US3504995A

US3504995A - Lighter with energy buildup mechanism

Info

Publication number: US3504995A
Application number: US663084A
Authority: US
Inventors: Yoshio Kanamaru
Original assignee: KANAMARU SHOTEN Ltd
Current assignee: KANAMARU SHOTEN Ltd
Priority date: 1967-08-24
Filing date: 1967-08-24
Publication date: 1970-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 1987-04-07

Description

April 7, 1970 vosl-uo KANAMARU LIGHTER WITH ENERGY BUILDUP MECHANISM s Sheets-Sheet 1 PRESSURE INVENTOR YOSHI'O KANAMARU ATTORNEYS April 7, 1970 YOSHIO KANAMARU LIGHTER WITH ENERGY aux-mm? MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 24, 1967 INVENTOR YOSHIO KANAMARU W Wines ATTORNEYS April 7, 1970 YQSHIO KANAMARU 1 5 LIGHTER WITH ENERGY BUILDUP MECHANISM ,Filed Aug. 24. 1967 s Sheets-Sheet :5

Fla 8 INVENTOR YOSHIO KANAMARU M Wm- ATTORNEYS United States Patent U.S. Cl. 431-454 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Automatic lighter featuring depressible action and energy storing mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The term automatic is used frequently to designate lighters in which downward pressure on the fingerpiece releases fuel and causes ignition at approximately the same time. By and large, such automatic lighters fall into two categories.

First, there is the conventional pinion and rack mechanism, illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 of the drawings, in which the depressible movement of the fingerpiece and rack causes the pinion and sparking wheel to turn. This action is for the most part constant in the sense that no energy is built up or stored during the downward movement of the fingerpiece except, of course, that energy may be stored because of friction between the flint and flintwheel. Stated somewhat differently, if the speed of rotation of the sparking wheel varies it is because the downward-depressible movement of the fingerpiece changes speed as a result of varying pressure being exerted by the finger of the user. On this type of automatic construction, the rack acts tangentially with respect to the flint wheel.

The other type of automatic lighter features a sliding motion, illustrated schematically in FIG. 2, in which an energy building up mechanism is present. In this type of construction, acceleration in the speed of rotation of the sparking wheel is achieved. Despite the fact that this sliding automatic action provides for the storing of energy, nevertheless, the most natural or desirable actuating action for any automatic lighter is by depressing action rather than by sliding action.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention enables an automatic lighter to be actuated by depressing action while providing an energy storing mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the now conventional pinion and rack depressing action for automatic lighters;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the sliding action energy building up mechanism found in other automatic lighters;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the energy storing mechanism of the present invention for use in automatic lighters actuated by depressing action;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating resolution of forces involved in the energy storing mechanism of the present invention, particularly during the energy storage phase defined by the angle 18 and the point at which the stored energy is suddenly released defined by line 50-52;

FIG. 4 isa perspective view broken in part illustrating a first embodiment of the present automatic lighter in idle position;

3,504,995 Patented Apr. 7, 1970 FIG. 9 is a perspective view broken in part of the second embodiment lighter in idle position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS For purposes of review, and with reference to FIG. 1, the now conventional depressing action automatic lighter consists of fingerpiece 10 having teeth 12 which mesh with teeth 14 of a suitable driving member which is operatively linked to sparking wheel 16. As fingerpiece 10 is depressed, sparking wheel 16 is turned by the pinion and rack mechanism. However, as mentioned previously, there is no storing of energy and thus the sparking is dispersed and frequently non-eifective.

The alternative slide automatic lighter mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 2 and consists of fingerpiece 20 operatively connected through pin 22 to sparking wheel 24 which is pivoted about pin 26. Thus, as fingerpiece 20 is slid about pivot point 28, a phase-designated by the angle alpha (a)-occurs in which energy is stored. Specifically, the building up or storing phase occurs within that angle defined between the line running through centers 22-26 and the line 23-26 representing the position assumed by fingerpiece 20 when pin 22 is directly above pin 26. Of course, this energy storing phase fluctuates with variables such as friction between flint and flint wheel and spring pressure.

In FIG. 3 is represented schematically the automatic action of the present invention. The reference numeral 40 designates generally the lighter fingerpiece while the flint wheel is designated by reference numeral 42. Rod 44 is pivotably connected to fingerpiece 40 by pin 46 and sparking wheel 42 by pin 48. The reference numeral 50 designates the axis of sparking wheel 42. Actuation occurs by depressing fingerpiece 40. The storing phase takes place within angle (13) defined between lines 48-50 and 50-52, the latter generally paralleling the axis of fingerpiece 40. When pin 48 rotates clockwise with the depression of fingerpiece 40 and reaches the area around line '50-52, the stored energy is suddenly released against the friction force between flint and flint wheel and sparking wheel 42 forcefully rotated to produce a concentration of sparks. It is clear, then, that the system schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 provides for the desired depressible fingerpiece action as well as an energy storing mechanism. As seen in FIG. 3A, the force applied by fingerpiece 40 tangentially to sparking wheel 42 through pin 48 is equal to the total force F applied by fingerpiece 40 multiplied by the cos angle ,8. Stored energy is released as pin 48 rotates clockwise and reaches line 50-52 at which time all of the total force is applied tangentially to sparking wheel 42 through pin 48, i.e. the total force F equals F cos B. Naturally, there are friction forces present throughout.

