Belt buckle solar cigarette lighter

Abstract

A belt buckle is provided with a solar cigarette lighter for lighting tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars. The belt buckle comprises a convex-shaped buckle body with a reflective surface that is configured to reflect the rays of the sun to a focal point above the reflective surface. A positioning mechanism facilitates placement of one end of the tobacco product at the focal point to receive the reflected rays so as to ignite the tobacco product. In a preferred embodiment, the positioning mechanism comprises a base attached to the buckle body and a support member pivotally attached to the base. The positioning mechanism collapses for use as a belt buckle. The base can be provided with detents or other mechanisms to hold the support member upright during use to ignite the tobacco product. The reflective surface can be on the back or front side of the belt buckle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The field of the present invention relates generally to cigarette lighters and other portable lighting devices that are used to ignite tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to such lighting devices that derive their ability to ignite the tobacco product from the rays of the sun. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to such lighting devices that have a convex reflective surface to concentrate the sun's rays on the tobacco product which is incorporated into a belt buckle or other article to be carried or worn by the user.

B. Background

As is commonly known, incendiary devices such as matches and cigarette lighters have been popular with individuals who smoke tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars and pipes, for many years. It is also well known that the portability of such devices contributes to the functionality as well as the applicability of matches and cigarette lighters. Matches typically utilized to ignite a tobacco product are of the safety type that require the head of the match to be struck against an appropriate lighting surface. If the match head or striking surface is wet, the match will not light. Once the tobacco product is ignited, the match is disposed. Unfortunately, the disposal of matches can result in a fire if the flame is not fully extinguished and litter if not disposed of in a trash can or other proper disposal receptacle. The use of cigarette lighters solve some of the known problems with utilizing matches to ignite a cigarette or other tobacco product. Traditionally, cigarette lighters have a fuel source, such as pressurized gas (i.e., butane or naptha) that need to be refilled. More recently, cigarette lighters contain a pre-measured amount of fuel are configured to be disposable, such that after the user consumes the fuel, he or she disposes the entire lighter. While disposable cigarette lighters are convenient, in that refilling the fuel is not necessary, the disposal of the used lighter creates trash and the repeated replacement of a new lighter is inconvenient and costly.

It is also well known that solar energy is often used as a renewable source of energy, including directly for heat and light and indirectly through the use of solar panels. Moreover, it is common knowledge that solar energy can be concentrated by utilizing a convex lens or other convex-shaped reflective surface to focus the rays of the sun directly onto an object as a means of heating it to a high temperature and, if combustible, igniting it. Prior art devices which utilize the concentrated rays of the sun to provide the heat necessary for operation include solar ovens, stoves and stills. Many of these devices require the use of a plurality of parts either to reflect the rays of the sun, trap and store the heat, or other such mechanism that substantially limit the portability and/or ease of using such devices in order to ignite a cigarette, cigar or pipe.

The prior art also teaches that solar energy can be used as a source for cigarette lighters or as a device for lighting tobacco in a pipe or other smoking instrument. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,014 to Wiquel discloses a solar cigarette lighter having a hollow tube for receiving the tobacco end of the cigarette therein and a lens adapted to concentrate the rays of the sun to a focal point in the tube. An inwardly projecting ring is located inside the tube so as to position the end of the cigarette at the focal point. U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,240 to Burch describes a solar lighter comprised of a solar tube with a lens at one end and a base member, having a hole therein, at which the tobacco product is placed. The focal point of the lens is directed to the hole in the base member. U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,303 to Worthington, et al. describes a solar lighter for a smoking instrument, such as a pipe. The solar lighter comprises a light concentrating lens attached to a pivotal arm that connects to a mounting plate which is attached to a retractable arm. The user retracts the arm to position the lens' focal point on the tobacco. In one configuration, the retractable arm is mounted on the rim of the pipe. Generally, these prior art solar cigarette lighters utilize a glass lens to direct the rays of the sun to end of cigarette or other tobacco product so as to ignite the tobacco.

