Having Electric Current Producer Patents (Class 431/255)
  • Patent number: 6435859
    Abstract: A child resistant lighter comprising a standard lighter construction, the improvement comprising an ignition resistance button (B), whereby the ignition resistance button (B) hinders a child's ability to engage the nozzle lever (8) needed to operate the lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Calico Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Jong-Koo Jon
  • Publication number: 20020110768
    Abstract: The invention comprises a lighter which has a housing, a gas reservoir in the housing, and ignition means. The ignition means include a first manually moveable member and a second independently operable manually moveable member such that when the first member is operated gas is supplied from the gas reservoir and when the second member is operated the ignition means operates, so that both the first manually moveable member and the second manually moveable member must be operated to cause the lighter to ignite. The two manually moveable members may include a cap to the housing and a button moveable in a channel in the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Tak Chi Sher
  • Patent number: 6431853
    Abstract: The invention comprises a lighter such as a cigarette lighter including a housing. Ignition means are provided for the lighter. The ignition means include a member manually movable with respect to the housing. A lock between the manually moveable member and the housing, and release means are provided which are manually operable to release the lock to allow the manually moveable member to move relative to the housing to allow or cause ignition of the lighter. The release means require manual movement to release the lock in a direction different to the direction of movement of the manually moveable member to allow or cause ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Polycity Enterprise Limited
    Inventor: Tak Chi Sher
  • Publication number: 20020106600
    Abstract: The invention comprises a lighter such as a cigarette lighter including a housing. Ignition means are provided for the lighter. The ignition means include a member manually movable with respect to the housing. A lock between the manually moveable member and the housing, and release means are provided which are manually operable to release the lock to allow the manually moveable member to move relative to the housing to allow or cause ignition of the lighter. The release means require manual movement to release the lock in a direction different to the direction of movement of the manually moveable member to allow or cause ignition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Tak Chi Sher
  • Publication number: 20020106601
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter. The lighter includes a housing having a supply of fuel, an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively ignite the fuel, and a latch moveable between a first latch position and a second latch position to vary the amount of force required to move the actuating member to ignite the fuel. When a user attempts to move the latch before moving the actuating member, a first latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. When a user attempts to move the actuating member before moving the latch, a second latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. The second latch force is different that the first latch force, and is preferably greater than the first latch force. Various other features that improve the functioning of the lighter may be provided separately or in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Anthony Sgroi, Jeffrey F. Ukleja
  • Patent number: 6428309
    Abstract: A utility lighter (10), which utilizes the fuel, the actuation mechanism (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) and/or the child-resistant mechanism of a pocket lighter (16), is disclosed. The utility lighter is sized and dimensioned to receive the pocket lighter. The utility lighter also defines a cut-out portion (44, 46) on its housing to expose the actuation mechanism and/or the child-resistant mechanism therethrough for user manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald J. Doiron
  • Publication number: 20020102506
    Abstract: A lighter is disclosed as including a body and an button, the body including a piezo electric unit and a container for containing fuel under pressure, the body further including an at which a flame may he produced upon movement of the button relative to the body, and the button is slidable relative to the body parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body, and the button has an outer surface which may be operated by a user to slide the button relative to the body, and the outer surface of the button is generally orthogonal to the end of the body, and wherein the button is generally as long as the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Adrian Berry, Tat Chan
  • Patent number: 6422860
    Abstract: A safety mechanism in a cigarette lighter that utilizes a double-button actuator system. The safety button has an aperture through which is positioned an ignition button. The safety button and the ignition button are adjoined by a flange such that when the safety button is depressed the ignition button is also depressed. The safety mechanism also includes a stopper, which limits the downward movement of the safety button. Thus the safety button translates downward sufficiently to operate the fuel-release lever opening the fuel-discharge valve. However, in order to activate the piezoelectric unit the ignition button must be depressed below the level of the contact surface of the safety button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Calico Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Publication number: 20020094500
    Abstract: A gas igniter comprises a casing detachably connected to a container, which holds an inserted commercially available disposable gas lighter as fuel source, wherein, providing an easy and inexpensive means of gas refilling, whereby, a user can refill with a commercially available disposable lighter without discarding all the usable parts. A flexible extension that can be freely curved at any angle and retained to the given shape to perform ignition even in a tight spot area. A primary safety switch and a secondary safety switch of the igniter provide extra security to inhibit the children to master an ignition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Robert W. Tse
  • Patent number: 6419479
    Abstract: A lighter includes an igniting device received in a housing, a casing engaged with the igniting device, and a button engaged on the casing and having a catch for engaging into a lock opening of the housing. The button is guided to move up and down relative to the casing and moves toward and away from the igniting device together with the casing. A spring may bias the catch to engage into the lock opening of the housing and to lock the button to the housing. The igniting device may be actuated by the button when the catch is disengaged from the lock opening of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Ying Fang Huang