tank 60 within which is mounted burner valve assembly 62 having movable valve stem 64. On to of fuel tank 60 is mounted bracket 66 being generally U-shaped in configuration within which is supported shaft 68 around which flint or sparking wheel 70 rotates. Shaft 68 supports flint Wheel 70 within bracket 66 while also rotatably supporting wheel cover 72. Mounted within the top of lighter cover 74 is support 76 having opening 78 above burner nozzle 64. The lower turned portion 82 of support 76 is designed to depress downwardly upon conically configured burner nozzle 64 to open the burner valve and emit gas, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when cover 74 is depressed downwardly. The sparking system is substantially as illustrated schematically in FIG. 3. Connection between support 76 (fingerpiece) and flint wheel 70 is accomplished through connecting rod 84 supported at one end by pin 80 and at the other end by pin 86. Cover 74 is restored to its idle position with the use of a spring assembly 87 positioned between the top of cover 74 and the top of fuel tank 60. Spring assembly 87 consists of support 89 and helical spring 91, as seen in detail in FIG. 8. The degree of depressability of top 74 is controlled by L-shaped bracket 88 secured to the top of fuel tank 60 and pin 90 located within slot 92 of bracket 88 and secured to cover 74.

The burner valve assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 67 where it can be seen that burner valve stem 64 is normally biased upwardly by spring 94 located Within the burner valve assembly. In this position, orifice 96 is blocked by gasket 98 in such manner to prevent gas from leaving nozzle 64. As valve stem 64 is depressed by actuating shoulder 82 of support 76 of cover 74, orifice 96 is uncovered, as seen in FIG. 7, permitting gas to pass upwardly through the burner valve assembly. The construction of the burner valve has not been set forth in detail, reference being made to the inventors US. Patent 3,314,- 252 :which issued Apr. 18, 1967, incorporated by specific reference into this disclosure.

As will now be apparent, when the top of cover 74 is pressed downwardly, shoulder 82 forces burner valve stem 64 downwardly opening the burner valve permitting fuel to pass upwardly through nozzle 64. At the same time, connecting rods 84 are set in motion rotating flint wheel cover 72 and flint wheel 70 clockwise to produce sparking to ignite fuel being emitted through nozzle 64. Downward movement of cover 74 is terminated by pin 90 and bracket 88. The reference numeral 73 (FIGS. 8 and 9) designates generally a flint assembly, conventional in most lighters.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Specifically, an auxiliary energy storing mechanism is employed which is generally designated by the reference numeral 100. Projecting downwardly from support 76 is a first arm 102 terminating in flange 104. Attached to the top of fuel tank 60 is a second arm 106 terminating in flange 108. Thus, it is possible for

flanges

104 and 108 to engage and disengage with each other as cover 74 moves in relationship to casing 60. The entire auxiliary energy storing mechanism 100 is made of resilient material. Thus, as cover 74 is moved downwardly flange 104 comes into contact with flange 108 and these flanges are compressed against each other until the downward force of cover 74 is great enough to cause flange 104 to push its way downwardly in accelerated fashion. In this manner, flint wheel 70 is suddenly rotated by the action of connecting rod 84, and auxiliary system 100. It must be kept in mind that auxiliary energy storing mechanism 100 works in conjunction with the principles set forth in relationship to schematic FIG. 3 and previously discussed.

Aside from the advantage of producing a lighter in which the depressing action of the fingerpiece produces an energy storing stage resulting in eventual sudden release and forceful movement of the flintwheel, other advantages are now apparent.

The top of cover 74 protects the vital parts of the lighter, including burner valve 62 and the entire ignition mechanism including sparking wheel 70. Thus, the automatic mechanism is protected from damage.

The present construction also eliminates the need of a snuffer cap.

As the entire burning chamber is located within cover 74, lighting is assured even during windy conditions.

As the burner valve assembly 62 is opened by depressing valve stem 64, in contrast to the conventional technique of pushing the burner valve stem upwardly to initiate flow of fuel, the motion of the cover 74 and burner valve stem 64 and related parts are all in the same direction thus making the motion more natural and causing less wear and tear on valve and lighter parts.

The configuration of lower support 82 which is used to contact and depress valve stem 64 is more substantial and stronger than the conventional technique for actuating lighter burner valves. The entire burner chamber is also more spacious.

The entire concept of enveloping the fuel reservoir 60 with the slidable cover 74 results in a smooth working operation, as contrasted with presently marketed constructions.

