WO2012166981A1 - Lighter with flame director - Google Patents
Lighter with flame director Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012166981A1 WO2012166981A1 PCT/US2012/040299 US2012040299W WO2012166981A1 WO 2012166981 A1 WO2012166981 A1 WO 2012166981A1 US 2012040299 W US2012040299 W US 2012040299W WO 2012166981 A1 WO2012166981 A1 WO 2012166981A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- lighter
- flame
- switch
- slide switch
- igniter
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23Q—IGNITION; EXTINGUISHING-DEVICES
- F23Q2/00—Lighters containing fuel, e.g. for cigarettes
- F23Q2/16—Lighters with gaseous fuel, e.g. the gas being stored in liquid phase
- F23Q2/167—Lighters with gaseous fuel, e.g. the gas being stored in liquid phase with adjustable flame
Definitions
- the present invention relates to lighters.
- it relates to lighters that use combustible fuel in which the direction of the flame output is selectively altered by the user.
- lighters were designed to project flames vertically. While this may have been an optimum design for cigarettes, it left something to be desired for other uses, such as lighting pipes, cigars, candles, barbeques, etc.
- a variety of attempts have been made to provide lighters that provide the user with greater control over the direction of the lighter's flame.
- the development of lighters having a flame which projects at a fixed angle to the side of the lighter has been one attempt to improve the lighter's functionality.
- a further improvement has been the
- lighters with two flame angles vertical and/or horizontal.
- Another development has been lighters that have adjustable flame angles.
- Lighters that provide adjustable flame angles have a disadvantage in that they have the flame control mechanism that is too close to the flame.
- the nozzle or the nozzle extension must be manipulated by hand in order to adjust the flame angle. As a result, safety becomes an issue since they can be difficult to use depending on what is being lit and how it is accessed.
- the present invention provides a lighter with an adjustable flame angle that is controlled by switches or controls that are located at a safe distance from the flame.
- a slide mechanism is used in combination with a rotatable flame output that is controlled by operation of a switch or control button that is safely positioned away from the flame output.
- the control button or switch can be positioned at any suitable location on the lighter.
- switches or control buttons that may be positioned on different models of the lighters to accommodate left-handed or right-handed users.
- the flame angle can be adjusted along multiple planes of rotation (e.g., up and down, side to side, 360°, etc.).
- Figure 1 is a side transparent view of a preferred embodiment of the lighter with the lid in the closed position.
- Figure 2 is a side transparent view of the preferred embodiment of figure 1 with the lid in the open position and the flame ignited and oriented in a vertical direction.
- Figure 3 is a side transparent view of the preferred embodiment of figure 1 with the lid in the open position and the flame ignited and oriented in a side facing direction.
- Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an alternative preferred
- Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of an alternative preferred
- FIG. 4 embodiment of figure 4 showing the flame output, the ignition switch, and the control button.
- FIG. 6A it is a front view of another preferred embodiment of the lighter.
- Figure 6B is a left side view of the embodiment of figure 6A.
- Figure 6C is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 6A.
- Figure 6D is a right side view of the embodiment of figure 6A.
- Figure 6E is a top view of the embodiment of figu re 6A.
- Figure 6F is a bottom view of the embodiment of figure 6A
- Figure 6G Is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 6A.
- Figure 7A it is a rear view of yet another preferred embodiment of the lighter.
- Figure 7B is a left side view of the embodiment of figure 7A.
- Figure 7C is a front view of the embodiment of figure 7A.
- Figure 7D is a right side view of the embodiment of figure 7A.
- Figure 7E is a top view of the embodiment of figu re 7A.
- Figure 7F is a bottom view of the embodiment of figure 7A
- Figure 7G is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 7A.
- Figure 8A it is a front view of a further preferred embodiment of the lighter.
- Figure 8B is a left side view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- Figure 8C is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- Figure 8D is a right side view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- Figure 8E is a top view of the embodiment of figu re 8A.
- Figure 8F is a bottom view of the embodiment of figure 8A
- Figure 8G is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- Figure 9A is a side view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output.
- Figure 9B is a front view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output.
- Figure 9C is a bottom perspective view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output.
- Figure 1 OA is a side view of an extended multi-segment flame output that adjusts the angle of the flame.
- Figure 1 OB is a side view of the extended multi-segment flame output that adjusts the angle of the flame output.
- the invention provides a lighter 1 with a mechanism that allows the direction of the flame output to be redirected under control of the user.
