Lighting fixture lighter

Abstract

A lighting fixture lighter includes a frame body including a light transmitting window, a flame generator, and an illumination fixture built-in with the lighter for generating illumination light for illumination purpose. The illumination fixture includes a power source, a light source unit supported within a light compartment and aligning with the light transmitting window, and a light button to activate the light source unit for generating an illumination light, so that the illumination light is emitted out of the light transmitting window for illumination purpose. In order to enhance the light intensity of the light source unit, a light reflector is further provided within the light compartment for reflecting the illumination light from the light source unit, such that the lighter not only provides the traditional ignition function, but also provides an added on illumination function in the single compact lighter housing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a lighter, and more particularly to a lighting fixture lighter which not only provides a conventional ignition feature but also generates an illumination light in a single compact casing.

2. Description of Related Arts

A lighter is a common tool that replaces matches for igniting cigarettes and cigars. Generally, there are two types of lighter, namely the disposable lighter that the lighter is disposed after the fuel is used up and the refillable lighter that the fuel thereof is adapted for being refilled to prolong the service life span of the lighter.

Generally, a conventional lighter, such as a piezoelectric lighter, comprises a lighter housing having a liquefied fuel storage, a gas nozzle extended to a ceiling of the lighter housing and communicating with the liquefied fuel storage for controlling a flow of gas, a piezoelectric unit disposed in the lighter housing for generating sparks when the piezoelectric unit is depressed, and an ignition button slidably mounted on the lighter housing and arranged when the ignition button is depressed downwardly, the piezoelectric unit is depressed while the gas is released from the liquefied fuel storage to the gas nozzle and is ignited by the sparks.

In order to enhance the portability of the lighter, all the above mentioned components are packed in a compact manner. For example, the gas nozzle is positioned above the liquefied fuel storage for directly releasing the gas from the liquefied fuel storage. The ignition button is positioned above the piezoelectric unit to depress the piezoelectric unit by the actuation of the ignition button.

Due to the compact size of the lighter, the lighter becomes a daily necessary for the smoker. In addition, such refillable lighter is capable of being used in a recycling manner such that most smokers would like to keep the lighter in his or her pocket. Therefore, most lighter manufacturers will add a decorative light effect to the lighter for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the lighter. Accordingly, such lighter may further comprise a decorative light arrangement in the lighter housing, wherein the decorative light arrangement generally comprises a non-replaceable battery disposed in the lighter housing to electrically connect with a LED. Due to the compact size of the lighter housing, the button cell is used as the non-replaceable battery. Accordingly, the LED is activated when the ignition button is depressed. In other words, the lighter is actuated for ignition and the LED is activated for generating the decorative light effect at the same time. However, such decorative light arrangement is not intended to be used for illumination. In fact, the decorative light arrangement is used as an ignition indicator for indicating the ignition of the lighter when the actuation of the ignition button.

In order for illumination, the user will merely carry a flash light as a portable electric spotlight for emitting light from a LED. The flash light is intended to be hand-held for enhancing the portability of the flash light. However, it is a hassle for the user to carry a plurality of handy tools and the lighter at the same time, especially such handy tools are often used by the user. For example, the user must carry the lighter and flash light at the same time in a dark environment or during camping. Therefore, some lighter manufactures intend to make a lighter with built-in flash light function. However, the lighter has several drawbacks. The lighter will have a bigger size to install the flash light therein so as to reduce the portability of the lighter. In order to keep the compact size of the lighter, the flash light will not able to provide enough light intensity for illumination. In addition, the battery of the lighter cannot be replaced. In other words, the lighter with built-in flash light function is a disposable lighter when the flash light arrangement is out of battery.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture lighter which not only provides a conventional ignition feature but also generates an illumination light in a single compact casing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture lighter, which comprises an illumination fixture built-in with the lighter to generate an illumination light for illumination purpose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture lighter, wherein a light reflector is built-in with the frame body for enhancing the light intensity of the illumination light.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture lighter, wherein the illumination fixture can be positioned at the top end, bottom end, or the side of the frame body for generating the illumination light.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture lighter, wherein the power source is replaceable to prolong the service life span of the lighting fixture incorporating with the lighter.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture lighter, which comprises a refillable valve for refilling the gas to the lighter so as to further prolong the service life span of the lighter.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture lighter, which does not require altering the original structural design of the lighter so as to minimize the manufacturing cost of the lighter incorporating with the illumination fixture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture lighter, wherein no expensive or complicated mechanism is required to employ in the lighter, so that the present invention successfully provides an economic and efficient solution not only for providing an added functional feature to the lighter but also for facilitating the practical use of the lighter.

Accordingly, in order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a lighting fixture lighter which comprises a frame body and a flame generator.

The frame body comprises a lighter housing having a gas liquefied storage, and an ignition button slidably mounted to the lighter housing, wherein the frame body further has a light transmitting window.

The flame generator comprises a gas valve and a piezoelectric unit. Accordingly, the gas valve is received in the lighter housing at a position above the gas liquefied storage and communicating with the liquefied gas storage for controlling a flow of gas therefrom. The piezoelectric unit, which is disposed in the lighter housing at a position below the ignition button for generating piezoelectricity, comprises a movable operating part extended towards the ignition button, and an ignition tip which is extended towards a gas tip of the gas valve, wherein when the ignition button is actuated to depress the movable operating part of the piezoelectric unit and to release the gas from the liquefied gas storage at the same time, sparks are generated from the ignition tip to ignite the gas releasing from the gas valve.

