EP2204612A1 - Lighter with casing - Google Patents

Abstract

The lighter (1) has a main body (2) axially extended between an upper surface (2A) and a lower surface (2B). An axial groove (4) is formed at a surface (2D) of the body, and a case is extended between edges. The case covers the body, and is glued on the body such that the edges in the groove face each other. An elongated element (9) e.g. metallic rod, is inserted in the groove against the edges, where the case is realized from a sheet of a flexible material e.g. fabric, leather or plastic material. An independent claim is also included for a method for fabricating a lighter.

Description

The present invention relates to the general technical field of devices for producing a flame, in particular to portable household devices comprising a fuel reserve and an ignition system.

The present invention more particularly relates to a lighter comprising a main body extending axially between an upper end and a lower end.

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a lighter comprising a step of manufacturing a main body extending axially between an upper end and a lower end.

Lighters are part of household objects commonly used in everyday life, for example to light a fire, a gas stove, a candle or any other type of product requiring a flame. There are different types of lighters, the most used being petrol lighters and gas lighters.

Gasoline lighters are particularly strong and resistant, in particular because of their constituent material, generally based on steel. These lighters also have the advantage of having a great autonomy of operation and being rechargeable, which considerably extends their duration of use. Typically, these lighters include a tank of gasoline or alcohol to burn, a wick that is wetted by capillarity as well as a metal wheel and a lighter stone that produce a spark by friction.

These lighters however have some disadvantages that limit their use. Indeed, gasoline lighters tend to produce a large flame, potentially dangerous, since it is formed by the inflamed wick previously soaked in gasoline. In addition, the combustion of gasoline is incomplete and releases blackish vapor potentially toxic. Gasoline lighters are, moreover, particularly heavy and bulky objects. Finally, these lighters include a combustion trigger mechanism sometimes difficult to implement because it involves sufficient force to actuate the metal wheel and lighter stone.

It is also well known to use gas lighters, the operation of which is generally facilitated compared to gas lighters. Gas lighters are the most common, even though most of them, with the exception of " storm " lighters and valuable or collectible lighters, are not refillable. classically; the gas lighter comprises a main body inside which is stored the gas, usually butane. We find all kinds of gas lighters, shapes and sizes different, depending on their use. For example, large, well-visible and easy-to-use lighters, such as lighters, are preferably used for the kitchen, while smaller, more discreet lighters are generally stored and carried away in clothing. or the purses of their users.

Moreover, among the known gas lighters, regardless of their shape and size, there are both classic and simple lighters whose ignition is by simple friction of a wheel on a lighter stone, and more elaborate lighters called " automatic " whose production of a flame requires electronic triggering. The main body of these two types of gas lighters is often made of plastic. In fact, plastic has the advantage of being cheap and can be shaped rapidly and simply, for example by thermoforming, so as to obtain the main body of the lighter molded in one piece according to a simple and inexpensive manufacturing process.

Although gas lighters are the most used, due in particular to their practicality, simplicity of use, their small size and low cost, they have a number of significant disadvantages.

Indeed, the plastic constituting the bulk of the main body of these gas lighters has the disadvantage of being less impact resistant than the steel constituting the aforementioned fuel lighters. Gas lighters are particularly subject, in the event of a violent impact or a fall, to the risk of breakage or breakage that can lead to an explosion.

In addition, these lighters are generally substantially identical to each other, unsightly, with relatively ordinary patterns, or without any distinctive pattern. In addition, the patterns of gas lighters, if they have, tend to wear out or fade over use, which eventually make all these lighters similar between them and therefore by significantly limit their attractiveness to the consumer. Therefore, it seems particularly difficult to obtain a lighter consumer current, practical and cheap, which is also aesthetically pleasing, original and attractive to the user.

The objects assigned to the present invention therefore seek to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a new lighter of simple and inexpensive design, which has a particularly attractive and aesthetic appearance, while being resistant to shocks.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new lighter that is strong and resistant.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new lighter made of known materials, easily adaptable to the dimensions of the lighter and able to protect the lighter in case of impact.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new lighter attractive to the user who has an attractive visual appearance for the user.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new lighter with excellent durability.