- the mechanism allows a lighter to be ignited in the conventional manner, and after ignition of the lighter 1 , it can be redirected by the user from a thumb slide switch 6 that is remote from the flame output to protect the user from inadvertently burning a finger.
- components of the lighter 1 can be fabricated from any suitable material, from low-cost plastics, synthetic materials glass, crystal, wood, metal, precious metal, etc. The only requirement is that the material used to fabricate the device can be safely used as a component of a lighter. Likewise, the materials used for the internal components can be anything su itable for the purpose of the device.
- the lighter operates in a similar manner to conventional cigarette lighters.
- the fuel can be anything suitable, such as gas or liquid fuel.
- FIG. 1 a preferred embodiment of the lighter 1 is shown.
- This figure is a transparent side view of the lighter 1 that illustrates the components.
- the lighter 1 has an external case 2 and an external lid 1 3 that is attached to the external case 2 by a hinge 1 4.
- frictional thumbwheel 1 2 and flint 1 1 both of which represent conventional ignition mechanisms found in many lighters.
- any suitable ignition mechanism can be used.
- the mechanical spark igniter illustrated in this figure can be replaced with an
- lid 1 3 shown in figures 1 -3 is exemplary of lids commonly used for cigarette lighters. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the lid 1 3 is not part of the invention, and depending on the design of the lighter 1 , it can be dispensed with entirely.
- Fuel supply 3 can contain any suitable fuel, such as butane, propane, liquid lighter fuel, etc. Fuel is supplied from the fuel supply 3 to the flame output 8 via a fuel conduit 4. In the preferred
- the fuel conduit 4 is routed through a hollow portion of the slide mechanism 5.
- Fuel output 8 is hingedly attached to slide mechanism 5 via hinge 9. In this figure, the fuel output 8 is fully retracted. Also shown in this figure are thumb slide switch 6, which is used to slide mechanism 5 up and down, and cam 7.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of figure 1 with the lighter ignited and the flame 1 5 projecting upward from flame output 8. In this configuration, the lighter 1 would operate in an identical manner to prior art lighters.
- Figure 3 illustrates how the direction of flame 1 5 is user controlled.
- the spring mechanism 1 0 maintains pressure against the flame output 8 such that it rotates against cam 7.
- the user controls the angle of flame 1 5 with thumb slide switch 6.
- the user can adjust the angle of the flame 1 5 without having their fingers in close proximity to the flame output 8.
- the thumb slide switch 6 is safely located far from the flame output 8.
- the flame angle can be
- cam 7 used in the embodiment of figures 1 -3 can be replaced with a gear assembly that can be operated by a rotatable thumbwheel in place of thumb slide switch 6.
- thumb slide switch 6 can be replaced with an electronic switch that drives a gear assembly.
- the gear assembly can also be controlled by electromagnets that are activated by an electronic switch that cause magnets attached to the gear assembly to move in response to the electromagnets, thereby causing the flame output 8 to rotate.
- Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an alternative preferred
- the lighter 1 showing the flame output 8 and the ignition switch 1 6.
- This embodiment uses a conventional ignition mechanism that is activated by the ignition switch 1 6.
- these are piezoelectric devices that are well known in the art.
- a significant advantage of piezoelectric ignitions over older flint ignitions is that flint is eliminated and the reliability of the lighter 1 0 is improved.
- Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the alternative preferred
- Thumb slide switch 6 is operatively connected to flame output 8 such that when thumb slide switch 6 slides along slot 1 7, under control of the user, the flame output 8 rotates to a different angle.
- the lighter 1 can be configured such that the flame output 8 can be rotated to any angle, or configured to stop at predetermined angles.
- the angle of flame output 8 can be adjusted before or after ignition since the ignition switch 1 6 is separate from thumb slide switch 6.
- An important safety advantage of the invention is that the angle of the flame output 8 can be adjusted remotely, due to the location of thumb slide switch 6 that prevents inadvertent injuries from contact with the flame output 8.
- thumb slide switch 6 is positioned such that the user controls the flame angle with the user's thumb.
- thumb slide switch 6 can be placed at any convenient location.
- FIG. 6A it is a front view of another preferred embodiment of the lighter 1 .
- the external case 2 the flame output 8, the fuel adjuster 1 9, and the optional LED lights 20 are shown.
- the fuel adjuster 1 9 is a multi-position switch that allows the user to adjust flame height.
- the optional LED lights 20 which provide a flashlight capability that is conveniently available in the lighter that is carried by the user.