The lighting fixture lighter further comprises an illumination fixture which comprises:

a power source disposed in the lighter housing;

a light source unit supported within the frame body at a position aligning with the light transmitting window; and

a light button operatively coupled between the power source and the light source unit, wherein when the light button is actuated, the light source unit is arranged for generating an illumination light through the light transmitting window for illumination purpose.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture lighter according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the lighting fixture lighter according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the lighting fixture lighter according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the ignition position of the lighter.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the illumination fixture incorporating with the lighting fixture lighter according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a lighting fixture lighter according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative mode of the illumination fixture of the lighting fixture lighter according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture lighter according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the illumination fixture incorporating with the lighting fixture lighter according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative mode of the illumination fixture of the lighting fixture lighter according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, a lighting fixture lighter according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the lighting fixture lighter comprises a frame body 100, a flame generator 200, and an illumination fixture 300 built-in with the lighter for generating illumination light for illumination purpose.

The frame body 100 comprises a lighter housing 102 having a gas liquefied storage 104 disposed within the lighter housing 102 of the frame body 100, and an ignition button 106 slidably mounted to the lighter housing 102. The frame body 100 further has a light transmitting window 108 provided at an outer surface of the frame body 100.

The flame generator 200 comprises a gas valve 202 having a gas tip 204 and means for generating sparks towards the gas tip 204 of the gas valve 202 when said the is released from the gas liquefied storage 104.

The sparks generating means comprises a piezoelectric unit 206, wherein the gas valve 202 is disposed within the lighter housing 102 and located at a position above the gas liquefied storage 104 for controllably communicating with the gas liquefied storage 104, so that the gas valve 202 is able to control a flow of the gas therefrom.

The piezoelectric unit 206 equipped with the lighting fixture lighter has similar function and structure of conventional lighter for generating piezoelectricity, wherein the piezoelectric unit 206 is disposed within the lighter housing 102 at a position below the ignition button 106. The piezoelectric unit 206 further comprises a movable operating part 208 extended toward the ignition button 106 and an ignition tip 210 extended to the gas tip 204 of the gas valve 202, such that when the ignition button 106 is downwardly actuated to depress the movable operating part 208 and release the gas within the gas liquefied storage 104 from the gas tip 204 of the gas valve 202 at the same time, the spark is generated from the ignition tip 210 to ignite the gas released from the gas tip 204, so as to generate a flame of the lighting fixture lighter.

It is appreciated that the sparks generating means can be a flint-type spark generator which comprises a striker wheel rotatably supported on top of the frame body 100 and a flint with a spring for urging the flint to contact with the striker wheel such that when the striker wheel is driven to rotate, the striking surface thereof contacts with the flint to generate the sparks towards the gas tip 204 of the gas valve 202.

The frame body 100 further comprises a windshield 101 mounted on top of the lighter housing 102 to encircle the gas tip 204 of the gas valve 202, wherein the ignition button 106 is movably mounted on top of the lighter housing 102 at a position adjacent to the windshield 101.

The illumination fixture 300 is built-in with the lighter in the single compact lighter housing 102, wherein the illumination fixture 300 comprises a power source 302 disposed within the lighter housing 102 adjacent to the gas liquefied storage 104, and a light source unit 304 supported within the frame body 100 and electrically connected to the power source 302. The light source unit 304 is provided at a position aligning with the light transmitting window 108, so that the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304 is able to emit for illuminating purpose through the light transmitting window 108.

Accordingly, the illumination fixture 300 further comprises a switch supported by the frame body 100 for activating the light source unit 304. Accordingly, the switch comprises a light button 306 for activating the light source unit 304, wherein the light button 306 is operatively coupled between the power source 302 and the light source unit 304, so that when the light button 306 is actuated, such as being pushed, the light source unit 304 is arranged for generating the illumination light through the light transmitting window 108 for illumination purpose.

In the first preferred embodiment, the light source unit 304 is preferably provided at a top end portion of the frame body 100 at a position adjacent to the gas tip 204 of the gas valve 202. In other words, the light transmitting window 108 is preferably formed at a surrounding wall of the ignition button 106 of the frame body 100, so that light source unit 304 aligned with the light transmitting window 108 is able to emit the illumination light therethrough. More specifically, the ignition button 106 has a light compartment 308 for retaining the light source unit 304 therein and defines the light transmitting window 108 at the surrounding wall of the ignition button 106, preferably at a top ceiling wall of the surrounding wall of the ignition button 106. Thus, the light source unit 304 is supported within the ignition button 106 for generating the illumination light out of the surrounding wall of the ignition button 106.

As best shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the light source unit 304 preferably comprises at least a high efficiency diode 310 for generating the relatively higher light intensity while consuming relatively lower power from the power source 302. As mentioned above, the light button 306 is preferably mounted transversely and slidably at the surrounding wall of the ignition button 106. The light source unit 304 further comprises an activation circuit 312 supported in the light compartment 308, such that when the light button 306 is transversely being pushed to slidably activated the activation circuit 312, an actuation signal is generated from the activation circuit 312 to the diode 310 for generating illumination light through the light transmitting window 108.

It will be appreciated that the high efficiency diode 310 is able to be replaced by traditional light bulb or the likes, which are able to generate light for illumination purpose and to have a relatively smaller size to be incorporated with the lighter. The high efficiency diode 310 is preferably used for generating the illumination due to its high light intensity and relatively low power consuming, so as to prolong the service life span of the lighting fixture lighter.

In order to enhance the light intensity of the illumination light of the light source unit 304, a light reflector 314 is preferably provided for encircling the light source unit 304, more specifically encircling the high efficient diode 310, such that the light reflector 314 is reflecting the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304 toward the light transmitting window 108, so as to enhance the light intensity of the illumination fixture 300.