Many people wear belts that have a belt buckle that is both functional and stylish, in that the buckle engages the belt to hold it around he person's waist and it is of a size and shape to be noticeable. A common example of such belt buckles are the “cowboy” style of belt buckles, which are typically made out of metal, such as silver, gold or chrome, and have a design on the outer surface thereof. The inner surface is configured with an attachment mechanism that fixedly or removably attaches to one end of the belt and a hook, prong or other engagement mechanism to releasably engage a hole in the opposite end of the belt. The typical belt buckle is generally not configured for any purpose other than holding the belt together and being stylish. However, a number of belt buckles do provide other functions. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,377 to Poluhowich describes a survival belt buckle that comprises a case attached to the front plate thereof that defines a compartment in which a number survival items, such as a compass, knife, matches, fishing line and like items, can be stored for emergency use. U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,979 to Collins describes a belt buckle knife that has a knife blade stored behind a removable front cover plate. The cover plate also serves as the handle for the knife. U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,101 to Park, et al. describes a belt buckle configured to store a spare automobile key on the rear side of the buckle. U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,420 to Spancer describes a tobacco buckle pipe that has a tubular body with an opening which receives a quantity of tobacco and a rotatable closure device that serves as the pipe stem during smoking use. U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,117 to Spina describes a belt buckle that has thumb grips at the top edge and finger grips on the bottom edge that is configured for use when line dancing.

Devices that are predicated on reflecting and concentrating the sun's light with the use of a mirror, lens or other reflective surface can also serve as a signaling apparatus for hikers, hunters, or other persons who become lost in the wilderness. Due to the breakability of mirrors and lenses, however, such devices can be awkward to pack or easily damaged, therefore making them unavailable when needed. Metal belt buckles that are of the larger or cowboy style often can be utilized as a signaling device to assist a lost or injured person.

Many people both smoke tobacco products and wear belts having a belt buckle. Due to the fact that belt buckles are being worn and thereby carried by someone who may desire to ignite a smoking product, it would be useful if the two functions could be combined. Doing so would eliminate the need to have to locate a match or cigarette lighter to ignite the tobacco product and eliminate the cost and disposal problems of matches and cigarette lighters. Heretofore, no combination of a belt buckle and solar cigarette lighter has been provided. What is needed, therefore, is a belt buckle that incorporates a solar cigarette lighter configured for igniting tobacco products that does not require any additional components or fuel for its use to ignite the tobacco. The preferred belt buckle solar cigarette lighter should comprise a reflecting surface to reflect the sun's rays to a focal point and have a positioning mechanism to place the end of the tobacco product at that focal point. The preferred belt buckle solar lighter would be easy to utilize, adaptable to a variety of belt buckle styles and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The preferred belt buckle solar lighter would not utilize any lens or other relatively fragile device such that it could also be utilized as a signaling device to signal for help when needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses a belt buckle solar cigarette lighter that utilizes a convex reflecting surface to concentrate the rays of the sun onto the end of a cigarette or other tobacco product positioned at the focal point of the reflecting surface. The belt buckle of the present invention has a positioning mechanism to allow the user to easily place the end of the tobacco product at the focal point of the convex reflecting surface. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reflecting surface is on the inside or obverse side of the outwardly positioned, and typically decorative, faceplate. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter of the present invention requires no additional components, such as a liquid or pressurized fuel source, thereby eliminating the need to be either re-filled or replaced. Because the present invention has an integrated reflective surface, it eliminates the need for a separate lens or mirror to concentrate the sun's light, as well as any types of energy cells or other devices typically associated with using solar energy as a fuel source. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter of the present invention eliminates the waste associated with matches or disposable cigarette lighters. Because the present invention can be incorporated into the user's clothing as a belt buckle, it is easily portable and generally immediately available. Such ease of portability translates easily for use as a safety signaling device. As a belt buckle, the present invention is easily integrated into the sportsman's gear.

