Patents by Inventor Floyd B. Fairbanks

Floyd B. Fairbanks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7025588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Publication number: 20040219467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 6746234
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Publication number: 20030104329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 6527546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Laforest, Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 6095799
    Abstract: An utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is operatively connected to the housing for generating a spark proximate the nozzle and an actuating assembly is connected to the housing proximate the handle and operates to both dispense fuel from the fuel supply and to activate the ignitor assembly. A latch member is operatively connected with the handle and includes a blocking portion connected for biased movement relative to the actuating assembly. The latch member is normally biased into engagement with the actuating assembly to prevent operative movement except when the user moves the latch member against the bias. When the latch member is moved out of engagement with the actuating assembly by the user, a trigger may be pulled to release fuel and initiate a spark at the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: James M. McDonough, Daniel A. Ferrara, F. Nicolas Garoffolo, Chris A. Barone, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 6086360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is operatively connected to the housing for generating a spark proximate the nozzle and an actuating assembly is connected to the housing proximate the handle and operates to both dispense fuel from the fuel supply and to activate the ignitor assembly. A linking mechanism is provided in order to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply prior to generation of a spark such that a spark is generated when fuel is present at the nozzle. A locating mechanism is provided proximate the valve of the fuel container in order to properly position the fuel container within the housing. In addition, an isolator cap is disposed around the nozzle to assist in directing the spark in the vicinity of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: James M. McDonough, Floyd B. Fairbanks, F. Nicolas Garoffolo, Chris A. Barone
  • Patent number: 6077069
    Abstract: A selectively actuatable child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium, and a safety mechanism prevents actuation of the valve to the open position when sparks are produced. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Bic Corporation
    Inventors: Floyd B. Fairbanks, Thomas G. Snell, James M. McDonough
  • Patent number: 6065958
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle with an outlet at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An electric ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, has first and second electrical contacts operatively connected to a first electrical pathway. The first electrical pathway includes a first gap proximate the outlet. An ignition preventing assembly forming a second electrical pathway is also operatively connected to the electric ignitor assembly and has operative and inoperative configurations. In the inoperative configuration, the resistance of the second electrical pathway is less than the resistance of the first electrical pathway such that electrical current generated by the electric ignitor assembly selectively travels in the second electrical pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Floyd B. Fairbanks, Richard M. Orazietti, Brian Tubby, Thomas G. Vailionis, James M. McDonough
  • Patent number: 5934895
    Abstract: An utility lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. An ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is operatively connected to the housing for generating a spark proximate the nozzle and an actuating assembly is connected to the housing proximate the handle and operates to both dispense fuel from the fuel supply and to activate the ignitor assembly. A latch member is operatively connected with the handle and includes a blocking portion connected for biased movement relative to the actuating assembly. The latch member is normally biased into engagement with the actuating assembly to prevent operative movement except when the user moves the latch member against the bias. When the latch member is moved out of engagement with the actuating assembly by the user, a trigger may be pulled to release fuel and initiate a spark at the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: James M. McDonough, Daniel A. Ferrara, F. Nicolas Garoffolo, Chris A. Barone, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 5769098
    Abstract: The lighter of the present invention provides a resiliently deformable guard that covers a portion of the striking wheel assembly. To operate the lighter, a user exerts sufficient pressure to displace the guard before rotating the striking wheel assembly. The configuration of the guard with respect to other elements of the lighter and/or one or more retention means of the guard increases the retention of the guard. Further, the lighter of the present invention may provide a brake member to prevent the rotation of the striking wheel assembly when the user attempts to release fuel or rotate the striking wheel assembly before or without displacement of the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: James M. McDonough, Gerald J. Doiron, Paul H. Adams, Floyd B. Fairbanks, Arthur R. Hamilton, Jr., Guy LaForest
  • Patent number: 5735294
    Abstract: The lighter of the present invention provides a resiliently deformable guard that covers a portion of the striking wheel assembly. To operate the lighter, a user exerts sufficient pressure to depress the guard before rotating the striking wheel assembly. The present invention provides retention mechanisms to make removal of the guard more difficult. Further, the lighter of the present invention provides brake members to prevent the rotation of the striking wheel assembly when the user attempts to release fuel prior to rotating the striking wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Bic Corporation
    Inventors: James M. McDonough, Gerald J. Doiron, Paul H. Adams, Chris A. Barone, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 5628627
    Abstract: A child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium, and a safety mechanism prevents actuation of the valve to the open position when sparks are produced. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Bic Corporation
    Inventors: Floyd B. Fairbanks, Thomas G. Snell, James M. McDonough
  • Patent number: 5520197
    Abstract: The lighter of the present invention provides a resiliently deformable guard that covers a portion of the striking wheel assembly. To operate the lighter, a user exerts sufficient pressure to depress the guard before rotating the striking wheel assembly. The present invention also provides retention mechanisms to make the removal of the guard more difficult. Further, the lighter of the present invention provides brake members to prevent the rotation of the striking wheel assembly when the user attempts to release fuel prior to rotating the striking wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: James M. McDonough, Gerald J. Doiron, Paul H. Adams, Chris A. Barone, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 5487657
    Abstract: A child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium, and a safety mechanism prevents actuation of the valve to the open position when sparks are produced. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Floyd B. Fairbanks, Thomas G. Snell, James M. McDonough
  • Patent number: 5431558
    Abstract: A selectively actuatable lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium. Such lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable valve actuator which normally prevents actuation of the valve. The valve actuator includes an interfering portion which is selectively movable to a position out of interference with an interfering portion of the lighter body, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks. Once the valve actuator is depressed and released, it returns to its closed or latched position to prevent actuation of the valve to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Bic Corporation
    Inventors: James M. McDonough, Floyd B. Fairbanks, Jean-Michel Monnier
  • Patent number: 5125829
    Abstract: A selectively actuatable child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium. A safety mechanism normally prevents actuation of the valve to the open position. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a plurality of positions out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: James M. McDonough, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 5002482
    Abstract: A child resistant lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such child resistant lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium, and a safety mechanism prevents actuation of the valve to the open position when sparks are produced. Such child resistant lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable safety latch which prevents the actuation of the valve actuator to the open position. The safety latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Floyd B. Fairbanks, Thomas G. Snell, James M. McDonough
  • Patent number: D520941
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Paul H. Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: D524242
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Paul H. Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd B. Fairbanks