Accordingly, in the first preferred embodiment, the light reflector 314 preferably has a plurality of the discrete reflecting circular surfaces 316 thereon to form a plurality of reflecting angles of the light reflector 314, so as to obtain a relatively higher light intensity after the illumination light is reflected via the discrete reflecting circular surfaces 316. In other words, the discrete circular surfaces 316 are continuously formed an inner surface of a cone shaped light reflector 314, such that the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304 is able to be concentrated and focused to emit toward the light transmitting window 108, so as to efficiently enhance the light intensity of the light source unit 304.

A power compartment 318 is further provided for receiving the power source 302 therewith, wherein the power compartment 318 is disposed within the lighter housing 102 and preferably at a position adjacent to the gas liquefied storage 104 and below the piezoelectric unit 206 for communicatively accessing the power source 302 therewithin, so as to replace the power source 302. The power source 302 may be one or more disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries, so that when the power source 302 is replaceable for prolong the service life span of the lighting fixture lighter.

Accordingly, the illumination fixture 300 further comprises a plurality of wires 320, a control circuit 322 electrically linking to the activation circuit 312, and a power circuit 324 electrically linking to the power source 302 to form an electrical loop, wherein the wires 320 is operatively connecting the control circuit 322 and the power circuit 324 to electrically linking the light source unit 304 with the power source 302. It is worth mentioning that the distance among the control circuit 322, the power circuit 324, and the power source 302 is close enough that length of each of the wires 320 is relatively short for electrical connection so as to prevent the wires 320 from being tangled. The light button 306 is operatively linking to the control circuit 322, so that when the light button 306 is actuated to activate the control circuit 322, the actuation signal is electrically transmitted to the activation circuit 312, so as to activate the diode 310 of the light source unit 304 for generating illumination light.

In addition, the control circuit 322 is adapted to control the light effect of the light source unit 304. Accordingly, the light source unit 304 can generate a continuous light beam towards the light transmitting window 108 as a torch light or can generate a flashing effect towards the light transmitting window 108 as a flash light. It is appreciated that the light effect of the light source unit 304 can be selected by the actuation of the ignition button 106. For example, when the ignition button 106 is pressed once, the light source unit 304 is activated for generating the light beam. When the ignition button 106 is pressed again, the light source unit 304 is switched off. For the flash light effect, the ignition button 106 is pressed and held for few seconds to activate the light source unit 304 for generating the flash light. Once the ignition button 106 is pressed again, the light source unit 304 is switched off. It is appreciated that the light source unit 304 can also generate the light beam with different colors.

In order to the further prolong the service life of the lighting fixture lighter, a refillable valve 212 for refilling the liquefied gas is further provided preferably at a bottom wall of the lighter housing 102 of the frame body 100 to communicate with the gas liquefied storage 104, such that the gas for generating the flame from the gas tip 204 of the gas valve 202 is able to be refilled via the refillable valve 212.

The lighter housing 102 of the frame body 100 further comprises a power cover 110 for communicating with the power compartment 318 for replacing the power source 302. The power cover 110 is detachably provided at the bottom wall of the lighter housing 102 as part of the lighter housing 102, wherein the power cover 110 is preferably provided at a position adjacent to the refillable valve 212, such that when the power source 302 for providing electricity for the light source unit 304 is run out of energy, the power cover 110 is able to be detached for accessing and replacing the power source 302 within the power compartment 318, so as to prolong the service life of the light source unit 304 of the lighter.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings, a lighting fixture lighter according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as an alternative mode of the first embodiment, wherein the lighter of the second embodiment has the similar function and structure as mentioned in the first preferred embodiment.

The frame body 100′ comprises a lighter housing 102′ having a gas liquefied storage 104′ disposed within the lighter housing 102′ of the frame body 100′, and an ignition button 106′ slidably mounted to the lighter housing 102′. The frame body 100′ further has a light transmitting window 108′ provided at an outer surface of the frame body 100′.

The flame generator 200′ comprises a gas valve 202′ having a gas tip 204′ and means for generating sparks towards the gas tip 204′ of the gas valve 202′ when said the is released from the gas liquefied storage 104′.

The sparks generating means comprises a piezoelectric unit 206′, wherein the gas valve 202′ is disposed within the lighter housing 102′ and located at a position above the gas liquefied storage 104′ for controllably communicating with the gas liquefied storage 104′, so that the gas valve 202′ is able to control a flow of the gas therefrom.

The piezoelectric unit 206′ equipped with the lighting fixture lighter has similar function and structure of conventional lighter for generating piezoelectricity, wherein the piezoelectric unit 206′ is disposed within the lighter housing 102′ at a position below the ignition button 106′. The piezoelectric unit 206′ further comprises a movable operating part 208′ extended toward the ignition button 106′ and an ignition tip 210′ extended to the gas tip 204′ of the gas valve 202′, such that when the ignition button 106′ is downwardly actuated to depress the movable operating part 208′ and release the gas within the gas liquefied storage 104′ from the gas tip 204′ of the gas valve 202′ at the same time, the spark is generated from the ignition tip 210′ to ignite the gas released from the gas tip 204′, so as to generate a flame of the lighting fixture lighter.

It is appreciated that the sparks generating means can be a flint-type spark generator which comprises a striker wheel rotatably supported on top of the frame body 100 and a flint with a spring for urging the flint to contact with the striker wheel such that when the striker wheel is driven to rotate, the striking surface thereof contacts with the flint to generate the sparks towards the gas tip 204′ of the gas valve 202′.