In one general aspect of the present invention, the belt buckle solar cigarette lighter comprises a convex-shaped buckle body having a first outer side and an opposite facing second inner side, with at least a portion of either the first side or the second side provided with a reflective surface to direct the reflected rays of the sun to a focal point above the reflective surface. A positioning mechanism on the buckle body is configured so as to position one end of a tobacco product, such as a cigarette or cigar, at the focal point. The positioning mechanism is also configured to move from its collapsed position, in which the user can engage the belt buckle with the leading edge of a belt, to an upright position when the user wants to ignite the tobacco product. Depending on the convex configuration of the buckle body, the reflective surface can be on either the first side or the second side of the buckle body. Typically, the second or inner side of the buckle body is configured with mechanisms for connecting to the trailing end and the leading end of a belt, such as a belt retaining member for engaging the trailing end and a belt retaining hook for engaging an opening in the leading end of the belt. In the preferred embodiment, the positioning mechanism comprises a base attached to or made integral with the buckle body and a support member having a first end pivotally attached to the base. The distal or second end of the support member comprises one or more cigarette supports defining a cigarette support area at the focal point. In one configuration, a pair of cigarette supports define the cigarette support area, and the cigarette supports are capable of flexing to tightly engage the tobacco product in the cigarette support area. The base can comprise a pair of spaced apart base members configured to pivotally receive the first end of the support member therebetween. One or more detents can be utilized to assist in holding the support member in a generally upright position for ease in igniting the tobacco product.

In a second general aspect of the present invention, the invention is configured as a solar cigarette lighter that is utilized for igniting a tobacco product without being configured as a belt buckle. The basic configuration of the solar cigarette lighter is the same as that described for the belt buckle except that the belt attachment mechanisms are not necessary. Instead of being worn on a belt or other strap-like device, the solar cigarette lighter would be carried in the user's hand, pocket, bag or the like.

Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a belt buckle solar cigarette lighter that provides the advantages discussed above and overcomes the disadvantages and limitations which are associated with presently available belt buckles and cigarette lighters.

An important objective of the present invention to provide a belt buckle solar cigarette lighter that utilizes sunlight as its source of combustion, thereby eliminating the need for fuel or storage for such fuel.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a belt buckle solar cigarette lighter that has a convex reflective surface to direct the sun's rays to a focal point where it can light a tobacco product, such as a cigarette or cigar.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a belt buckle solar cigarette lighter that is adaptable to a variety of belts or other strap members.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a belt buckle solar cigarette lighter that is configured to ignite a variety of tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a cigarette lighter that is portable and which can be incorporated into the user's clothing as a belt buckle or fastener.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a belt buckle solar cigarette lighter that can also be utilized as a personal safety device for persons who become lost and need a mechanism to signal for help.

The above and other objectives of the present invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of processes presently described and understood by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a belt buckle solar cigarette lighter that is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown attached to a belt;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the belt buckle of FIG. 1 shown in use to light a cigarette with the cigarette placed in the support member and the reflected rays of the sun directed to the focal point to ignite the cigarette;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inner or back side of the belt buckle in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the support member in the upright or igniting position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inner or back side of the belt buckle in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the support member in the collapsed or belt-use position;

FIG. 5 is an isolated view of the front side of the positioning member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken through the upright positioning member just above the base member; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of an alternative configuration of the belt buckle solar cigarette lighter of the present invention showing the positioning mechanism located near the peripheral edge of the belt buckle body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed figures and drawings are merely illustrative of a preferred embodiment and represents one of several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For purposes of simplifying the present disclosure, reference herein is generally to a certain type of belt buckle which is used with a belt and to ignite a cigarette, however, it is understood that the disclosure herein may apply to other types of solar cigarette lighting devices, belt buckles, straps and other belt-like members and various other types of smoking products.

