Abstract: A novel safety stopper for use with a conventional welding torch striker includes a sleeve made of a flexible, non-inflammable, heat-resistant material. The sleeve is shaped to enclose a central portion of both arms of a conventional welding torch striker, while allowing relative movement first and second push-tabs. The sleeve is retained on the arms by spring force. The sleeve is shaped to cover a substantial portion of the open area defined by the arms and the strike plate, while exposing the strike plate and the flint. A novel welding torch striker includes an integral safety stopper made of a flexible, non-flammable, heat-resistant rubber and formed as a web, a first handle-grip, and a second handle-grip. The stopper extends between both arms of the striker with the first handle-grip surrounding a portion of the first arm and the second handle-grip surrounding a portion of the second arm.

Abstract: A novel safety stopper for use with a conventional welding torch striker includes a sleeve made of a flexible, non-flammable, heat-resistant material. The sleeve is shaped to enclose a central portion of both arms of a conventional welding torch striker, while allowing relative movement first and second push-tabs. The sleeve is retained on the arms by spring force. The sleeve is shaped to cover a substantial portion of the open area defined by the arms and the strike plate, while exposing the strike plate and the flint. A novel welding torch striker includes an integral safety stopper made of a flexible, non-flammable, heat-resistant rubber and formed as a web, a first handle-grip, and a second handle-grip. The stopper extends between both arms of the striker with the first handle-grip surrounding a portion of the first arm and the second handle-grip surrounding a portion of the second arm.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety stopper for use with a striker of the type used by welders and fabricators to light welding torches. The striker defines an open area. The safety stopper includes a cover shaped to cover a substantial portion of the open area, and shaped to expose the striker strike plate and flint. The safety stopper also includes attachment means for attaching the cover to the striker, such that the cover defines a clear path for movement of a first push-tab of the striker with respect to a second push-tab of the striker, and such that the cover, when attached to the striker, defines a clear path for movement of the first push-tab with respect to the second push-tab; such that when the striker, with the safety stopper attached, is carried hands-free attached to an operator's belt, the safety stopper reduces the chances of the operator being thrown off balance by the striker catching on an external object.