  • Patent number: 6406291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility lighter platform which includes a lighting mechanism configured to selectively ignite fuel supplied from a fuel supply container, and a frame configured to operatively house the lighting mechanism and configured to receive an outer shell thereon. The frame includes a fuel supply container housing structure configured to hold a fuel supply container at a first end of the frame and an insulating cap holding structure configured to receive an insulating cap at a second end of the frame and configured to house a nozzle operatively connected to the fuel supply. The frame also includes an ignitor assembly holding structure configured to house an ignitor assembly, and a trigger holding structure configured to operatively hold a trigger stem with which to activate the ignitor assembly and to release fuel from the fuel supply in order to ignite fuel received at the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Ferrara, Brian Tubby, Paul Adams
  • Publication number: 20020072022
    Abstract: A safety gas burner includes a shell, the shell having a front extension tube, a metal flame tube mounted in the front extension tube, a butane well, a gas valve adapted to control output of fuel gas from the butane well, a gas lever pivoted to the gas valve and adapted to open the gas valve for output of fuel gas from the butane well; an igniter mounted in the shell, the igniter having a first terminal connected to the flame tube by a conductor an a second terminal connected to a spark discharging electrode suspended in same flame tube; an ignition switch button mounted in a through hole of the shell and stopped against the igniter for depressing by hand to trigger the igniter and to drive the gas lever to open the gas valve; a safety button supported on a spring in a locating hole of the shell and adapted to let the gas lever be driven by the ignition switch button when depressed, the safety button having a mushroom-like cap disposed outside the shell; and a spring-supported stop member mounted in a sliding
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Huang-Hsi Hsu
  • Patent number: 6402506
    Abstract: A pocket lighter of the present invention comprises a gas container having an outlet valve through which ignitable gas is released. An igniter device having a reciprocative plunger is also provided. The igniter device is operative to produce a spark when the plunger is axially moved. A thumb actuator is operative to cause opening of the outlet valve and axial movement of the reciprocative plunger, thereby producing a controlled flame. The pocket lighter is constructed and arranged such that at least ten pounds of force is required to operate the thumb actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Guang Lin
  • Patent number: 6397835
    Abstract: A portable gas burner having a swivel bracket mounted inside the housing thereof to hold a gas pressure regulator adapted to receive a gas can, and a tilting switch fixedly mounted on the swivel bracket adapted to control on/off of a gas switch that controls the supply of fuel gas from the loaded gas can to the burner grate of the burner unit of the portable gas burner. The tilting switch switches off the gas switch to stop the supply of fuel gas to the burner unit when the loaded gas can not kept in vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Hsin-Lien Liang
  • Publication number: 20020064744
    Abstract: A gas igniter comprises a casing detachably connected to a container, which holds a inserted disposable gas lighter cartridge as a gas reservoir. A flexible extension that can be freely curved at any angle and retained to the given shape to perform ignition even in a tight spot area and the flexible extension can be snap back in the casing for easy storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Robert W. Tse
  • Publication number: 20020061487
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter with a lock-off switch. Since the lighter in the art has not been provided with a lock-off switch limiting the operation of the actuator, the safety is lower. The lighter according to the present invention comprises a tank, a piezoelectric device in the tank, an outlet device, and a windshield above the tank, wherein said actuator is provided with a lock-off device comprising a button pivotally arranged in the chamber of the actuator and a return spring which is located between the actuator and the button. According to the present invention, the safety of the lighter is improved and the potential safety hazard due to an unintentional operation is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Xinhua Huang
  • Publication number: 20020061486
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter with a lock-off mechanism. Since the lighter in the art has not been provided with a lock-off mechanism limiting the operation of the actuator, the safety is lower. The lighter according to the present invention comprises a tank, a piezoelectric device, and an outlet device, wherein said actuator is provided with a lock-off mechanism formed by a gear, a rack and a return spring, the gear engages with the rack and cooperates together with it; the return spring is located between the actuator and the rack and causes the lower end of the rack being inserted into the tank in the no-operation condition. By moving the rack up or down, the locking or unlocking is achieved. According to the present invention, the safety of the lighter is improved, and the risk of generating a flame due to directly turning the actuator or unintentionally abutting against the actuator by an external force is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Xinhua Huang
  • Patent number: 6390809
    Abstract: A child safety device in a hand held lighter comprises a rotatable barrel section and a release button. The child safety device requires that a user of advanced dexterity and hand eye coordination push a trigger or release button while contemporaneously therewith rotating the barrel section. Rotation of the barrel section allows for aligning of fuel line sections so that when aligned and the trigger mechanism is depressed, the flammable substance is allowed to flow to the firing chamber at the nozzle. After each depressing and release of the trigger, the barrel section returns to its first position, and the user must re-rotate the barrel section to re-light to lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph L. Gerace
  • Patent number: 6386861
    Abstract: A safety lighter having a safety switch which prevents ignition of the lighter by automatically blocking the activation trigger from returning to a pre-ignition position and in turn prevents the piezoelectric actuator from returning to a pre-ignition position after the activation trigger has been urged to an ignition position. The safety switch has a slanted member having an engagement surface and a sliding surface, and a U-shaped sliding slot member having a resilient pane, a guide arm, a blocking surface, and a safety trigger. The safety switch allows ignition of the lighter only after the safety trigger is urged upward such that the activation trigger and the piezoelectric actuator return to their pre-ignition positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Polycity Enterprise Limited