A belt buckle solar cigarette lighter that is manufactured out of the components and configured pursuant to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the figures. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, belt buckle 10 has a buckle body 12 with a outwardly facing first or front side 14, opposite facing second or back side 16, a first end 18 and opposing second end 20. Belt buckle 10 is fixedly attached at second end 20 to trailing end 22 of belt 24 and configured to releasably engage the leading end 26 of belt 24. In the embodiment of belt buckle 10 shown in the figures, trailing end 22 of belt 24 is attached to belt retaining member 28, which is pivotally attached to retaining support members 30 on back side 16 of buckle body 12 generally near second end 20, as best shown in FIG. 3. A belt retaining hook 32 is positioned generally towards first end 18 and configured to releasably engage one of a plurality of openings 34 at the leading end 26 of belt 24. Typically, but not always, outwardly facing first or front side 14 comprises a design element and/or words. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the embodiment of belt buckle 10 shown in the figures is only one of a number of different configurations for attaching buckle body 12 to trailing end 22 of belt 24 and releasably engaging to leading end 26 of belt 24. For instance, buckle body 12 can comprise a clamp or gripping mechanism at first end 18 and/or second end 20 that tightly engages leading end 24 and/or trailing end 22. These and other types of buckle to belt attachment configurations are also adaptable to belt buckle 10 of the present invention.

As best shown in FIG. 2, belt buckle 10 of the present invention is adapted to ignite or light the first end 36 of cigarette 38, having a second end 40 that the user draws on through his or her mouth when smoking. Buckle body 12 is convexly shaped so as to direct the reflected rays, designated as R, of the sun to a focal point, designated as F, that is in spaced apart relation to the reflective surface 41 (which corresponds to the second or back side 16 in the embodiment shown in the figures). The positioning mechanism 42 located on the second side 14 of buckle body and is sized and configured to position the first end 36 of cigarette 38 at focal point F so reflected rays R from reflective surface 41 will ignite the tobacco in cigarette 38. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, buckle body 12 is configured to direct reflected rays R from the second or back side 16 thereof, which is how most standard belt buckles are configured so as to generally or at least somewhat conform to the shape of the user's body and comfortably rest against the person's waist. As those skilled in the art will recognize, buckle body 12 can be convexly shaped in the opposite direction so as to direct reflected rays R from the first or front side 14 of buckle body 12, with reflective surface 41 corresponding to first/front side 14, instead of the second or back side 16 thereof. In such a configuration, positioning mechanism 42 would be located on the first side 14, to position cigarette 38 at the focal point F above the reflective surface 41, opposite that of belt retaining member 28 and belt retaining hook 32, which would remain located on the second/back side 16 of buckle body 12.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, positioning mechanism 42 comprises cigarette support member 44 having a first end 46 pivotally attached to base 48 and a second end 50, as best shown in FIG. 5, configured to attach to or support first end 36 of cigarette 38 at focal point F so the reflected rays R will ignite the tobacco in cigarette 38. In this embodiment, base 48 has a pair of upright base members 52 and 54 that each have an opening 56 sized to receive one of the pair of outwardly extending components 58 at the first end 46 of cigarette support member 44. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, with the outwardly extending components 58 disposed in openings 56 of the upright base members 52 and 54, cigarette support member 44 will freely pivot relative to base 48 between the collapsed, buckle-use position shown in FIG. 4 and the upright cigarette lighter position of FIG. 3.

