GB831780A - Improvements in or relating to cigarette lighters - Google Patents

Abstract

831,780. Electric cigarette lighters. FENN, L. E. April 8, 1958 [Oct. 11, 1957], No. 11055/58. Class 75(3) [Also in Group XXXVII] A cigarette lighter comprises an igniter plug having an electrically heated element and housed in a socket having electric contacts, a switch controlling the supply of current to the contacts carried by a support member mounted on the side of the socket and a switch actuating arm projecting through the side of the socket so as to be engaged by part of the plug. In the form shown, a spiral heating element 20 is mounted in a cup 21 at .the base of a plug 18 slidable in a sleeve 29 which is carried in a socket 19 at the base of a well 73. A ceramic plug 32 at the base of the socket 19 carries a pair of bimetallic arms 35 connected to one side of the secondary of a transformer, the primary of which is connected to the household mains supply through a switch consisting of arms 43, 44, the switch being operated by the end 53 of a lever 45 pivoted at the outside of the socket and having an arm 51 projecting through an aperture into the socket. The centre of the element 20 is connected to the transformer secondary via a rivet 23 in the plug 18, the outer end being connected to the cup 21. Pressure on the top 30 of the plug 18 causes it to slide in the sleeve 29 against the action of a spring 27 until the cup is engaged by the bimetallic arms 35, the movement also closing the switch 43, 44. When the element 20 is sufficiently heated, the arms 35 expand and release the cup 21 and the plug is then moved outwards by the spring 27 and may be removed bodily for use for lighting cigarettes &c. Outward movement of the plug also opens the switch 43, 44 to break the primary circuit of the transformer.