Abstract: An ultra-thin cigarette lighter is disclosed. It operates by acting on a push button which opens a valve to release gas from a tank and activate a sparking means for igniting the released gas. The lighter has a "self-retrieving" safety mechanism which is simple and easy for an adult to operate and which can reliably prevent unintentional operation of the lighter, such as by a child. The safety mechanism has an elongated resilient bar provided at one end with an operating member located within a slot in the lighter push button. The safety mechanism has a normal position in which the safety device prevents operation of the push button and an operating position, to which the safety device can be moved by an operating member, in which the push button can be operated. Upon operation, the safety device automatically returns to its normal position.

Abstract: A cigarette lighter is provided which comprises a tank for a combustible gas under pressure; a valve which is normally closed so preventing exit of the gas from the tank, but which can be opened to allow gas to escape from the tank through a nozzle; a valve actuator which when operated engages and opens the valve; means to produce a spark in the vicinity of the nozzle thereby causing ignition of gas escaping from the tank when the valve is engaged and opened by the valve actuator; a safety device which normally disengages the valve actuator from the valve but which can be selectively operated to move the valve actuator to engage and open the valve.