To support first end 36 of cigarette 38 at focal point F, cigarette support member 44 has a pair of cigarette supports 60 and 62 at the second end 50 thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, cigarette supports 60 and 62 are sized and configured to receive first end 36 of cigarette 38 in the cigarette lighting area, shown as 64 in FIGS. 3 and 5, so as to position first end 36 of cigarette 38 at focal point F. Preferably, cigarette supports 60 and 62 are configured to be slightly flexible so as to expand when first end 36 of cigarette 38 is placed therebetween in to tightly hold cigarette 38 in place. In addition, cigarette supports 60 and 62 should also be configured to hold hand-rolled cigarettes, which often tend to be narrower, therebetween. Although the embodiment of shown in the figures utilizes two cigarette supports 60 and 62, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the belt buckle 10 of the present invention can be configured with one or more cigarette supports 60 and 62. For instance, a single cigarette support 60/62 can be provided with a sharpened end to be received at first end 36 of cigarette 38, with cigarette lighting area 64 being near the tip thereof. Alternatively, three or four, or more, cigarette supports 60/62, forming cigarette support area 64, can be used to support the first end 36 of cigarette 38. The inventor has found two to be preferred because, as shown in FIG. 4, when placed in the collapsed, buckle-use position the pair of cigarette support members 60 and 62 can straddle belt retaining hook 32. As such the amount of distance cigarette support member 44 extends inward toward the user is somewhat reduced.

Although cigarette support member 44 can be configured to freely pivot between the collapsed, belt buckle use position of FIG. 4 and the upright, cigarette lighting position of FIG. 3, requiring the user to hold cigarette support member 44 upright when lighting, it is preferred that positioning mechanism 42 be configured such that cigarette support member 44 will stand upright without the user's assistance. In the embodiment shown in the figures, as best illustrated by FIGS. 3 and 6, base 48 comprises a first set of detents 66 and a second pair of detents 68 that are sized and configured to hold cigarette support member 44 in the generally upright position. In this manner, the user moves cigarette support member 44 from the collapsed position to the upright position by pushing past the first set of detents 66 to the area between the first detents 66 and the second detents 68. Once in this position, the user can release cigarette support member 44 and it will remain upright and ready to position the first end 36 of cigarette 38 in cigarette lighting area 64. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, only a single first detent 66 and a single second detent 68 can be utilized, instead of the pair shown, and various other stop mechanisms can be utilized. For instance, if base 48 is configured with a back wall, not shown, the use of the second set of detents 68 is not likely to be necessary. Preferably, one or more lower detents 69, or other stop mechanisms (shown in FIG. 4), are utilized on base 48 to help maintain cigarette support member 44 in the collapsed position.

In order to function in its optimal manner, it is necessary to configure positioning mechanism 42 such that the first end 36 of cigarette 38 will be held as close as possible to focal point F when in cigarette lighting area 64. It is also generally be desired that the second end 50 of cigarette support member 44 extend as little as possible, or not at all, beyond the first end 18 of buckle body 12. With first end 36 of cigarette 38 as close as possible to focal point F, the reflected rays R will more easily ignite the tobacco therein. Depending on the curvature of buckle body 12, it may be necessary for the second end 50 of cigarette support member 44 to extend past the first end 18 of buckle body 12. In one configuration, cigarette support member is approximately 2.25 inches long, 0.25 inches wide at the first end 46, 0.5 inches wide at the second end 50 and 0.188 inches wide at the cigarette support area 64.

Belt buckle 10 can be made out of a variety of different materials and in a variety of different sized and shapes, depending on the manufacturer and/or user preferences. In any such configuration, the side of buckle body 12 that is to comprise reflective surface 41 to reflect rays R, which is the second or back side 16 in the embodiment shown in the figures, should be sufficiently reflective of the sun's rays to be able to ignite the tobacco product at focal point F. In a preferred embodiment, second side 16 is polished to a mirror-like finish. Buckle body 12 can be made out of silver, gold, chrome, brass, stainless steel and a variety of other materials. If desired, buckle body 12 can be primarily made out of a non-metallic material, such as leather, plastic or the like, with a metallic, polished material on the side (i.e., second side 16) that will comprise reflective surface 41 and generate reflected rays R to focal point F. Positioning mechanism 42 should be manufactured out of materials having sufficient flexibility to stand unaided in the upright position yet preferably be flexible enough, at least at the second end 50, to expand to receive first end 36 of cigarette 38. In a typical configuration, base 48 will be attached, such as by welding or adhesives, to second side 16 (or first side 14 if that is to be the reflective side) of buckle body 12. If desired, upright base members 52 and 54 of base 48 can be molded or otherwise configured as part of the manufacturing process of buckle body 12.