Another object of the invention is to propose a novel method of manufacturing a lighter involving easy and quick steps to implement, to obtain a lighter design simple and inexpensive, which has a particularly attractive appearance and aesthetic, while shock resistant.

Another object of the invention is to propose a novel method of manufacturing a lighter allowing a fast and stable assembly of the lighter, and ensuring a good long-term performance of the lighter.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a lighter comprising a main body extending axially between an upper end and a lower end, said lighter being characterized in that it comprises on the one hand a throat axial section formed on the surface of the main body and on the other hand an envelope which extends between a first and a second edge, said envelope covering, at least in part, said main body and being glued on the latter, so as to that said first and second edges are substantially opposite one another in said groove, said lighter comprising an elongate member inserted into said groove against said first and second edges.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a method of manufacturing a lighter comprising a step of manufacturing a main body extending axially between an upper end and a lower end, said method being characterized in that the step of manufacturing the main body comprises an operation of producing an axial groove on the surface of the main body, said method also comprising a step of manufacturing an envelope which extends between a first and a second edges, and a step of bonding said envelope to said main body, so that said envelope covers, at least in part, said main body and said first and second edges are substantially facing one on the other in said groove, said method also comprising a step of inserting an elongated member in said groove against said first and second bor ds.

• La figure 1 illustre, selon une vue partiellement éclatée en perspective de face, un briquet conforme à l'invention, dépourvu de son enveloppe.
• La figure 2 illustre, selon une vue en perspective de face, une enveloppe destinée à habiller le corps principal du briquet de la figure 1.
• La figure 3 illustre, selon une vue en perspective de face, un briquet conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 4 illustre, selon une vue en coupe selon l'axe A-A de la figure 3, un briquet conforme à l'invention.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which:

• The figure 1 illustrates, according to a partially exploded view in perspective from the front, a lighter according to the invention, devoid of its envelope.
• The figure 2 illustrates, in a front perspective view, an envelope for dressing the main body of the lighter of the figure 1 .
• The figure 3 illustrates, in a front perspective view, a lighter according to the invention.
• The figure 4 illustrates, according to a sectional view along the axis AA of the figure 3 , a lighter according to the invention.

The present invention relates to a lighter 1, preferably a consumer lighter, including a conventional gas lighter wheel or automatic trigger (cf. Figures 1 and 3 ). The lighter 1 of the invention preferably has a shape and conventional dimensions, substantially identical to those lighters usually used to light a cigarette. Advantageously, the lighter 1 of the invention is portable and is designed to be held in and in the hand, that is to say that its dimensions are similar to those of lighters used to light a cigarette. It also operates substantially similar to that of lighters commonly used, namely that it is sufficient for the user to actuate a knob or a knob to cause the production of a flame.

The lighter 1 comprises in particular a main body 2 extending axially between an upper end 2A and a lower end 28, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 and 3 . In other words, the lighter 1 has a main axis of extension XX 'and its main body 2 extends along said axis XX' with a substantially elongated shape, elongate or stretched, that is to say that the length of the main body 2 is greater than its width. Advantageously, the main body 2 of the lighter 1 is closed at its lower end 2B by a bottom wall 2C forming a bottom from and at the periphery of which extends a 2D side wall to a top wall (not shown) closing the upper end 2A of said main body 2. The main body 2 further advantageously comprises an inner surface 2E. Preferably, said main body 2 has a substantially circular, oval, square or rectangular section.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said main body 2 has a section in the form of a rounded rectangle, with two long straight sides parallel to each other, and two small sides in the shape of a semicircle (section not shown). It is of course conceivable that the section of the main body 2 is of another geometric shape, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The main body 2, in particular using its inner surface 2E and its lower and upper bottom, advantageously defines a chamber 3 forming a reservoir in which is stored a fuel necessary for the operation of the lighter 1. The fuel of the lighter 1 is by a gas, such as butane, or a liquid, such as gasoline or alcohol to burn. Preferably, the main body 2 is made of a substantially non-flammable material, so as to avoid any risk in case of contact of the flame with said material. The constituent material of the main body 2 is also non-deformable, resistant to shocks associated with normal use of the lighter 1 and impervious to both the fuel it contains but also to the fluids from the outside likely to enter the chamber 3.