The frame body 100′ further comprises a windshield 101′ mounted on top of the lighter housing 102′ to encircle the gas tip 204′ of the gas valve 202′, wherein the ignition button 106′ is movably mounted on top of the lighter housing 102′ at a position adjacent to the windshield 101′.

According to the second embodiment, the light source unit 304′ is preferably positioned at the bottom portion of the frame body 100′ at a position adjacent to the gas liquefied storage 104′.

In other words, the light transmitting window 108′ is preferably formed at the bottom wall of the frame body 100′, so that light source unit 304′ aligned with the light transmitting window 108′ is able to emit the illumination light therethrough, so as to emit the illumination light from the bottom side of the frame body 100′. More specifically, a light compartment 308′ for retaining the light source unit 304′ therein is disposed within the lighter housing 102′ at the bottom side of the frame body 100′ and defines the light transmitting window 108′ at the bottom wall of the frame body 100′. Thus, the light source unit 304′ is supported within the light compartment 308′ for generating the illumination light out of the bottom wall of the frame body 100′ through the light transmitting window 108′.

As best shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the light source unit 304′ preferably comprises at least a high efficiency diode 310′ for generating the relatively higher light intensity while consuming relatively lower power from the power source 302′. As mentioned above, the light button 306′ of the switch is preferably mounted transversely and slidably at a side wall of the lighter housing 102′ at the bottom end portion of the frame body 100′. The light source unit 304′ further comprises an activation circuit 312′ supported in the light compartment 308′, such that when the light button 306′ is transversely being pushed to slidably activated the activation circuit 312′, an actuation signal is generated from the activation circuit 312′ to the diode 310′ for generating illumination light through the light transmitting window 108′.

In order to enhance the light intensity of the illumination light of the light source unit 304′, the light reflector 314′ is also provided for encircling the light source unit 304′, more specifically encircling the high efficient diode 310′, such that the light reflector 314′ is reflecting the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304′ toward the light transmitting window 108′, so as to enhance the light intensity of the illumination fixture 300′.

Accordingly, in the second preferred embodiment, the light reflector 314′ may also has a plurality of the discrete reflecting circular surfaces 316′ thereon to form a plurality of reflecting angles of the light reflector 314′, so as to obtain a relatively higher light intensity after the illumination light is reflected via the discrete reflecting circular surfaces 316′. In other words, the discrete circular surfaces 316′ are continuously formed an inner surface of a cone shaped light reflector 314′ having an increasingly diameter of each of discrete circular surfaces 316′ toward the light transmitting window 108′, such that the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304′ is able to be concentrated and focused to emit toward the light transmitting window 108′, so as to efficiently enhance the light intensity of the light source unit 304′.

The power compartment 318′ is also provided for receiving the power source 302′ therewith, wherein the power compartment 318′ is disposed within the lighter housing 102′ and preferably at a position adjacent to the gas liquefied storage 104′ and below the piezoelectric unit 206′ for communicatively accessing the power source 302′ therewithin, so as to replace the power source 302′ when the power thereof ran out. The power source 302′ may be one or more disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries, so that when the power source 302′ is replaceable for prolong the service life span of the lighting fixture lighter.

The lighter housing 102′ of the frame body 100′ further comprises a power cover 110′ for communicating with the power compartment 318′ for replacing the power source 302′. The power cover 110′ is detachably provided at the side wall of the lighter housing 102′ as part of the lighter housing 102′, such that when the power source 302′ for providing electricity for the light source unit 304′ is run out of energy, the power cover 110′ is able to be detached for accessing and replacing the power source 302′ within the power compartment 318′, so as to prolong the service life of the light source unit 304′ of the lighter. The refilling valve 212′ is also preferably provided at the bottom wall of the lighter housing 102′ for communicating with the gas liquefied storage 104′, so as for refilling the gas of the lighter to prolong the service life span of the lighting fixture lighter.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative mode of the illumination fixture 300A which can detachably couple with the lighter housing 102′. Accordingly, the frame body 100′ further comprises a light casing 112A detachably coupling with the lighter housing 102′, wherein the light compartment 308A is formed within the light casing 112A for retaining the light source unit 304A in the light casing 112A. In addition, the light transmitting window 108A is preferably formed at the bottom wall of the light casing 112A.

The light source unit 304A preferably comprises at least a high efficiency diode 310A for generating the relatively higher light intensity while consuming relatively lower power from the power source 302A. As mentioned above, the light button 306A is preferably mounted transversely and slidably at a side wall of the light casing 112A at the bottom end portion of the frame body 100′. The light source unit 304A further comprises an activation circuit 312A supported in the light compartment 308A, such that when the light button 306A is transversely being pushed to slidably activated the activation circuit 312A, an actuation signal is generated from the activation circuit 312A to the diode 310A for generating illumination light through the light transmitting window 108A.

In order to enhance the light intensity of the illumination light of the light source unit 304A, the light reflector 314A is also provided for encircling the light source unit 304A, more specifically encircling the high efficient diode 310A, such that the light reflector 314A is reflecting the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304A toward the light transmitting window 108A, so as to enhance the light intensity of the illumination fixture 300A.

The light reflector 314A may also has a plurality of the discrete reflecting circular surfaces 316A thereon to form a plurality of reflecting angles of the light reflector 314A, so as to obtain a relatively higher light intensity after the illumination light is reflected via the discrete reflecting circular surfaces 316A. In other words, the discrete circular surfaces 316A are continuously formed an inner surface of a cone shaped light reflector 314A having an increasingly diameter of each of discrete circular surfaces 316A toward the light transmitting window 108A, such that the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304A is able to be concentrated and focused to emit toward the light transmitting window 108A, so as to efficiently enhance the light intensity of the light source unit 304A.

