Combined Patents (Class 431/253)
  • Publication number: 20020029410
    Abstract: The claimed invention relates to an heated clothing with autonomous heating source and comprise (a) thermally insulated suit adapted to cover the human body, (b) portable, low-temperature heat generation module with combustion process controlled by a control unit, c) infrared window for energy delivery, (d) heat energy distribution system to supply heat to different parts of the body, (e) temperature control system, including the temperature sensors, responsible for maintaining proper temperatures at different parts of the body and f) moisture adsorbing pads to remove excessive moisture originating from sweating. A light and flexible suit provides controllable stream of heat from a heater to a wearer for prolonged time. The suit includes attachable, heated gloves and boots and gives complete protection against even extreme cold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Kazimierz Szymocha, Tad Sudol
  • Patent number: 6354288
    Abstract: A portable fireplace having an inner housing defined by an inner housing wall and forming a flame pit, an outer housing having an outer housing wall, the outer housing and the inner housing being interconnected to one another, the outer housing being in surrounding relationship to the inner housing, at least the majority of the walls of the inner and outer housings being spaced from one another to provide an insulation space and a support disposed in the flame pit for supporting a flame presentation substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy W. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20020018976
    Abstract: A prayer candle device includes a tubular body having a chamber provided therein, a consumable lighting element refillably disposed in the chamber including a wick mounted in the consumable lighting element, a holding device mounted in the chamber of the tubular body for holding the consumable lighting element in position, and an adjusting device for maintaining a burning end of the wick of the consumable lighting element at an upper position by sensing infrared radiation from a burning wick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Cindy Zou
  • Patent number: 6343928
    Abstract: A safety electronic lighter includes an ignition control switch, which is operated to drive a high voltage coil, causing it to discharge sparks, the ignition control switch being rotatable between the operative position and the non-operative position, a safety lock, which is operated to lock the ignition control switch, prohibiting the ignition control switch from operation, a first power control switch, which is operated to switch on/off the power supply circuit of the electronic lighter, a second power control switch connected in series to the first power control switch, the second power control switch being mounted inside the housing of the electronic lighter and kept from sight and accessible by a rod member through a hole at the housing of the electronic lighter, and a latch control device controlled by a combination of numbers to control the connection of the battery to the ignition control switch and the power control switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Chung-Ho Liang
  • Publication number: 20010036609
    Abstract: A candle fountain is provided which includes a base defining a reservoir therein which is adapted to hold a fluid, such as water. A pump having an inlet and an outlet is provided in communication with the base reservoir. A candle member is supported on the base, where the candle member includes a bore formed at least partially therethrough having an inlet and at least one outlet. The bore inlet is in fluid communication with the pump outlet such that fluid can be pumped from the base reservoir into the bore and out through the one or more bore outlets of the candle member. Advantageously, the candle member can be lit during operation of the candle fountain to provide additional sensory enjoyment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Peaktop Limited
    Inventors: Gernot Ehrlich, Chun Kuei Lin
  • Publication number: 20010032652
    Abstract: A combination bingo card marker or dauber and lighter wherein on one end of the item is the dauber and the other end contains the lighter such that a person playing bingo can light a cigarette without having to put down their dauber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Jack Ng
  • Publication number: 20010034002
    Abstract: The present invention provides a butane lighter that is equipped with a sound generating integrated circuit. This IC has a programmed memory or ROM that contains the greeting, and which is played when the user contacts a switch. There is a small battery or power source and an audio transducer (i.e., speaker), that are all incorporated into the body of the lighter. In one embodiment, the switch is associated with the lighter's thumb lever, so that the greeting plays whenever the user lights the flame. In other possible embodiments, the switch can be on the body of the lighter, so that it can play the greeting when the lighter is picked up, without having to actually light the flame. In one version of this, the switch can be a capacitive or similar proximity switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Jacqueline J. Jager-Muench
  • Publication number: 20010029002