To meet these different impermeability, strength and non-flammability constraints, the main body 2 is advantageously made of plastic, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The advantage of the plastic lies mainly in the fact that it is widely available, inexpensive and easily moldable, in particular by thermoforming. In general, the main body 2 is molded in one piece, in the form of a tube closed by a bottom wall 2C forming a bottom at its lower end 2B and by an upper wall at its upper end 2A, said upper wall being in fluidic contact with an ignition device 14 allowing the exit of the gas and the production of a flame.

The lighter 1 of the present invention further comprises an axial groove 4 formed on the surface, preferably on the 2D side wall, of the main body 2, as shown in particular in FIG. figure 1 . The axial groove 4 preferably corresponds to a groove, a slot or a groove, made on the main body 2, in particular on one of these lateral edges 5, 6 if it has a section of substantially oval shape (cf. figure 3 ) or more generally non-circular, or on one of the two small sides in the form of a semicircle if the main body 2 has a section shaped rounded rectangle. The groove 4 advantageously extends from the upper end 2A to the lower end 2B of the main body 2, substantially parallel to the main axis of extension X-X ', and has a length L ₁ substantially equal to the length of said main body 2. Preferably, the groove 4 comprises a bottom 4A of substantially rounded shape (cf. figure 1 ). It is also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the present invention, that the groove 4 does not extend parallel to the axis XX 'and not necessarily over the entire length of the main body 2.

In addition, the lighter 1 of the present invention comprises an envelope 7 which extends between a first and a second edge 7A, 7B, as shown in FIG. figure 2 . The envelope 7 covers, at least in part, said main body 2. In other words, the main body 2 is covered over substantially its entire surface, preferably its entire 2D side wall, by the envelope 7. Preferably , the casing 7 thus forms a protection for the lighter 1, in particular for the main body 2. For this purpose, said casing 7 is advantageously made of a sufficiently thick and elastic material for damping the shocks that the lighter 1 may undergo. The material is also preferably non-flammable, impervious and resistant to the ordinary use of the lighter 1.

Advantageously, said envelope 7 is made of a flexible material, preferably chosen from: a fabric, a leather or a material plastic. It is of course conceivable that the material constituting the envelope 7 is of a very different nature while meeting the aforementioned properties required for said envelope 7, for example technical fabric or metal.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said envelope 7 is made from a sheet of a flexible material, said envelope 7 covering the entire surface of said main body 2. In other words, the envelope 7 is a plate thin flexible which surrounds, encloses and substantially protects the entire 2D side wall of said main body 2.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the casing 7 also plays an attractive decorative role for the user because it includes colors, patterns, materials and various reliefs. For this purpose, the casing 7 is advantageously made of materials of different types and sizes, having different thicknesses, ornaments, designs and / or shapes. The envelope 7 can also be made by a superposition of different materials, of different dimensions, covering all or part of the outer surface 2D of said main body 2.

For example, the envelope 7 is made of plastic material in relief, fabric patterns and Scottish colors, plastic mesh, synthetic fur or felt, with precise and repeated patterns, such as butterflies or bows particular circle. Therefore, the envelope 7 has a visual and tactile appearance that is interesting for the user and that gives the lighter 1 its character that is particularly attractive to the users, particularly in comparison with gas lighters earlier than the banal or patternless designs. Moreover, the use of textiles, fabrics or other materials different from the plastic of the prior conventional gas lighters makes it possible to switch from a " plastic " lighter to a lighter. with " textile " identity, the " textile " identity significantly modifying the user's perception of the lighter 1.