The power compartment 318A is also provided for receiving the power source 302A therewith, wherein the power compartment 318A is disposed within the light casing 112A and preferably at a position adjacent to the gas liquefied storage 104′ and below the piezoelectric unit 206′ for communicatively accessing the power source 302A therewithin, so as to replace the power source 302A when the power thereof ran out. The power source 302A may be one or more disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries, so that when the power source 302A is replaceable for prolong the service life span of the lighting fixture lighter.

The light casing 112A of the frame body 100′ further comprises a power cover 110A for communicating with the power compartment 318A for replacing the power source 302A. The power cover 110A is detachably provided at the top wall of the light casing 112A, such that when the power source 302A for providing electricity for the light source unit 304A is run out of energy, the power cover 110A is able to be detached for accessing and replacing the power source 302A within the power compartment 318A, so as to prolong the service life of the light source unit 304A of the lighter.

Accordingly, in order to detachably couple the light casing 112A with the lighter housing 102′, the illumination fixture 300A further comprises a first coupler 328A provided at a sidewall of the lighter housing 102′ and a second coupler 330A provided at a corresponding sidewall of the light casing 112A to detachably engage with the first coupler 328A. As shown in FIG. 6, the first coupler 328A comprises a sliding coupler having a T-shaped cross section provided at the sidewall of the lighter housing 102′ while the second coupler 330A comprises a sliding slot provided at the corresponding sidewall of the light casing 112A such that the sliding coupler is slidably engaged with the sliding slot to detachably couple the light casing 112A with the lighter housing 102′.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 8 of the drawings, a lighting fixture lighter according to a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as another alternative mode of the first embodiment, wherein the lighting fixture lighter comprises a frame body 100″, a flame generator 200″, and an illumination fixture 300″ built-in with the lighter for generating illumination light for illumination purpose.

The frame body 100″ comprises a lighter housing 102″ having a gas liquefied storage 104″ disposed within the lighter housing 102″ of the frame body 100″, and an ignition button 106″ slidably mounted to the lighter housing 102″. The frame body 100″ further comprises a light transmitting window 108″ provided at an outer surface of the frame body 100″.

The flame generator 200″ comprises a gas valve 202″ having a gas tip 204″ and means for generating sparks towards the gas tip 204″ of the gas valve 202″ when said the is released from the gas liquefied storage 104″.

The sparks generating means comprises a piezoelectric unit 206″, wherein the gas valve 202″ is disposed within the lighter housing 102″ and located at a position above the gas liquefied storage 104″ for controllably communicating with the gas liquefied storage 104″, so that the gas valve 202″ is able to control a flow of the gas therefrom.

The piezoelectric unit 206″ equipped with the lighting fixture lighter has similar function and structure of conventional lighter for generating piezoelectricity, wherein the piezoelectric unit 206″ is disposed within the lighter housing 102″ at a position below the ignition button 106″. The piezoelectric unit 206″ further comprises a movable operating part 208″ extended toward the ignition button 106″ and an ignition tip 210″ extended to the gas tip 204″ of the gas valve 202″, such that when the ignition button 106″ is downwardly actuated to depress the movable operating part 208″ and release the gas within the gas liquefied storage 104″ from the gas tip 204″ of the gas valve 202″ at the same time, the spark is generated from the ignition tip 210″ to ignite the gas released from the gas tip 204″, so as to generate a flame of the lighting fixture lighter.

It is appreciated that the sparks generating means can be a flint-type spark generator which comprises a striker wheel rotatably supported on top of the frame body 100 and a flint with a spring for urging the flint to contact with the striker wheel such that when the striker wheel is driven to rotate, the striking surface thereof contacts with the flint to generate the sparks towards the gas tip 204″ of the gas valve 202″.

The illumination fixture 300″ is built-in with the lighter in the single compact lighter housing 102″, wherein the illumination fixture 300″ comprises a power source 302″ disposed within the lighter housing 102″ adjacent to the gas liquefied storage 104″, and a light source unit 304″ supported within the frame body 100″ and electrically connected to the power source 302″. The light source unit 304″ is provided at a position aligning with the light transmitting window 108″, so that the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304″ is able to emit for illuminating purpose through the light transmitting window 108.

Accordingly, the illumination fixture 300″ preferably comprises a switch for activating the light source unit 304″, wherein the switch comprises a light button 306″ operatively coupled between the power source 302″ and the light source unit 304″, so that when the light button 306″ is actuated, such as being pushed, the light source unit 304″ is arranged for generating the illumination light through the light transmitting window 108″ for illumination purpose.

In the third preferred embodiment, the light source unit 304″ is preferably provided in a light compartment 308″, which preferably has an elongated shape and disposed within the lighter housing 102″ at a position adjacent to a sidewall of the lighter housing 102″. The light transmitting window 108″ in the third preferred embodiment is preferably provided at the sidewall of the lighter housing 102″ at a position below the ignition button 106″. The light source unit 304″ further comprises an elongated activation circuit 312″ supported at the light compartment 308″, and a plurality of LEDs 310″ spacedly and operatively coupled at the activation circuit 312″, such that when the activation circuit 312″ is activated by an actuation of the light button, the LEDs 310″ are arranged for generating the illumination light towards the light transmitting window 108″ at the sidewall of the lighter housing 102″.

As best shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings, the light button 306″ is preferably mounted transversely and slidably at a surrounding wall of the ignition button 106″. The elongated activation circuit 312″ is supported in the light compartment 308″, such that when the light button 306″ is transversely being pushed to slidably activate the activation circuit 312″, an actuation signal is generated from the activation circuit 312″ to the LEDs 310″ for generating illumination light through the light transmitting window 108″.