    Abstract: This invention provides cutter/lighter combination devices wherein the cutter is equipped with a blade attached to a holder that moves on a track. The end of the blade holder distal from the blade edge protrudes from a notch in the side of the case. When the protruding portion of the blade carrier is pushed forward in the direction of the case, the blade moves forward across the aperture to cut any object which has been inserted into the aperture. The blade edge may be any shape, so long as the cutting edge is not present in the aperture in the absence of pressure on the blade carrier to force the blade edge to move the blade across the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: David W. Cook
  • Publication number: 20010029003
    Abstract: The invention provides a candle holding device, which has an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member mounted on a base. The inner tubular member houses a light-emitting element such as a candle. The base of the candle holding device has light emitting elements such as LEDs and sound recording and/or producing devices, which are connected to a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Cindy Zou
  • Patent number: 6298856
    Abstract: The invention provides a lighter comprising a body and an end portion having a hinged connection with the body. The body includes a recess at its lower end. The end portion includes a cigar cutter, comprising an elongated generally tubular blade, extending from a surface of the end portion. The end portion is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cutter extends within the recess and is not exposed. In the open position, the cutter does not extend into the recess. The lighter may also comprise a retainer comprising a leaf spring attached to the lower end of the body, and a slot within the end portion. In the closed position, the leaf spring is received within the slot, retaining the end portion in the closed position. Also, a lighter fuel inlet valve extends from the body and is within the recess thereof. The inlet valve is accessible through a channel in the end portion when the end portion is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Promethus International, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith K. Park
  • Patent number: 6293783
    Abstract: A lighter includes a housing having a through-hole defined by an annular wall. The annular wall has a thickness smaller than that of the remaining portion of the housing. A ring is attached to the through-hole for attaching keys. The annular wall has a central bulge portion, thereby having a maximum diameter in each of two outer portions of the through-hole and a minimum diameter in a central portion of the through-hole. The maximum diameter of the through-hole is greater than a diameter of a cigarette and the minimum diameter of the through-hole is smaller than the diameter of the cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Jung-Hua Lee
  • Patent number: 6270339
    Abstract: A prayer candle device includes a tubular body having a chamber provided therein, a consumable lighting element refillably disposed in the chamber including a wick mounted in the consumable lighting element, a holding means mounted in the chamber of the tubular body for holding the consumable lighting element in position, and an adjusting means for maintaining a burning end of the wick of the consumable lighting element at an upper position. In such arrangement, the prayer candle device is capable of avoiding the malfunction of the operation caused by the burned consumable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Cindy Zou
  • Patent number: 6257469
    Abstract: A holder assembly which may be removably mounted on the person of a user and which is designed for holding a cigarette lighter and a bottle opener for convenient and repeated use by bartenders in order to properly service their customers, wherein the holder assembly includes a base having a pocket structure formed on a front surface thereof which is specifically dimensioned and configured to correspond to the cigarette lighter. A compartment is disposed in said base and is dimensioned and configured to contain a retraction structure which is operatively connected to the bottle opener and includes a spring biased take-up reel from which a flexible, cord extends and is secured to the bottle opener, thereby facilitating the outwardly extended yet retractable positioning of the bottle opener for use while maintaining secure attachment thereof to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: David M. Cohn
  • Patent number: 6257873
    Abstract: A combination lighter and cigar cutter comprising a lighter body adapted to create a flame, and a cigar cutter removably engaged with the lighter body. The cigar cutter is adapted to be disengaged from the lighter body for cutting a cigar. Desirably, the lighter body defines an opening receiving the cigar cutter, and the cigar cutter is threadably engaged with the lighter body. The lighter body may comprise a lighter casing and an engaging member for engaging the cigar cutter and the lighter casing. Desirably, the engaging member is generally hollow and cylindrical and includes a threaded inner wall that defines a through passage and openings on each end, one for receiving the cigar cutter and one for receiving the lighter casing. The threaded inner wall engages complementary threads on the cigar cutter and complementary threads on the lighter casing. The cigar cutter can be disengaged from the lighter body for cutting a cigar and then re-engaged with the lighter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Ho Nam Song