The envelope 7 thus forms an impervious, aesthetic, resistant and flexible protection, capable of both attenuating the shocks to which the lighter 1 is subjected and of providing the latter with sensory qualities that are attractive to the user, in particular vis-à-vis with respect to earlier lighters devoid of originality.

This envelope 7 is bonded to said main body 2, advantageously over substantially the entire 2D side wall of said main body 2. Preferably, the envelope 7 is fixed, plated, attached or bonded to the 2D side wall of said main body 2 preferably by means of an adhesive applied to a contact face 8 of said envelope 7 (cf. figure 2 ). Preferably, the adhesive alone ensures the maintenance of the casing 7 on the 2D side wall of said main body 2. Advantageously, the contact face 8 of the casing 7 is bonded to the 2D side wall of the main body 2 in a regular and homogeneous manner to protect, conceal or reinforce substantially all of said 2D side wall. Alternatively, it is also possible for the envelope 7 to cover only a portion of the 2D side wall of said main body 2.

The adhesive used to fix the casing 7 is advantageously an irreversible adhesive that does not easily allow the casing 7 to be separated from said main body 2 after bonding, in particular to guarantee an effective and long-term holding of the casing 7 on the casing. main body 2. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the glue is a reversible glue that allows, while ensuring sufficient fixation to maintain the position of the casing 7 on the main body 2, to separate the casing 7 of the body main 2, for example if the user wishes to change the decoration of its lighter 1 or in case of degradation of the envelope 7.

Said envelope 7 is glued on the main body 2, so that said first and second edges 7A, 7B of said envelope 7 are substantially facing each other in said groove 4. In other words , the casing 7 is disposed on the main body 2 so that these edges 7A, 7B face each other in the groove 4, for example against each other or simply in to each other, as illustrated in figure 4 .

The edges 7A, 7B therefore advantageously have a length L ₂ , corresponding substantially to the width of the envelope 7, said length L ₂ being substantially less than or equal to the length L ₁ of said groove 4, each edge 7A, 7B comprising a width substantially equal to that of the other edge 7A, 7B. The edges 7A, 7B of the casing 7 thus meet in the groove 4 where they are preferably maintained or retained. To ensure that these edges 7A, 7B are maintained in said groove 4, the lighter 1 further comprises an elongated element 9 inserted in said groove 4 against said first and second edges 7A, 7B.

Preferably, the elongate element 9, which has a length L ₃ , covers said edges 7A, 7B of the envelope 7 and is, in particular, designed to conceal, at least in part, said first and second edges 7A, 7B of said envelope 7. In other words, said elongated element 9 is intended to mask the overlap discontinuity corresponding to the junction area or meeting the edges 7A, 7B. Preferably, the elongated element 9 has a shape substantially complementary to that of the groove 4, that is to say that the shapes of the groove 4 and the elongated element 9 allow their assembly adjusted and precise, without need a force introduction of said elongated element 9 in the groove 4. In this connection, the length L ₁ of the groove 4 is at least equal to the length L ₃ of the elongated element 9.

Advantageously, the elongate element 9 has the shape of a rod, preferably of substantially circular section (cf. figure 1 ), which is housed against the concave bottom 4A of the groove 4. Alternatively, it is possible that the section of the elongated element 9 has another geometric shape, for example square or rectangular, and that then the throat 4 has a bottom 4A complementary geometric shape, for example square or rectangular. The elongated element 9 extends between an upper end 9A and a lower end 9B, said ends 9A, 9B of the elongate element 9 being positioned respectively close to said upper and lower ends 2A, 2B of said main body 2.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elongated element 9 is introduced by simple sliding or forceless insertion into the groove 4 so as to mask the presence of the edges 7A, 7B of the envelope 7. Therefore, the elongated element 9 advantageously fulfills an aesthetic function of hiding in the view of the user the junction zone of the edges 7A, 7B.

