Protective Clip

Abstract

The Protective Clip is an enclosure encompassing butane lighters preventing unintended operation of the gas release lever.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORSHIP

No federally sponsored research and/or development are associated with this invention.

BACKGROUND

Butane lighters with manually operated gas levers are notorious for release (emptying) of gas while being carried or stored due to unintended operation of the gas lever.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The Protective Clip (‘Clip’) shields butane lighter gas levers and prevents unintentional release of gas while being carried or in storage.

DESCRIPTION

The ‘Clip’ is made of a stiff material, comparable to 26 gauge metal, bent and/or formed to encompass a butane lighter to protect the gas lever from being depressed unintentionally. The ‘Clip’ is an enclosure longer (≦¾inch) than the butane lighter such that one can slide the lighter up above the ‘Clip’ to expose the gas release lever for use and slide the lighter back fully within the ‘Clip’ after use. The ‘Clip’ will prevent accidental operation of the gas release lever and associated release of butane gas when the lighter is carried in a pocket or stored in a tool box/kit.

For a standard size Bic Lighter the ‘Clip’ is formed from a 2.375 inch by 3.50 inch piece of 26 gauge metal with rounded corners (0.25 inch radius), bent to encompass the lighter.

Claims

1. The Protective Clip prevents unintended release of gas from butane lighters.