  • Patent number: 6257872
    Abstract: Decorative apparatus for removable attachment to a cigarette lighter the body of which tapers upwardly and inwardly from its base to the top thereof. The apparatus includes a rigid band the interior of which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the lighter base but larger than the cross-sectional area of the lighter top. One or more distinctive members may be affixed to the band for enhancing appearance and identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: J. M. (Jack) Williams
  • Patent number: 6204442
    Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator having a solid body located in a combustion chamber of a burner, with the surface of the solid body being excited to a state of radiation by an air-fuel mixture that is supplied by a delivery unit to the burner, where it combusts, and the radiation strikes a photocell, which then generates electrical energy; and having an exhaust pipe discharging the hot combustion gases from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ekkehard Laqua
  • Patent number: 6151781
    Abstract: A hollow cutter body having an opening is adapted to slidably receive an end of a cigarette lighter. The opening is defined by a cutter body wall that has a slot extending from an end of the cutter body opposite to the opening, and at least partway along a length defined by the cutter body. An aperture is also defined by the cutter body opposite and approximately aligned with the slot and includes a sharpened peripheral edge, against which a cigarette can be trimmed. The cigarette is trimmed by sliding an end through the aperture and the slot and actuating the cutter body by moving it along the lighter, causing an end of the cigarette to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Blake A. Dehler
  • Patent number: 6142769
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool including an elongated body portion. A plurality of tools are coupled with respect to the elongated body portion. The plurality of tools includes a serrated blade, a cork screw, a retractable pen, a refillable lighter, a bottle opener, and a flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Trevor Lee Walker
  • Patent number: 6112891
    Abstract: An audio medium and candle arrangement includes a candle having an outer contour and a first end and a second end. An audio medium is provided having an outer contour which generally corresponds to the outer contour of the candle. The audio medium is positioned adjacent to the candle. The candle enclosure maintains a position of the audio medium relative to the candle. The enclosure may be a tin enclosure with a bottom tin (canister) portion having a candle provided therein and a tin lid for closure of the tin. The tin lid is provided with an inner diameter which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of a compact disc. The inner diameter of the tin lid is provided in a normal way for mating with the tin bottom to close the tin. A compact disc is provided on a compact disc backer or audio medium support, such as a support made of cardboard. Preferably the cardboard backer has a CD center support element for positioning and supporting the CD relative to the backer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Prism Crafts, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wohl, Stephen Schulhoff
  • Patent number: 6112887
    Abstract: A disposable lighter holder including a first body member having an aperture, a plurality of lugs connected to the first body member, a first recess located between the plurality of lugs, and an abutment located at an end of the first recess. The disposable lighter holder further includes a second body member being opposite and connected to the first body member and a second recess formed in the second body member. The second recess includes a concave surface and a plurality of tapering sides. The aperture, first recess, plurality of lugs, concave surface and plurality of tapering sides of the second recess frictionally engage a lighter inserted through the aperture of the first body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Kerry Max Harrison
    Inventor: Kerry Max Harrison
  • Patent number: 6074199
    Abstract: The candle has a wick that contains a signal transmission means such as an optical guide or thermocouple. An electronic circuit is coupled to the transmission means so that when a light or heat signature is received by the circuit, it plays a sound stored in a memory. For example, an optical guide can be coupled to an optical switch, so that the optical signal produced by the flame will close the switch and complete a circuit. The circuit can include a storage device, such as an IC CHIP, to store a musical tune. This tune is then played when the candle is lit. When the flame is extinguished, the burnt wick along with the wavelength sensitive optical switches will prevent ambient light from activating the circuit. Likewise, if a thermocouple is used, the absence of a flame will discontiue the production of sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Jin Song
  • Patent number: 6056539
    Abstract: A combined lighter device and breath spray device wherein the lighter device is secured to the breath spray device through a hinge structure. The lighter device further defines a cavity defined thereon for receiving a portion of the breath spray device when in an undeployed orientation. Additionally, a cover structure is provided to prevent discharge of the lighter device when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen Carlson