Preferably, the elongated element 9 is substantially rigid, that is to say that it is substantially indeformable and sufficiently strong not to break, even in the event of violent impacts or significant tension forces exerted on the lighter 1. The strength and strength of the elongated element 9 also contribute to keeping the two edges 7A, 7B in the groove 4. Furthermore, the elongated element 9 is made of a non-flammable material, impermeable and little subject to the conventional wear linked to the friction to which the lighter 1 is subjected. The elongate element 9 is preferably a metal rod and is for example made of stainless steel.

Thus, the lighter 1 of the present invention comprises an envelope 7 and an elongate element 9 which collaborate together on the main body 2 to provide the lighter 1 a better impact resistance and a pleasant and attractive external appearance.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 , the lighter 1 also comprises a first holding element 10 separate from the main body 2 and fixed to the latter to maintain said elongated element 9 in position in the groove 4. Advantageously, the first holding element 10 is fixed at the level of the lower end 2B of said main body 2, preferably against the bottom wall 2C of said main body 2. Preferably, the first holding member 10 is attached to the main body 2, once the elongate member 9 is inserted into the groove 4, so as to lock in position said elongated element 9 when it covers the edges 7A, 7B of the casing 7. To achieve this locking, the first holding member 10 advantageously comprises an orifice 11, preferably blind, provided at an inner surface 10A of said first holding member 10, said opening 11 being adapted to receive the lower end 9B of the elongate member 9.

Alternatively, it is also perfectly conceivable that the first holding member 10 has an inner surface 10A without an orifice 11 and that the elongated element 9 is then simply held or blocked by solid contact with the inner surface 10A. In addition, the first holding element 10 advantageously has, in the image of a conventional gas lighter bottom, a section of substantially identical shape to the shape of the section of the main body 2, in particular the bottom wall 2C on which is fixed the first holding member 10, so that once assembled the main body 2 and the first holding member 10 form a substantially unitary unitary unit and regularly external surface substantially without asperities.

Preferably, the fixing of the first holding element 10 on the main body 2, previously covered with the casing 7, is done with a screw 12 inserted by screwing into an opening 13 of said first holding member 10 Once the screw 12 has passed through the first element 10, it is inserted into the main body 2, at its lower end 2B, to ensure a firm and solid attachment of the assembly formed by the main body 2, the casing 7, the elongated element 9 and the first holding member 10. This attachment has the advantage of being reversible, so as to remove said elongated member 9 and / or the casing 7, in case of simple aesthetic wish or in case of excessive wear significant or damage to said casing 7. In addition, such fixing improves the manufacture of the lighter 1, particularly simplifying its industrial implementation.

The lighter 1 of the invention finally comprises the ignition device 14 preferably positioned at the upper end 2A of the main body 2, preferably against the upper wall of said main body 2 as shown in FIG. figure 1 . The ignition device 14 is in communication with the chamber 3 so that the gas can escape at a flame output device 16 forming a burner. The ignition device 14 is either a conventional ignition device comprising a wheel, a lighter stone and a hood to protect the flame, an automatic device conforming for example to the Figures 1 and 3 . The automatic ignition device 14 illustrated in the figures advantageously comprises an ignition button 15 on which the user presses both to release gas and to cause a spark, so as to produce a flame at the exit device of the device. flame 16.

The assembly formed by the ignition button 15 and the flame output device 16 is preferably of material with a second holding element 17, comprising an upper face 17A and a lower face (not shown), said second element 17 being positioned on the upper wall at the upper end 2A of the main body 2, so as to form the ignition device 14 of the lighter 1. Advantageously, the ignition device 14, in particular the second holding element 17, has a section of substantially identical shape to that of the main body 2, so that the assembly of said ignition device 14 with the main body 2, previously covered with the casing 7, allows obtain a lighter 1 in one piece giving the impression of understanding a single piece. Preferably, the ignition device 14 is fixed by gluing on said main body 2, the lower surface of the second holding member 17 being attached against the upper wall of the main body 2. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the main body 2 and the second holding element 17 are molded in one piece during a same manufacturing step.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second holding element 17 comprises a blind opening (not shown) at its inner face in contact with the upper wall of said main body 2. When assembling the lighter 1, the element elongated 9 can thus be inserted into the opening of the second holding member 17 so as to promote its retention in position in the groove 4. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the elongated element 9 comes into contact with the inner surface of the second holding member 17, without being introduced into an opening of the latter. Thus, the elongated element 9 can be simultaneously held in position in the groove 4 by the first and second holding elements 10, 17.