It will be appreciated that the LEDs 310″ are able to be replaced by traditional light bulb or the likes, which are able to generate light for illumination purpose. The high efficiency LEDs 310″ are preferably used for generating the illumination due to its high light intensity and relatively low power consuming, so as to prolong the service life span of the lighting fixture lighter.

The illumination fixture 300″ further comprises a heat sink 326″operatively and downwardly extended from the activation circuit 312″ for dispersing the heat generated from the LEDs 310″.

In order to enhance the light intensity of the illumination light of the light source unit 304″, a light reflector 314″ may further provided within the light compartment 308″ for reflecting the light source unit 304″, such that the light reflector 314″ is reflecting the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304″ toward the light transmitting window 108″, so as to enhance the light intensity of the illumination fixture 300″. It is worth mentioning that the lighter reflector 314″ is optional since the LEDs 310″ are enough for providing the desired light intensity.

Accordingly, in the third preferred embodiment, the light reflector 314″ may have a flat reflecting surface 316″ or an arc-shaped reflecting surface 316″ having a variety of reflecting angles, so as a relatively higher light intensity may be obtained after the illumination light is reflected via the light reflector 314″.

A power compartment 318″ is further provided for receiving the power source 302″ therewith, wherein the power compartment 318″ is disposed within the lighter housing 102″ and preferably at a position adjacent to the gas liquefied storage 104″ and below the piezoelectric unit 206″ for communicatively accessing the power source 302″ therewithin, so as for replacing the power source 302″ when the power thereof ran out. The power source 302″ may be one or more disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries, so that when the power source 302″ is replaceable for prolong the service life span of the lighting fixture lighter.

Accordingly, the lighting fixture lighter further has a plurality of wires 320″, a control circuit 322″ electrically linking to the activation circuit 312″, and a power circuit 324″ electrically linking to the power source 302″ to form an electrical loop, wherein the wires is operatively connecting the control circuit 322″ and the power circuit 324″ to electrically linking the light source unit 304″ with the power source 302″. The light button 306″ is operatively linking to the control circuit 322″, so that when the light button is being activated to activate the control circuit 322″, the actuation signal is electrically transmitted to the activation circuit 312″, so as to activate the LEDs 310″ of the light source unit 304″ for generating illumination light and emitting out of the sidewall of the lighter housing 102″ through the light transmitting window 108″.

In order to the further prolong the service life of the lighting fixture lighter, a refillable valve 212″ for refilling the liquefied gas is further provided preferably at a bottom wall of the lighter housing 102″ of the frame body 100″ to communicate with the gas liquefied storage 104″, such that the gas for generating the flame from the gas tip 204″ of the gas valve 202″ is able to be refilled via the refillable valve 212″.

The lighter housing 102″ of the frame body 100″ further comprises a power cover 110″ for communicating with the power compartment 318″ for replacing the power source 302″. The power cover 110″ is detachably provided at the bottom wall of the lighter housing 102″ as part of the lighter housing 102″, wherein the power cover 110″ is preferably provided at a position adjacent to the refillable valve 212″, such that when the power source 302″ for providing electricity for the light source unit 304″ is run out of energy, the power cover 110″ is able to be detached for accessing and replacing the power source 302″ within the power compartment 318″, so as to prolong the service life of the light source unit 304″ of the lighter.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative mode of the illumination fixture 300B which can detachably couple with the lighter housing 102″. Accordingly, the frame body 100″ further comprises a light casing 112B detachably coupling with the lighter housing 102″, wherein the light compartment 308B is formed within the light casing 112B for retaining the light source unit 304B in the light casing 112B. In addition, the light transmitting window 108B is preferably formed at the side wall of the light casing 112B. Accordingly, the light casing 112B is preferably made of heat dispensing material, such as aluminum, for effectively dispersing the heat generated from the light source unit 304B.

The light source unit 304B is preferably provided in the light compartment 308B, which preferably has an elongated shape and disposed therewithin. The light source unit 304B further comprises an elongated activation circuit 312B supported at the light compartment 308B, and a plurality of LEDs 310B spacedly and operatively coupled at the activation circuit 312B, such that when the activation circuit 312B is activated by an actuation of the light button, the LEDs 310B are arranged for generating the illumination light towards the light transmitting window 108B at the sidewall of the light casing 112B.

The illumination fixture 300B further comprises a heat sink 326B as an option operatively and downwardly extended from the activation circuit 312B for further dispersing the heat generated from the LEDs 310B.

The power compartment 318B is also provided for receiving the power source 302B therewith, wherein the power compartment 318B is disposed within the light casing 112B and preferably at a position adjacent to the gas liquefied storage 104″ and below the piezoelectric unit 206″ for communicatively accessing the power source 302B therewithin, so as to replace the power source 302B when the power thereof ran out. The power source 302B may be one or more disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries, so that when the power source 302B is replaceable for prolong the service life span of the lighting fixture lighter.

The light casing 112B of the frame body 100″ further comprises a power cover 110B for communicating with the power compartment 318B for replacing the power source 302B. The power cover 110B is detachably provided at the bottom wall of the light casing 112B, such that when the power source 302B for providing electricity for the light source unit 304B is run out of energy, the power cover 110B is able to be detached for accessing and replacing the power source 302B within the power compartment 318B, so as to prolong the service life of the light source unit 304B of the lighter.