  • Patent number: 6050812
    Abstract: The music playing in the conventional candleholder set with musical function is controlled by a switch installed on the candleholder. Therefore, the present invention provides an improvement for the candleholder set with musical function, wherein the music is induced by the candle light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Tang Jung Chuang
  • Patent number: 6033209
    Abstract: A melody candle assembly for reproducing a melody or music responding to a light signal, comprising a candle provided with at least a recess at its bottom surface and having a wick and an elongate optical fiber embedded therein, said optical fiber being extended over the lower end of the candle; a candlestick element for holding the candle with the top surface provided with a center hole to which the lower end of the optical fiber is extended and at least two apertures spaced apart around the center hole; a melody reproducing unit provided in the candlestick element for selectively reproducing at least two melodies or music. The melody reproducing unit includes a photo sensor fitted opposite the lower end of the optical fiber to sense a light signal transmitted through the optical fiber for making the unit prepared for operation and at least two melody selection switch knobs corresponding to the number of the melodies or music stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventors: Haeng Chul Shin, Kang Jung Park
  • Patent number: 6019594
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus includes a smoking material ignition device having a flame producing end; a holder for engagingly receiving the ignition device so that the flame producing end is exposed; a housing for releasibly receiving the holder; a spring-biased retractable cord interconnecting the holder and the housing; a child safety locking mechanism releasibly locking the holder to the housing; and a structure for mounting the housing to an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Got-A-Lite!, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Denoia, Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6000932
    Abstract: The combination lighter and fishing lure includes a body having a feature useful for attracting a fish, a reservoir for holding a fuel, an igniter to ignite the fuel and produce a flame, an outlet at which the flame is produced, means provided on the body for attaching a fishing line, and means provided on the body for attaching a fish hook. The igniter may include a forwardly projecting valve actuator that when used as a fishing lure serves as a spoon or blade to help the lure move through the water and produce the desired lure motion. The invention provides a multipurpose device useful both as a lighter and a fishing lure and an article attractive as a novelty item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: David Willet
  • Patent number: 5971750
    Abstract: A combination lighter and optical pointer assembly is provided. The assembly generally comprises a body, a lighter unit, and an optical pointer unit. The body has formed therein first and second compartments, the lighter unit being received in the first compartment, and the optical pointer unit being received in the second compartment. The optical pointer unit includes a laser device that is powered by a battery disposed in the second compartment. The assembly thereby provides fully functional and independently operable lighter and optical pointer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Ko Liang Ho
  • Patent number: 5967767
    Abstract: An improved portable cigarette lighter closure device that provides facile pivoting of the cover between open and closed positions, and which securely retains the cover in the closed position is provided. The closure device incorporates a magnet affixed in the cover of a cigarette lighter, for securing the cover to a body of the lighter and to securely retain the cover in the closed position. The magnet exerts sufficient force on the body to retain the cover in the closed position, while enabling one handed pivoting of the cover by the user. Additionally the invention may be provided with an insulating sleeve. The ferromagnetic insulating sleeve prevents the magnetic field radiated by the magnet from passing through the cover of the lighter, for preventing magnetically attracted objects located in a pocket of the user's clothing such as the users keys and change for example, from being inadvertently drawn against the cover of the lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Trinh Cam Khon
  • Patent number: 5938428
    Abstract: A spark igniter mechanism is provided for a torch having a burn tube. The spark igniter mechanism includes a one-piece housing and an igniter which is held against the burn tube by the housing. The igniter includes a spark wire which extends through an opening formed in a wall of the burn tube. The spark igniter mechanism further includes a fastener which secures the housing is to the burn tube. In addition, an adhesive may help to further secure the housing to the burn tube. The spark igniter mechanism of the present invention facilitates the use of a single igniter design with a plurality of torches. Furthermore, the mechanism is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Roger Palmer, Mike Ridley, Al Hyde
  • Patent number: 5934894