The lighter 1 of the present invention is thus obtained by a robust and secure assembly of a set of parts cooperating with each other in a simple and functional manner. Said lighter 1 has, in addition, the interest of being aesthetic and to limit the effects of blows or impacts on said lighter 1.

The present invention finally relates to a method of manufacturing a lighter 1, for example a gas lighter of conventional use and preferably as described above. The method of the invention comprises a step of manufacturing a main body 2 extending axially between an upper end 2A and a lower end 2B. The manufacturing step of the main body 2 advantageously comprises a thermoforming operation during which the main body 2 of plastic material is shaped.

The manufacturing step of the main body 2 also comprises an operation of producing an axial groove 4 on the surface of the main body 2, preferably on its 2D side wall. Preferably, during the thermoforming, molten plastic material is introduced into a mold which has the shape of the main body 2 with a groove 4 over substantially the entire length of said main body 2, as well as two bottom and top bottoms as described in the foregoing, so that by cooling the plastic material forms the main body 2 of the invention.

Said method also comprises a step of manufacturing an envelope 7 which extends between a first and a second edge 7A, 7B. The envelope 7 is made of a flexible material, for example during a cutting operation, in a shape and dimensions consistent with the decorative objectives expected for the lighter 1 and the dimensions required for the latter.

Said method also comprises a step of bonding said envelope 7 to said main body 2, so that said envelope 7 covers, at least in part, said main body 2 and said first and second edges 7A, 7B are substantially facing each other in said groove 4.

Preferably, the bonding step comprises a sizing operation during which the envelope 7 and / or said main body 2 is covered, at less in part, a glue. During the gluing operation, glue is advantageously applied to the contact face 8 of the envelope 7 and / or to the external surface 2D of the main body 2. Once the glue has been spread, said envelope is assembled. 7 with said main body 2, in particular so that the edges 7A, 7B of the casing 7 meet in the groove 4. The bonding step is preferably sufficient to ensure a stable holding of the casing 7 on the main body 2 of the lighter 1.

Advantageously, the method comprises, subsequent to the bonding of the casing 7 on the main body 2, a fixing operation of said main body 2, precisely at its upper wall, on an ignition device 14, particularly at the a second holding member 17.

Said method then comprises a step of inserting an elongated element 9 in said groove 4 against said first and second edges 7A, 7B. During this insertion step, an elongated element 9, which forms a rigid rod as described above, is preferably introduced by sliding or sliding, until the upper end 9A of said elongated element 9 comes into existence. in abutment against the surface of the second holding member 17 of the ignition device 14. It is also possible for the upper end 9A of the elongate element 9 to be introduced into an opening, preferably blind, of the second element of FIG. maintaining 17 so as to improve the maintenance of said elongated element 9 in the groove 4, and more generally on the lighter 1.

Advantageously, the manufacturing method of the invention comprises, after the insertion step of the elongated element 9, a step of fixing said elongated element 9 during which a first holding element 10 distinct from the main body 2 is fixed to the latter to maintain said elongated element 9 in position in the groove 4.

Preferably, the fixing step comprises a screwing operation of said first holding member 10 on the lower end 2B of the main body 2 of said lighter 1. In other words, the first holding member 10 advantageously forming a bottom for said lighter 1 is attached to said main body 2 to lock said elongate member 9. Preferably, the first holding member 10 comprises a blind opening 11 into which the lower end 9B of the elongate member 9 is inserted.

Thus, once the first holding element 10 is fixed on the main body 2, a lighter 1 unitary and monobloc according to the present invention is obtained.