In order to enhance the light intensity of the illumination light of the light source unit 304B, a plurality of light reflectors 314B may further provided within the light compartment 308B for reflecting the light source unit 304B, wherein the light reflectors 314B are encircling with the LEDs 310B respectively, such that the light reflector 314B is reflecting the illumination light generated from the light source unit 304B toward the light transmitting window 108B, so as to enhance the light intensity of the illumination fixture 300B. It is worth mentioning that the lighter reflector 314″ is optional since the LEDs 310″ are enough for providing the desired light intensity. In addition, the light reflectors 314B can be a replacement of the single elongated light reflector 314″ as mentioned above.

As shown in FIG. 9, the light casing 112B houses the power source 302B and the light source unit 304B therein. In order to electrically connect the power source 302B and the light source unit 304B with the control circuit 322″ and the power circuit 324″, a first terminal 332B provided at the top side of the light casing 112B to electrically connect with the power source 302B and the light source unit 304B and a second terminal 334B provided at the corresponding wall of the lighter housing 102″ to electrically connect with the control circuit 322″ and the power circuit 324″ such that when the light casing 112B is detachably coupled with the lighter housing 102″, the first terminal 332B is electrically engaged with the second terminal 334B to form an electrical loop through the power source 302B, the light source unit 304B, the control circuit 322″, and the power circuit 324″.

Accordingly, in order to detachably couple the light casing 112B with the lighter housing 102″, the illumination fixture 300B further comprises a first coupler 328B provided at a sidewall of the lighter housing 102″ and a second coupler 330B provided at a corresponding sidewall of the light casing 112B to detachably engage with the first coupler 328B. As shown in FIG. 9, the first coupler 328B comprises a sliding coupler having a T-shaped cross section provided at the sidewall of the lighter housing 102″ while the second coupler 330B comprises a sliding slot provided at the corresponding sidewall of the light casing 112B such that the sliding coupler is slidably engaged with the sliding slot to detachably couple the light casing 112B with the lighter housing 102″.

According to the first through third embodiments, the illumination fixtures 300, 300′, 300″ can be operated independently with respect to the flame generators 200, 200′, 200″ respectively. Therefore, the user is able to operate the lighting fixture lighter as an ordinary lighter and to operate the illumination fixtures 300, 300′, 300″ for illumination purpose. Therefore, the user is able to carry one single handy device with different functions. Especially at an emergency situation, illumination and flame are two essential elements for survival, such that the lighter of the present invention can be considered as one of the portable survival tools.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A lighting fixture lighter, comprising:

a frame body which comprises a lighter housing having a gas liquefied storage, and an ignition button slidably mounted to said lighter housing, wherein said frame body further has a light transmitting window;

a flame generator, which comprises:

a gas valve received in said lighter housing at a position above said gas liquefied storage and communicating with said liquefied gas storage for controlling a flow of gas therefrom; and

means for generating sparks towards a gas tip of said gas valve when said gas is released from said gas liquefied storage; and

an illumination fixture, which comprises:

a light source unit comprising a diode supported by said frame body at a position aligning with said light transmitting window for generating an illumination light through said light transmitting window;

a switch supported by said frame body to activate said diode for generating said illumination light through said light transmitting window for illumination purpose; and

a light reflector encircling with said light source unit for reflecting said illumination light towards said light transmitting window so as to enhance the light intensity of said illumination light.

2. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 1, wherein said light source unit is positioned at a top end portion of said frame body at a position adjacent to said gas tip of said gas valve.

3. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 2, wherein said switch comprises an ignition button, which is slidably supported at said top end portion of said frame body, having a light compartment retaining said light source unit therein and defining said light transmitting window at a surrounding wall of said ignition button, such that said light source unit is supported within said ignition button for generating said illumination light out of said surrounding wall of said ignition button.

4. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 3, wherein said light button is transversely and slidably mounted at said surrounding wall of said ignition button to activate said light source unit when said light button is pressed.

5. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 3, wherein said light source unit comprises an activation circuit supported at said light compartment to operatively couple with said diode, such that when said activation circuit is activated by an actuation of said light button, said diode is arranged for generating said illumination light towards said light transmitting window.

6. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 4, wherein said light source unit comprises an activation circuit supported at said light compartment to operatively couple with said diode, such that when said activation circuit is activated by an actuation of said light button, said diode is arranged for generating said illumination light towards said light transmitting window.

7. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 1, wherein said frame body further has a power compartment positioned adjacent to said gas liquefied storage for receiving a power source in said power compartment so as to electrically link to said light source unit.

8. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 4, wherein said frame body further has a power compartment positioned adjacent to said gas liquefied storage for receiving a power source in said power compartment so as to electrically link to said light source unit.

9. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 6, wherein said frame body further has a power compartment positioned adjacent to said gas liquefied storage for receiving a power source in said power compartment so as to electrically link to said light source unit.

10. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 7, further comprising a refillable valve provided at a bottom wall of said lighter housing to communicate with said gas liquefied storage, and a power cover provided at said bottom wall of said lighter housing at a position adjacent to said refillable valve to communicate with said power compartment for replacing said power source.

11. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 8, further comprising a refillable valve provided at a bottom wall of said lighter housing to communicate with said gas liquefied storage, and a power cover provided at said bottom wall of said lighter housing at a position adjacent to said refillable valve to communicate with said power compartment for replacing said power source.

12. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 9, further comprising a refillable valve provided at a bottom wall of said lighter housing to communicate with said gas liquefied storage, and a power cover provided at said bottom wall of said lighter housing at a position adjacent to said refillable valve to communicate with said power compartment for replacing said power source.

13. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 1, wherein said spark generating means comprises a piezoelectric unit, which is disposed in said lighter housing at a position below said ignition button for generating piezoelectricity, comprising a movable operating part extended towards said ignition button, and an ignition tip which is extended towards said gas tip of said gas valve, wherein when said ignition button is actuated to depress said movable operating part of said piezoelectric unit and to release said gas from said liquefied gas storage at the same time, sparks are generated from said ignition tip to ignite said gas releasing from said gas valve.

14. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 12, wherein said spark generating means comprises a piezoelectric unit, which is disposed in said lighter housing at a position below said ignition button for generating piezoelectricity, comprising a movable operating part extended towards said ignition button, and an ignition tip which is extended towards said gas tip of said gas valve, wherein when said ignition button is actuated to depress said movable operating part of said piezoelectric unit and to release said gas from said liquefied gas storage at the same time, sparks are generated from said ignition tip to ignite said gas releasing from said gas valve.

15. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 1, wherein said light source unit is positioned at a bottom end portion of said frame body and adjacent to said gas liquefied storage.

16. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 15, wherein said lighter housing has a light compartment formed at said bottom end portion for retaining said light source unit therein and defines said light transmitting window at a bottom wall of said lighter housing, such that said light source unit is supported within said lighter housing for generating said illumination light out of said bottom wall of said lighter housing.

17. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 16, wherein said switch comprises a light button transversely and slidably mounted at a sidewall of said lighter housing at said bottom end portion thereof to activate said light source unit when said light button is pressed.

18. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 17, wherein said light source unit comprises an activation circuit supported at said light compartment to operatively couple with said diode, such that when said activation circuit is activated by an actuation of said light button, said diode is arranged for generating said illumination light towards said light transmitting window.

19. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 18, wherein said frame body further has a power compartment positioned adjacent to said gas liquefied storage for receiving a power source in said power compartment so as to electrically link with said light source unit.

20. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 19, further comprising a refillable valve provided at said bottom wall of said lighter housing to communicate with said gas liquefied storage, and a power cover provided at said sidewall of said lighter housing to communicate with said power compartment for replacing said power source.

21. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 20, wherein said spark generating means comprises a piezoelectric unit, which is disposed in said lighter housing at a position below said ignition button for generating piezoelectricity, comprising a movable operating part extended towards said ignition button, and an ignition tip which is extended towards said gas tip of said gas valve, wherein when said ignition button is actuated to depress said movable operating part of said piezoelectric unit and to release said gas from said liquefied gas storage at the same time, sparks are generated from said ignition tip to ignite said gas releasing from said gas valve.

22. A lighting fixture lighter, comprising:

a frame body which comprises a lighter housing having a gas liquefied storage, and an ignition button slidably mounted to said lighter housing, wherein said frame body further has a light transmitting window at a sidewall of said lighter housing at a position below said ignition button;

a flame generator, which comprises:

a gas valve received in said lighter housing and communicating with said liquefied gas storage for controlling a flow of gas therefrom; and

means for generating sparks towards a gas tip of said gas valve when said gas is released from said gas liquefied storage; and

an illumination fixture, which comprises:

a light source unit supported within said frame body at a position aligning with said light transmitting window for generating an illumination light through said light transmitting window; and

a switch supported by said frame body to activate said light source unit for generating said illumination light through said light transmitting window for illumination purpose.

23. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 22, wherein said light source unit comprises an elongated activation circuit supported at said light compartment and a plurality of LEDs spacedly and operatively coupled at said activation circuit, such that when said activation circuit is activated by an actuation of said light button, said LEDs are arranged for generating said illumination light towards said light transmitting window.

24. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 22, wherein said frame body further has a power compartment positioned between said gas liquefied storage and light source unit for receiving a power source in said power compartment so as to electrically link with said light source unit.

25. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 23, wherein said frame body further has a power compartment positioned between said gas liquefied storage and light source unit for receiving a power source in said power compartment so as to electrically link with said light source unit.

26. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 22, wherein said switch comprises a light button transversely and slidably mounted at a surrounding wall of said ignition button to activate said light source unit when said light button is pressed.

27. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 25, wherein said switch comprises a light button transversely and slidably mounted at a surrounding wall of said ignition button to activate said light source unit when said light button is pressed.

28. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 25, further comprising a refillable valve provided at a bottom wall of said lighter housing to communicate with said gas liquefied storage, and a power cover provided at said bottom wall of said lighter housing at a position adjacent to said refillable valve to communicate with said power compartment for replacing said power source.

29. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 27, further comprising a refillable valve provided at a bottom wall of said lighter housing to communicate with said gas liquefied storage, and a power cover provided at said bottom wall of said lighter housing at a position adjacent to said refillable valve to communicate with said power compartment for replacing said power source.

30. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 22, wherein said spark generating means comprises a piezoelectric unit, which is disposed in said lighter housing at a position below said ignition button for generating piezoelectricity, comprising a movable operating part extended towards said ignition button, and an ignition tip which is extended towards said gas tip of said gas valve, wherein when said ignition button is actuated to depress said movable operating part of said piezoelectric unit and to release said gas from said liquefied gas storage at the same time, sparks are generated from said ignition tip to ignite said gas releasing from said gas valve.

31. The lighting fixture lighter, as recited in claim 29, wherein said spark generating means comprises a piezoelectric unit, which is disposed in said lighter housing at a position below said ignition button for generating piezoelectricity, comprising a movable operating part extended towards said ignition button, and an ignition tip which is extended towards said gas tip of said gas valve, wherein when said ignition button is actuated to depress said movable operating part of said piezoelectric unit and to release said gas from said liquefied gas storage at the same time, sparks are generated from said ignition tip to ignite said gas releasing from said gas valve.