    Abstract: An apparatus is described which preferably includes a rolled tobacco products cavity for storage of rolled tobacco products, a lighter cavity for receiving a lighter, and a clipping aperture having a cutting door movable thereover to cuts the lengths of rolled tobacco products inserted therein. A refuse cavity may be included in the apparatus adjacent the clipping aperture to store clippings from the rolled tobacco products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Cigler
  • Patent number: 5931659
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose lighter mainly including a case and an igniting means associated with the case to form a union body of the lighter. The case has an integrally formed separating wall which upward projects from a bottom center of the case and defines an elongated inner space with an expanded and internally threaded opening near the bottom of the case. A long pin having one pointed end and an expanded and externally threaded head opposite to the pointed end is screwed into the threaded opening of the separating wall for serving as a toothpick. The expanded head of the long pin has a projected handle for a user to hold to easily screw the long pin into the separating wall. The handle is formed with a connecting hole for a key ring with several keys to hook thereto. A bottle-opener is fixedly attached to the case by ultrasonic or high-frequency wave. The multipurpose lighter is more useful and heavier to draw the user's attention to more carefully keep it without carelessly dropping it here and there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiung Wu
  • Patent number: 5921767
    Abstract: The candle has a wick that contains an optical guide, such as a fiber optic cable. An electronic circuit is coupled to the optical guide so that when an optical signal is received by the circuit, it plays a musical tune. For example, the optical guide can be coupled to an optical switch, so that the optical signal produced by the flame will close the switch and complete a circuit. The circuit can include a storage device, such as an IC CHIP, to store a musical tune. This tune is then played when the candle is lit. When the flame is extinguished, the burnt wick will prevent ambient light from activating the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Candle Song Inc.
    Inventor: Jin Song
  • Patent number: 5913676
    Abstract: A combination lighter and cigar cutter device comprising a lighter body adapted to create a flame and defining a slot; a cigar cutter slidably engaged with the lighter body and slidable between a housed position wherein the cigar cutter is received substantially within the slot and a cutting position wherein the cigar cutter is substantially outside of the lighter body, the cigar cutter including a cutting knife housing and a cutting knife; and a spring-biased stop associated with the cigar cutter adapted to releasably lock the cutting knife housing to the lighter body to prevent the cutting knife housing from sliding toward the housed position when the cigar cutter is in the cutting position and to unlock the cutting knife housing from the lighter body to permit the cutting knife housing to slide from the cutting position toward the housed position. Desirably, the cigar cutter is substantially concealed by the lighter body when the cigar cutter is in the housed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: East-West Trading Corp.
    Inventor: Hyun Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 5911573
    Abstract: A gas lighter which includes a gas lighter unit controlled by a press button switch to produce a flame at a flame nozzle thereof for burning, a sliding track at one side of the gas lighter unit, a slide box mounted in the sliding track and moved in and out of a bottom side of the gas lighter unit, a slide moved in and out of the slide box and holding a cutter blade for cutting a head of a cigar being inserted into a blade hole on the slide box, and a sliding switch adapted to lock the slide box and the slide when the slide box and the slide are received inside the gas lighter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Chin-Lin Tsai
  • Patent number: 5888061
    Abstract: A combination lighter and cigar cutter device for cutting off an end of a cigar and lighting same includes a casing having a body, a lighting mechanism for producing a flame, and a recessed cavity formed in the body, and a cigar cutter having a planar ring member with a central opening and a thin slot formed therein. A pair of thin cutting blades are received within the slot of the ring member, each blade being movable between a first position in which the cutting blades are substantially withdrawn from the opening and a second position in which the cutting blades are completely received within the opening, so as to effect a shearing or cutting action on a cigar positioned in said opening. Each cutting blade has a handle portion secured thereto for easily moving the cutting blades between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Colibri Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5846070
    Abstract: A party candle having a visually commemorative effect according to the present invention including: a decoration plate which is comprised of a transparent plate having a concave groove, an operation device inserting groove and a switching plate passing groove. A light emitting diode is connected to first and second electric wires which is inserted at the left side ends of the concave groove. A rear plate covers the back of the decoration plate and; a leg portion which is bonded vertically to the bottom surface of the center portion of the decoration plate holds the device up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Youngchoon Kim, Sangkye Lee, Byongjoo Jung, Yangsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 5829965