The manufacturing method of the present invention has the advantage of being fast and simple to implement. It does not require additional skills of the skilled person, in comparison with the manufacture of a conventional gas lighter plastic. It also makes it possible to obtain a lighter 1 which, on the one hand, cushions the blows, shocks and any type of impact suffered by the lighter 1, and on the other hand has a pleasant and attractive visual and tactile appearance for the lighter. user.

The present invention finally relates, as an integral and independent invention, to a lighter 1 comprising a main body 2 extending axially between an upper end 2A and a lower end 2B, said lighter 1 being characterized in that that it comprises firstly an axial groove 4 to the 2D surface of the main body 2 and on the other hand a casing 7 which covers, at least in part, said main body 2 and thus penetrates into said groove 4, said lighter 1 comprising an elongate member 9 inserted into said groove 4 against said casing 7 and a holding member 10 separate from the main body 2 and fixed thereto for holding said elongated member 9 in position in the groove 4.

Advantageously, said holding element 10 holds said elongated element 9 in position, whatever the method of fixing said casing 7 to said main body 2 and the geometry of said casing 7.

Preferably, the envelope 7 extends between a first and a second edge 7A, 7B, so that said first and second edges 7A, 7B are substantially facing each other in said groove 4 .

Claims (14)

A lighter (1) comprising a main body (2) extending axially between an upper end (2A) and a lower end (2B), said lighter (1) being characterized in that it comprises on the one hand a axial groove (4) formed on the surface (2D) of the main body (2) and on the other hand an envelope (7) extending between a first and a second edge (7A, 7B), said envelope (7) covering, at least in part, said main body (2) and being adhered thereto, so that said first and second edges (7A, 7B) are substantially facing each other in said groove (4), said lighter (1) comprising an elongated member (9) inserted into said groove (4) against said first and second edges (7A, 7B). 2. Lighter (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the casing (7) is bonded over substantially the entire side wall (2D) of said main body (2). 3. Lighter (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the casing (7) is made from a sheet of a flexible material. 4. Lighter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said casing (7) is made of a flexible material, preferably selected from: a fabric, a leather or a plastic material. 5. Lighter (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the elongated element (9) is designed to conceal, at least in part, said first and second edges (7A, 7B) of said envelope (7) . 6. Lighter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the elongate member (9) has a shape substantially complementary to that of the groove (4). 7. Lighter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the elongate member (9) is substantially rigid. 8. Lighter (1) according to claim 7 characterized in that the elongated element (9) is a metal rod. 9. Lighter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that it comprises a first holding member (10) separate from the main body (2) and fixed thereto for holding said elongated member (9) in position in the groove (4). 10. Lighter (1) according to claim 9 characterized in that the first holding member (10) is fixed at the lower end (2B) of the main body (2). 11. A method of manufacturing a lighter (1) comprising a step of manufacturing a main body (2) extending axially between an upper end (2A) and a lower end (2B), said method being characterized in that that the step of manufacturing the main body (2) comprises an operation for producing an axial groove (4) on the surface (2D) of the main body (2), said method also comprising a step of manufacturing an envelope (7) extending between a first and a second edge (7A, 7B), and a step of bonding said envelope (7) to said main body (2), so that said envelope (7 ) covers, at least in part, said main body (2) and that said first and second edges (7A, 7B) are substantially opposite one another in said groove (4), said method also comprising a step of inserting an elongated member (9) in said groove (4) against said first and second edges (7A, 7B). 12. A method of manufacturing a lighter (1) according to claim 11 characterized in that the bonding step comprises a sizing operation during which the envelope (7) and / or said main body (2). is covered, at least in part, with glue. 13. A method of manufacturing a lighter (1) according to claim 11 or 12 characterized in that it comprises, after the insertion step of the elongated element (9), a step of fixing said elongated element (9) during which a first holding member (10) separate from the main body (2) is fixed thereto for holding said elongated member (9) in position in the groove (4). 14. A method of manufacturing a lighter (1) according to claim 13 characterized in that the fixing step comprises a screwing operation of said first holding member (10) on the lower end (2B) of said main body ( 2) of said lighter (1).

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