- the LED lights 20 are positioned on the front of lighter 1 to improve ease of use.
- the optional LED lights 20 are present, the user has the advantage of a conveniently available light.
- the optional LED lights 20 are not present, there will be more space available for more fuel storage because the LED battery and LED electronics will not be present.
- three LED lights 20 are shown in this figure. While only one LED light 20 is necessary for this feature, any suitable number of LED lights 20 may be selected based on design choices.
- FIG. 6B is a left side view of the embodiment of figure 6A.
- the thumb slide switch 6 is used to rotate the flame output 8 such that the flame direction is user controlled.
- Ignition switch 1 6 is also shown.
- ignition switch 1 6 can be activated before or after the direction of flame output 8 is adjusted by thumb slide switch 6, or simultaneously with adjustment of the flame output.
- Thumb slide switch 6 changes the direction of the flame output 8 to a plurality of positions.
- the thumb slide switch 6 can be designed to stop at fixed points. For example, it could be designed such that the flame output 8 stops at 0°, 45°, or 90°. Alternatively, it can be designed such that it can be freely moved to any position from approximately 0° to 360°.
- any suitable method for changing the angle of the flame output 8 can be used, including push rods, levers, pulleys, springs, magnets, gears, etc.
- a locking switch (not shown) can be used to allow the flame to remain on for extended periods of time once ignited.
- the thumb slide switch 6 in the embodiments shown herein is positioned at the rear side of the lighter 1 . However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the thumb slide switch 6 can be positioned at any convenient location on the lighter 1 .
- Figure 6C is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 6A. This figure, the thumb slide switch 6 is shown along with the ignition switch 1 6, and the flame output 8. In addition, the LED activation switch 27 is shown on the rear of the lighter 1 .
- activation switch 27 can take the form of a button, a switch, or any other suitable device. Likewise, it can be located at any suitable location on the lighter 1 .
- Figure 6D is a right side view of the embodiment of figure 6A.
- Figure 6E is a top view of the embodiment of figure 6A.
- the gas output port 22 is illustrated along with igniter 21 .
- igniter 21 is activated to initiate the flame.
- Figure 6F is a bottom view of the embodiment of figure 6A. This view further illustrates gas input port 23, which is used to refill the lighter 1 .
- battery cover 24 which secures a battery (not shown) that powers the LED lights 20, and depending on the ignition method selected, will also power the igniter 21 .
- Figure 6G Is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 6A. This illustrates the lighter 1 output 8 in the vertical position.
- FIG. 7A it is a rear view of yet another preferred embodiment of the lighter 1 .
- This figure illustrates an alternative embodiment in which an alternative flame output 25 rotates under control of thumb slide switch 6.
- This embodiment preferably uses a piezoelectric ignition, but suitable alternatives can be used.
- the lighter 1 can be designed with a one-step or two-step operation. In the one-step operation, the user pushes the thumb slide switch 6 in to ignite the lighter 1 and simultaneously slides the thumb slide switch down to rotate the flame output 25. In the two-step operation, the ignition and rotation of the flame output 25 are executed separately. Alternatively, the user can push to ignite the lighter 1 and then slide the slide switch 6 to change the angle or vice-versa.
- An advantage of the invention is that the user only needs to use one hand to ignite the lighter 1 and to rotate the flame output 25. As a result, the user is less likely to inadvertently be burned.
- Figure 7B is a left side view of the embodiment of figure 7A.
- the thumb slide switch 6 is used to rotate the flame output 25 such that the flame direction is user controlled.
- the thumb slide switch 6 changes the direction of the flame output 25 to a plurality of positions such that the flame direction is user controlled.
- the thumb slide switch 6 can be designed to stop at fixed points. For example, it could be designed such that the flame output 25 stops at a variety of predetermined angles.
- the lighter can be set to any desired angle. By way of example, it could be set to 0°, 45°, or 90°. Further, any suitable angle can be chosen to suit the purposes of a particular lighter.
- the best angles for use with a cigar may be different than the best angles for use with a pipe, a candle, etc.
- it can be designed such that it can be freely moved to any position from approximately 0° to 90°.
- any suitable method for changing the angle of the flame output 8 can be used, including push rods, levers, pulleys, springs, magnets, gears, etc.
- a locking switch (not shown) can be used to allow the flame to remain on for extended periods of time once ignited.
- Figure 7C is a front view of the embodiment of figure 7A. This figure, flame output 25 is shown.