    Abstract: A new multifunction waiter's tool for combining functions of bottle opener, cigarette lighter, and bread crumb remover. The inventive device includes a handle portion. A bottle opener is pivotally coupled with the handle portion. A utility knife is pivotally coupled with the handle portion. A cork screw is pivotally coupled with the handle portion. A cigarette lighter is disposed within the handle portion opposite the utility knife. A bread crumb removing tool is slidably disposed within the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Raul Rubalcava
  • Patent number: 5807096
    Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative candle assembly in which a sensor for sensing the burning of the candle is detachably attached to a circuit board, a cylindrical body of a candle support means is provided with a guide member having a vertical hole with a mouth of bugle or funnel shape, and a guttered wax catching unit is provided at the top of the support means, wherein it is possible to replace the damaged sensor and the burnt candle for prolonged reproduction of music and use of the assembly itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Haeng Chul Shin, Kang Jung Park
  • Patent number: 5788479
    Abstract: A lighter holder to releasably attach a cigarette lighter to a cigarette pack comprises a first portion that defines a first closed loop and a second portion that defines a second closed loop. The first portion is constructed of an elastic material that may be stretched from its original size and configuration to circumscribe a perimeter of a preselected cigarette pack, and returns to substantially its original size and configuration when removed from the preselected cigarette pack. The second portion is constructed of an elastic material that may be stretched from its original size and configuration to circumscribe a perimeter of a preselected cigarette lighter, and returns to substantially its original size and configuration when removed from the cigarette lighter. The second loop is connected with the first loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventors: Kelly K. Galanos, Maria Martella
  • Patent number: 5788478
    Abstract: A retraction mechanism for a lighter includes a case with a pinion rotatably mounted therein. A spool is attached to the pinion and a cord, for attaching to the lighter, is wound onto the spool. A spring is provided to rotate the pinion in a direction which winds the cord onto the spool. A rack has teeth that engage teeth on the pinion so that the rack moves linearly with rotation of the pinion. A cylinder body with an aperture is located within the case and a piston, attached to the rack, is within the aperture thereby defining a cylinder chamber which varies in size as the piston moves within the aperture. A passage in the piston allows air to flow between the cylinder chamber and the interior of the case as the cylinder chamber varies in size. The passage has an orifice which changes in size with movement of the piston within the cylinder body, thereby providing a device which dampens winding and unwinding of the cord about the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Got-A-Lite|
    Inventors: Joseph M. DeNoia, Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 5746587
    Abstract: A lighter provided with a means for receiving a packet of cigarettes in a detachable fashion. It consists of a lighter body (1) with at least two sides (9, 10, 11) extended to take a cigarette packet (P). These elongated sides can be completed with additional extensions forming a case in which to place a packet of cigarettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventors: Roland Racine, deceased, by Francine Racine, legal representative, Gian Lanoir
  • Patent number: 5738117
    Abstract: A combination cigar cutter and lighter device for cutting off an end of a cigar and lighting same includes a casing having a body, a lighting mechanism for producing a flame, and a cavity formed in the body, and a cigar cutter having a planar ring member with a central opening and a narrow slot formed therein. A narrow blade holder is positioned within the narrow slot of the ring member, the blade holder being movable between a first position in which the blade holder is substantially removed from the slot and a second position in which the blade holder is completely received within the slot. The blade holder has a blade secured thereto for cutting off the end of the cigar upon moving the blade holder from its first position to its second position. The ring member of the cigar cutter is pivotally secured to the casing for movement between an open use position and a closed non-use position in which the ring member is disposed within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Colibri Corporation
    Inventor: Walter G. Fontaine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5682981
    Abstract: An article holding device (10) comprising an article (12) having an elongated portion (14). A structure (16) is for covering the elongated portion (14) of the article (12), to help prevent loss of the article (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Richard Rainer Sudborough
  • Patent number: 5653525