What is claimed is:

1. An energy storing ignition system for a lighter, comprising:

(A) an ignition assembly, means orienting the ignition assembly for action along a path for lighting fuel;

(B) a fingerpiece to be depressed by the user, means mounting the fingerpiece for movement along a rectilinear path and means resiliently biasing the fingerpiece in an inoperative position; and

(C) means connecting the fingerpiece and ignition assembly for transmitting the force applied to the fingerpiece by the user to the ignition assembly while storing energy as the fingerpiece moves the ignition assembly through a first phase and releasing the stored energy upon movement of the ignition assembly to a second phase so as to forcefully actuate the ignition assembly including a linkage attached at one end to and acting on a fixed first point on the ignition assembly and attached at the other end thereof to the fingerpiece at a fixed second point such that the distance between the first and second points remains constant, the axis of the linkage between the first and second points intersecting the path of the ignition assembly at an angle through the first phase and being coincident with the path of the ignition assembly at the second phase.

2. A lighter energy storing ignition system as in claim 1, wherein the ignition assembly constitutes a sparking wheel and flint assembly, the path of the sparking wheel ignition assembly being rotational, the fixed first point being located at the periphery of the sparking wheel wherein the linkage is pivotably connected to the sparking wheel, the first phase in which energy is stored being designated by the angle ,8 defined by the fixed first point on the sparking wheel ignition assembly, the axis of rotation of the sparking wheel ignition assembly and a point superimposed on the sparking wheel path at which the axis of the linkage is tangential to the periphery of the sparking wheel, such that during the first energy storage phase the force being applied by the fingerpiece to the sparking wheel through the fixed first point tangential to the sparking wheel is F cos B which is less than the total force F applied by the fingerpiece to the sparking wheel while at the second phase wherein energy is suddenly released the force F cos 8 applied by the fingerpiece to the sparking wheel through the fixed first point tangential to the sparking wheel is effectively equal to the total force F applied by the fingerpiece to the sparking wheel.

3. A lighter energy storing ignition system as in claim 2, including a second system for storing additional energy during the first phase, including a first flexible member attached to the fingerpiece and a second flexible member mounted upon the body of the lighter such that as the fingerpiece is depressed the first and second members contact and compress each other storing energy until overcome by the continuing depressing force of the fingerpiece thus releasing still additional energy at the second phase.

4. A lighter, comprising:

(A) a fuel storing container having an outlet;

(B) a burner valve, means securing the burner valve to the outlet, means operatively mounting the burner valve to move between a closed position and an open position;

(C) an ignition assembly constituting a sparking wheel and flint assembly, the path of the sparking wheel ignition assembly being rotational;

(D) a fingerpiece toi,,be depressed by the user, means mounting the fingerpiece for movement along a rectilinear path, means resiliently biasing the fingerpiece in an inoperative positionj (E) means connecting the fingerpiece and the ignition assembly for transmitting the force supplied to the fingerpiece by the user to the ignition assembly while storing energy as the fingerpiece moves the ignition assembly through a first phase and releasing the stored energy upon movement of the ignition assembly to a second phase to forcefully actuate the ignition assembly, the means connecting the fingerpiece and ignition assembly consisting of a linkage member attached to the fingerpiece at a first point and pivotably attached to the outer periphery of the sparking Wheel at a second point, said first and second points remaining equidistant from each other during operation of the fingerpiece and the ignition assembly insuring that substantially all of the total force supplied to the linkage member by the fingerpiece is transmitted to the ignition assembly through the second point, the linkage member acting tangentially upon the second point at which the linkage member is pivotably connected to the sparking Wheel at the second phase; and

(F) means connecting the fingerpiece and burner valve to move the burner valve to its open position at a predetermined position during the depressing action of the fingerpiece.

5. A lighter as in claim 4, including a second system for storing additional energy during the first phase, including a first flexible member attached to the fingerpiece and a second flexible member mounted upon the body of the lighter such that as the fingerpiece is depressed the first and second members contact and compress each other storing energy until overcome by the continuing depressing force of the fingerpiece thus releasing the stored energy.

6. A lighter as in claim 4, wherein said fingerpiece is a cover encompassing a portion of the lighter including means permitting the cover to be depressed downwardly about the casing of the lighter.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,874,892 8/1932 Butler 431-139 1,944,177 1/ 1934 Holtzman 431276 X 2,583,692 1/1952 Florman 431- 2,692,490 10/ 1954 Florman 431-130 2,720,098 10/ 1955 Wagner 431130 2,427,058 9/1947 Kolberg et a1. 431----149 2,482,807 9/1949 Strother 431-137 2,979,930 4/ 1961 Ichikawa 431-149 3,132,498 5/ 1964 Lowenthal 431--131 3,149,484 9/1964 Kobayashi 431--131 3,390,945 7/ 1968 Wieden et a1 431--131 FOREIGN PATENTS 673,999 10 1949 Great Britain. 373,994 4/1923 Germany.

EDWARD J. MICHAEL, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 431274, 344