In use as a belt buckle 10 to secure belt 24, cigarette support member 44 of positioning mechanism 42 will be in the collapsed position shown in FIG. 4. In the preferred embodiment, the pair of cigarette supports 60 and 62 will straddle belt retaining hook 32. When the user desires to light his or her cigarette 38, he or she will disengage belt retaining hook 32 from the opening 34 in belt 24 and pivot cigarette support member 44 to its upward position past first detents 66, as shown in FIG. 3, until it is in the space between the first detents 66 and second detents 68. The user then places first end 36 of cigarette 38 at the focal point F by pushing it between the cigarette supports 60 and 62 until it is held in place at the cigarette support area 64. To ignite the cigarette 38, the user merely directs reflective surface 41, which is the second or back side 16 of buckle body 12 in the embodiment shown, towards the sun so that the reflected rays R are directed to the focal point F to ignite the tobacco at the first end 36 of cigarette 38. Once the cigarette 38 is lit, the user removes cigarette 38 from the positioning mechanism 42, pivots the cigarette support member 44 downward to the collapsed position and re-engages the belt retaining hook 32 in one of the openings 34 in belt 24. If necessary, the user can utilize belt buckle 10 as an emergency signaling device if they become injured or lost in the wilderness by reflecting the sun's rays off of reflective surface 41 toward other persons.

In an alternative configuration, only a portion of second/back side 16 or first/front side 14 comprises reflective surface 41. For instance, the center portion of second/back side 16 can be polished to a mirror-like surface to reflect rays R to focal point F, with the remaining portion of second/back side 16 is not polished to such a finish. Alternatively, the center portion can remain unpolished and the outer portion of second/back side 16 can be polished to the mirror-like finish. If desired, the first/front side 14 can be configured in this manner if the buckle body 12 is configured to reflect rays R from the first/front side 14. The portion of area necessary as the reflective surface 41 to achieve the desired combustion of cigarette 38 will depend on the convex shape of buckle body 12 and the degree of polish or reflective ability of the portion that makes up reflective surface 41. Naturally, it is preferred that belt buckle 10 be configured so as to ignite cigarette 38 without an undue amount of time necessary for the user to hold belt buckle 10 towards the sun to achieve combustion.

In another alternative configuration, positioning mechanism 42 can be located at a different place on buckle body 12 than that shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 (which is at or near the center of buckle body 12). As shown in FIG. 7, for instance, the base 48 of positioning mechanism 42 can be located at or near the periphery edge 70 of buckle body 12 with cigarette support member 44 configured to extend over the reflective surface 41 to position first end 36 of cigarette 38 at focal point F. Second end 50 of support member 44 can be configured as shown in FIG. 5 so as to effectively grasp cigarette 38 to hold it in place at focal point F. Other grasping mechanisms can also be utilized to hold cigarette 38 in place. In the configuration shown in FIG. 7, as with the configuration of the other figures, it is preferred that support member 44 of positioning mechanism 42 be configured to, pivot, fold or otherwise collapse downward substantially against reflective surface 41 when belt buckle 10 is not being utilized to ignite a cigarette. This can be accomplished by utilizing a hinge or hinge-like component on support member 44. Various other configurations are also possible. For instance, base 48 of positioning mechanism 42 may be able to be placed on the side opposite reflective surface 41 such that support member 44 extends around the periphery edge 70 to the side having reflective surface 41.

In yet another configuration, the present invention can be configured as a solar cigarette lighter apart from its use as a belt buckle by eliminating the belt retaining member 28, retaining support members 30 and belt retaining hook 32. In such a configuration, body 12 is a convex-shaped disk having positioning mechanism 42 attached thereto for placing the first end 36 of cigarette 38 at focal point F above the reflective surface 41. In this configuration, the user carries the solar cigarette lighter (i.e., in his or her hand, pocket, bag or etc.) as opposed to wearing it as a belt buckle.