    Abstract: A pocket tool is disclosed. A mount panel of the pocket tool has a hollow coupling projection for pivoting varieties of tool members as well as for fixing the mount panel to the other mount panel. A turn-up scissors are interposed between the opposed mount panels and coupled to the hollow coupling projection. The scissors have a return spring at the cross for automatically opening the scissors, the return spring being placed in a space defined by slots formed about cross coupling holes and fitted over a cross coupling pin at the cross of the scissors such that the return spring is out of view and improves the appearance of the pocket tool. The scissors are also free from any trouble and achieve the recent trend of compactness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Kyunghan Park
  • Patent number: 5648129
    Abstract: The present invention provides a melodic novelty party-favor article comprising a housing and an electronic circuit assembly. The housing contains the electronic circuit assembly, which comprises a power source, an integrated circuit unit, a sound production means and a switch mechanism. The switching mechanism comprises two electrically conductive ends and a resistor, wherein the conductive ends are contiguously placed on an outer surface portion of the housing and are not in contact with each other, whereby the circuit assembly is activated by simultaneously contacting the two electrically conductive ends with an electrically conductive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventors: Seung Soo Lee, Jae Chul Lee
  • Patent number: 5616022
    Abstract: An ignitor and scraper device for use with barbecue grills has a hollow handle portion and an elongated tubular member extending therefrom. The handle portion houses a battery having ignitor wires that extend through the tubular member to a distal end, and a fuel cell for holding a supply of fuel. A fuel line leads from the fuel cell to the distal end of the tubular member. A valve responds to a trigger mechanism to allow fuel to flow in the fuel line. The trigger mechanism actuates the battery to generate a spark to ignite the fuel. A metal tube is secured in the tubular member and extends beyond the distal end of the tubular member, wherein the metal tube is shaped into a pair of tines. The tines are spaced to fit a barbecue rod for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas J. Moran, IV
  • Patent number: 5580239
    Abstract: A gas lighter with a body having a first end and a second end with a conduit having a first and a second opening extending in the body with a striker wheel 2 rotatably positioned at the first end of the body proximate the first opening of the conduit is disclosed. The body further includes an elongated gas tank 5 for storing gas therein with a gas suction pipe positioned in the elongated gas tank which conveys the stored gas out of the tank. The gas suction pipe terminates in an end with a gas discharge valve and is positioned proximate the striker wheel for starting and stopping gas flow from the elongated gas tank. A flint is positioned in and extends from the first opening of the conduit and operatively engages the striker wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Ik-Byong Jang
  • Patent number: 5538419
    Abstract: A gas lighter includes: a clip member pivotally secured on an upper portion of a lighter body having a cross section generally elliptical shaped, with the clip member foldably received on a convex side wall disposed on an end portion of a transverse axis of the lighter body for a smooth holding of the lighter for ergonomic ignition use; and upon a pivotal movement of the clip member on the lighter body to be positioned beyond a flat side wall disposed on an end portion of a conjugate axis of the lighter body, the clip member can be clamped on a user pocket for a convenient storages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Hung-Chan Lin
  • Patent number: 5538418
    Abstract: A welding striker apparatus having a dimple which allows the welder to both clean a welding rod covered in flux and re-strike the rod after cleaning. The apparatus may be attached to the welder via a retractable chain assembly allowing the tool to be attached to the welder's uniform yet out of the way during welding. The dimple is roughened so that the welder may remove the flux from the welding rod. The striker has a replaceable flint which rubs against a roughened striker allowing the welder to re-strike the welding rod after cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas M. Stinnett
  • Patent number: 5503685
    Abstract: Photon generating devices produce predetermined radiation spectral output and heat for a variety of applications including lighting and electric power generation, and provide photons to enhance chemical and physical reactions. Such a device comprises an emitter which contains metal oxides, means to heat the emitter sufficiently to produce large number of photons of a desired spectral output, and an optical means for directing the photons to various targets. In one embodiment, the device includes a thermal input device, a light pipe having a low emissivity, and an emitter coating of superemitter material which is thermally stimulated to emit radiation of a specific wavelength above a threshold temperature. An intermediate layer may be used to bond the emitter coating to the light pipe or other optical device where desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Mark K. Goldstein