 122 is positioned in proximity or touching lever 120 such that it can come into contact with the lever 120. When the thumb press actuator 102 undergoes a slidable motion, the first abutment 122 also undergoing the slidable motion, the first abutment 122 presses on the lever 120, displacing the lever 120, actuating the first valve 112, causing release of fuel from the fuel reservoir 110.

[0069]
The second abutment 123 is positioned to make contact with the distal end 117b of the lever 118 (e.g. the projection of the distal end 117b of the lever 118). When the thumb press actuator 102 undergoes a slidable motion when a user presses on the thumb press actuator 102, the second abutment 123 also undergoing the slidable motion, this motion causes the second abutment 123 to apply a force onto the distal end 117b of the lever 118, resulting in the lever 118 pivoting around its pivot point.
Therefore, the thumb press actuator 102 slides a distance that is greater than the distance traveled by the medial section 117a of the lever 118, the medial section 117a engaging with the button 129 of the piezo ignition device 111. The translation actuation distance travelled by the button 129 is less than the distance traveled by the distal end 117b of the lever 118 and by the thumb press actuator 102. However, the lever-action of lever 118 results in an actuation force applied by a user pressing on the thumb press actuator 102 that is less than the force applied by the medial section 117a of the lever 118 onto the button 129 that causes the spring-loaded hammer 115 to hit the piezoelectric crystal 114. This results in reducing the force that needs to be applied by a user to ignite the fuel of the lighter 100 (as a lesser force is applied).
Use of the lighter 100 is easier as a result, requiring less strain. It will be understood that dimensions and the length of the lever 118 may vary depending, e.g., on the force necessary to cause the piezo ignition device 111 to generate a voltage, the desired force applied by a user's thumb to cause the generation of the voltage, etc.

[0070] The finger press actuator 105 actuates the second valve 119. In some examples, the finger press actuator 105 may be connected to a female end 119a or male end 119b of the second valve 119, such that a displacement of the finger press actuator 105 causes respectively the female end 119a or male end 119b to displace, resulting in the female end 119a and the male end 119b mating. In this example, as the finger press actuator 105 moves as a result of an applied force, the female end 119a and the male end 119b, separated at rest by a gap, near one another and mate.
The finger press actuator 121 may have a spring mechanism 121 for causing the finger press actuator 105 to return to its original position when a force is no longer applied by a user.

[0071] As such, because the first valve 112 and the second valve 119 are connected in series, release of fuel and ignition of the fuel results when a force is applied to both the thumb press actuator 102 and the finger press actuator 105. In some examples, the pressing of the thumb press actuator 102 causes the fuel to flow from the fuel reservoir 110 and for the creation of a voltage to ignite the fuel at the spark gap 116. The pressing of the finger press actuator 105 causes the second valve 119 to actuate, allowing passage of fuel from the fuel conduit 107 to the fuel outlet 104.

[0072]
The lever 118 of the lighter 100 reduces the force that is applied by the thumb of the user to cause the thumb press actuator 102 to slide, the thumb press actuator 102 acting against a spring mechanism of the piezo ignition device 111 for causing the spring-loaded hammer to hit the piezoelectric crystal 114. This mechanism may reduce fatigue of the user when manipulating the lighter 100 and provides a lighter 100 that can be enjoyed by a user lacking strength in the user's hands (e.g. thumb and/or fingers).

[0073]
Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications may be resorted to as will be .. apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are to be considered within the purview and scope of the present invention.

[0074]
Representative, non-limiting examples of the present invention were described above in detail with reference to the attached drawing. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed above and below may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings.

[0075]
Moreover, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the above detailed description, as well as in the experimental examples, may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative examples of the invention. Furthermore, various features of the above-described representative examples, as well as the various independent and dependent claims below, may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings.

Claims (16)

What is claimed is:

1. A lighter comprising:
an elongated housing including a first end providing a hand grip and a second end including a fuel outlet for producing a flame;
a fuel reservoir mounted within said housing connected to said fuel outlet by a fuel conduit;
a first valve in said fuel conduit;
a second valve in said fuel conduit, wherein said first valve and said second valve are in series such that both of said valves need to be actuated for fuel to flow through said fuel conduit;
a piezo ignition device of the type having a spring-loaded hammer for hitting a piezoelectric crystal to generate an ignition voltage in response to a translation actuation;
a spark gap, arranged at said fuel outlet, connected to said piezoelectric crystal;
a thumb press actuator slidably mounted in said housing to engage said piezo ignition device and to actuate said first valve;
a finger press actuator mounted in said housing on an opposite side of said housing to actuate said second valve; and a lever pivotally mounted in said housing and having a distal end engaging said thumb press actuator and a medial section engaging said piezo ignition device, wherein said thumb press actuator slides a greater distance than a distance of travel of said translation actuation with a corresponding reduction in an actuation force required for said translation actuation.

2. The lighter as defined in claim 1, wherein said housing has a flattened body including a first side running along a length of said housing and a second side opposite said first side.

3. The lighter as defined in claim 2, wherein said thumb press actuator is accessible from said first side of said flattened body, and said finger press actuator is accessible from said second side of said flattened body.

4. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said thumb press actuator comprises a ridged surface.

5. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fuel reservoir is located at said first end of said elongated housing and comprises an opening through which said fuel reservoir may be refilled without removing said fuel reservoir from said elongated housing.

6. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said thumb press actuator comprises a first abutment that engages with a curved member of said first valve and that actuates said first valve upon engagement.

7. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said thumb press actuator comprises a second abutment for engaging said distal end of said lever.

8. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said second valve comprises a male end and a female end, and said second valve is actuated upon said male end mating with said female end.

9. The lighter as defined in claim 8, wherein said finger press actuator slides upon application of an actuation force, said sliding causing said male end and said female end of said second valve to mate.

10. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said fuel reservoir comprises an adjustment knob for controlling the amount of fuel that leaves said fuel reservoir.

11. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said fuel conduit includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined when said second valve is actuated.

12. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a support framework fitted within said elongated housing.

13. The lighter as defined in claim 12, wherein said fuel reservoir is detachably connected to said support framework.

14. The lighter as defined in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said lever is pivotably mounted to said support framework.

15. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said support framework comprises at least two detachable sections.

16. The lighter as defined in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said piezo ignition device is connected to said support framework.