- Figure 7D is a right side view of the embodiment of figure 6A. In this figure, flame output 25 is illustrated along with thumb slide switch 6.
- Figure 7E is a top view of the embodiment of figure 7A. In this figure, flame output 25 is illustrated.
- Figure 7F is a bottom view of the embodiment of figure 7A. This view also illustrates flame output 25.
- Figure 7G Is a perspective view of the
- figure 7A This illustrates the flame output 25 in the vertical position.
- Figure 8A it is a front view of yet another preferred embodiment of the lighter 1 .
- This embodiment provides a transparent window 26 that allows the user to see the fuel chamber such that the user can determine when the fuel is running low.
- Figure 8B is a left side view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- Figure 8C is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- Figure 8D is a right side view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- Figure 8E is a top view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- Figure 8F is a bottom view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- Figure 8G is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 8A.
- the embodiment represented by figures 8A-8G is similar to the embodiment of figures 6A-6G. The difference in the present embodiment is that a transparent window 26 is provided which allows the user to see the internal fuel chamber.
- Figure 9A is a side view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output 8. Thumb slide switch 6 is connected to arm 28 that is in turn connected to loop 29. When thumb slide switch 28 is moved upward or downward, arm 28 forces loop 29 upward or downward. Loop 29 is slidably attached to posts 31 (shown in figure 9C). As loops 29 are moved vertically, posts 31 slide within loops 29 and force flame output 8 to rotate about pivot 30. As the flame output 8 rotates on the pivot 30, the flame angle is selectively adjusted by the user.
- Figure 9B is a front view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output 8. This figure further illustrates the arms 28 that drive loops 29.
- Figure 9C is a bottom perspective view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output 8. This view better illustrates the posts 31 that slide within loops 29.
- Figure 1 OA is a side view of an extended multi-segment flame output 8 that adjusts the angle of the flame.
- the flame output 8 has extension segments 32 that rotate on knuckles 33.
- the advantage of this embodiment is that it allows the lighter 1 to be used in applications where the object of the lighter's flame is difficult to reach (e.g. candles, barbeques, etc).
- the number of segments 32, as well as their length can vary.
- existing finger designs from known robot hands can be used to control movement of the extended multi-segment flame output 8.
- the lighter 1 can be ignited before, after, or while the segments 32 are being moved.
- Figure 1 OB is a side view of the extended multi-segment flame output 8 that adjusts the angle of the flame. This figure shows the extended multi-segment flame output 8 disconnected from the lighter 1 .
- the control wire 34 extends through the extended multi-segment flame output 8 and connects to the knuckles 33 such that the angle of the flame output can be controlled in the same manner as the other embodiments.
- the gas supply line and ignition line have been omitted.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Lighters Containing Fuel (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/123,214 US20140120481A1 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2012-05-31 | Lighter With Flame Director |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161491760P | 2011-05-31 | 2011-05-31 | |
US61/491,760 | 2011-05-31 | ||
US201213485202A | 2012-05-31 | 2012-05-31 | |
US13/485,202 | 2012-05-31 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2012166981A1 true WO2012166981A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
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ID=47259873
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US2012/040299 WO2012166981A1 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2012-05-31 | Lighter with flame director |
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Country | Link |
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WO (1) | WO2012166981A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5447430A (en) * | 1994-02-22 | 1995-09-05 | Kim; Heung C. | Colored fluid pyrophoric device |
JPH0960874A (en) * | 1995-08-25 | 1997-03-04 | Admiral Sangyo Kk | Nozzle direction changing device in gas lighter |
EP1528321A1 (en) * | 2003-10-30 | 2005-05-04 | Jens Bleich | Lighter for lighting pipes or cigarettes and flame deflector |
US20110091826A1 (en) * | 2009-10-17 | 2011-04-21 | Ying Wen Luo | Lighting fixture lighter |
-
2012
- 2012-05-31 WO PCT/US2012/040299 patent/WO2012166981A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5447430A (en) * | 1994-02-22 | 1995-09-05 | Kim; Heung C. | Colored fluid pyrophoric device |
JPH0960874A (en) * | 1995-08-25 | 1997-03-04 | Admiral Sangyo Kk | Nozzle direction changing device in gas lighter |
EP1528321A1 (en) * | 2003-10-30 | 2005-05-04 | Jens Bleich | Lighter for lighting pipes or cigarettes and flame deflector |
US20110091826A1 (en) * | 2009-10-17 | 2011-04-21 | Ying Wen Luo | Lighting fixture lighter |
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