While there are shown and described herein a specific form of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape, and use. For instance, there are numerous components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention.

Claims

1. A belt buckle solar cigarette lighter for igniting a tobacco product, comprising:

a convex-shaped buckle body having a first side, an opposite facing second side, a first end and a second end, at least a portion of one of said first side and said second side provided with a reflective surface to direct a plurality of reflected rays to a focal point in spaced apart relation to said reflective surface; and

means on said buckle body for positioning a first end of said tobacco product at said focal point, said positioning means configured to move from a collapsed position for engaging said belt buckle with a leading edge of a belt to an upright position for use to ignite said tobacco product.

2. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 1, wherein said reflective surface is on said second side of said belt buckle body and said second side further comprises means at said first end of said buckle body for engaging said leading edge of said belt.

3. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 2, wherein said second side of said buckle body further comprises means at said second end of said buckle body for retaining said belt buckle body on a trailing edge of said belt.

4. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 3, wherein said engaging means is a belt retaining hook and said retaining means is a belt retaining member.

5. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises a base and a support member, said support member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said support member pivotally attached to said base, said second end of said support member having a cigarette support defining a cigarette support area at said focal point.

6. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 5, wherein said second end of said support member has a pair of cigarette supports, said pair of cigarette supports defining said cigarette support area.

7. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 6, wherein said pair of cigarette supports are flexible to tightly engage said tobacco product in said cigarette support area.

8. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 5, wherein said base comprises a pair of upright base members, said first end of said support member disposed between said pair of upright base members.

9. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 8, wherein each of said pair of upright base members has an opening therein and said first end of said support member has a pair of outwardly extending components, one of said pair of outwardly extending components disposed in and pivotally engaged with said one of said openings in said upright base members.

10. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said upright base members has at least one detent thereon, said detent configured to hold said support member in said upright position.

11. A belt buckle solar cigarette lighter for igniting a tobacco product, comprising:

a convex-shaped buckle body having a first side, an opposite facing second side, a first end and a second end, at least a portion of one of said first side and said second side provided with a reflective surface to direct a plurality of reflected rays to a focal point in spaced apart relation to said reflective surface; and

a base on said buckle body; and

a support member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said support member pivotally attached to said base, said second end of said support member configured for positioning a first end of said tobacco product at said focal point, said support member configured to move from a collapsed position to an upright position for use to ignite said tobacco product.

12. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 11, wherein said second end of said support member is configured to receive said tobacco product and hold said first end of said tobacco product at said focal point.

13. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 12, wherein said second end of said support member comprises one or more cigarette supports, said one or more cigarette supports defining a cigarette support area.

14. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 13, wherein said second end of said support member comprises a pair of flexible cigarette supports, said pair of cigarette supports defining said support area therebetween.

15. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 11, wherein said base is configured to support said support member in said upright position.

16. The belt buckle solar cigarette lighter according to claim 14, wherein said base comprises one or more detents configured to hold said support member in said upright position.

17. A solar cigarette lighter for igniting a tobacco product, comprising:

a convex-shaped body having a first side, an opposite facing second side, a first end and a second end, at least a portion of one of said first side and said second side having a reflective surface to direct a plurality of reflected rays to a focal point in spaced apart relation to said reflective surface; and

means on said body for positioning a first end of said tobacco product at said focal point, said positioning means configured to move from a collapsed position to an upright position for use to ignite said tobacco product.

18. The solar cigarette lighter according to claim 17, wherein said positioning means comprises a base and a support member, said support member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said support member pivotally attached to said base, said second end of said support member having a cigarette support defining a cigarette support area at said focal point.

19. The solar cigarette lighter according to claim 18, wherein said second end of said support member comprises a pair of flexible cigarette supports, said pair of cigarette supports defining said support area therebetween.

20. The solar cigarette lighter according to claim 17, wherein said base has one or more detents sized and configured to support said support member in said upright position.