    Inventor: Tak Chi Sher
  • Patent number: 6386860
    Abstract: A child-resistant lighter is disclosed which includes an actuator and a latch member coupled thereto. The latch member includes a finger actuation portion and a body portion integrally formed therewith. The body portion has a free end. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention when in an inoperative position, the free end of the latch member is aligned with a blocking surface of the lighter body, thus, preventing inadvertent lighting of the lighter. When in an operative position, the free end of the latch member is pivoted out of alignment with the blocking surface so that the lighter can function. During pivoting, as the finger actuation portion moves in a first direction, the free end moves in an opposite, second direction. The first direction is substantially forward and the second direction is substantially rearward. In another embodiment, the latch member can be slidable coupled to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Richard M. Orazietti, Floyd Fairbanks
  • Publication number: 20020055076
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter which a user actuates by at least two different modes of operation. In the first mode, a plunger member is positioned to allow a biasing member to oppose movement of an actuating assembly so that a user releases fuel and ignites the lighter only if a high-actuation-force is applied to the actuator. In this first mode, the lighter resists operation by unintended users by requiring a user to have a predetermined level of strength to actuate the lighter. In the second mode, the plunger member is moved to a different position so that the biasing member does not oppose movement of the actuating assembly to the same extent as the first mode so that a user may release fuel and ignite the lighter if a low-actuation-force is applied to the actuator. Moving the plunger member from the first position to the second position preferably requires the user to have a predetermined level of cognitive abilities and/or physical characteristics in order to resist use by unintended users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Floyd Fairbanks, Anthony Sgroi
  • Publication number: 20020055077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter which a user actuates by at least two different modes of operation. In the first mode, a plunger member is positioned to allow a biasing member to oppose movement of an actuating assembly so that a user releases fuel and ignites the lighter only if a high-actuation-force is applied to the actuator. In this first mode, the lighter resists operation by unintended users by requiring a user to have a predetermined level of strength to actuate the lighter. In the second mode, the plunger member is moved to a different position so that the biasing member does not oppose movement of the actuating assembly to the same extent as the first mode so that a user may release fuel and ignite the lighter if a low-actuation-force is applied to the actuator. Moving the plunger member from the first position to the second position preferably requires the user to have a predetermined level of cognitive abilities and/or physical characteristics in order to resist use by unintended users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Floyd Fairbanks, Anthony Sgroi, Brian Tubby
  • Patent number: 6382960
    Abstract: A child resistant lighter is disclosed which includes an actuator and a latch member pivotally coupled thereto. The latch member, when in an inoperative position, is aligned with a blocking surface of the lighter body, thus, preventing inadvertent lighting of the lighter. When in an operative position, the latch member is pivoted out of alignment with the blocking surface so that the lighter can function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: B I C Corporation
    Inventors: Rene D. Frigiere, Michel J. M. Doucet, Enrique Nollas Amoros, Paul H. Adams
  • Patent number: 6364656
    Abstract: A gas burner includes a gas valve block having a gas input control part connected to a fuel gas source and a gas output control part connected to a flame tube and gas nozzle for producing an igniting flame for burning fuel gas outputted through the flame tube, a differential pressure device adapted to control the fuel gas passage between the gas input control part and the gas output control part through a normal-close valve and a normal-open valve, an electronic igniter controlled by a cock in the gas valve block through a micro-switch to discharge sparks through discharging electrode means for burning fuel gas outputted through the gas nozzle, and a temperature switch for controlling the operation of the normal-open valve and the electronic igniter subject to a predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Wen Chou Chen
  • 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: 20020009684
    Abstract: A safety mechanism in a cigarette lighter that utilizes a double-button actuator system. The safety button has an aperture through which is positioned an ignition button. The safety button and the ignition button are adjoined by a flange such that when the safety button is depressed the ignition button is also depressed. The safety mechanism also includes a stopper, which limits the downward movement of the safety button. Thus the safety button translates downward sufficiently to operate the fuel-release lever opening the fuel-discharge valve. However, in order to activate the piezoelectric unit the ignition button must be depressed below the level of the contact surface of the safety button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Patent number: 6336807
    Abstract: A gas lighter in which a stop mechanism is disposed between the ignition button and fuel tank of the gas lighter and adapted to stop the ignition button from triggering the electric arc generator of the gas lighter and moving the gas lever of the fuel tank in opening the fuel gas outlet, the stop mechanism including a base frame, two spring-supported links slidably mounted on the base frame and adapted for pressing by the ignition button to press the electric arc generator and the gas lever, and a lever extended from the base frame to the outside of the gas lighter for turning by hand to move the links in and out of the working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Huang-Hsi Hsu
  • Patent number: 6332771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Brian Tubby, Richard M. Orazietti
  • Patent number: 6332772
    Abstract: A safety mechanism of a utility lighter. In a first preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a safety button and a cam mechanism having a fuel release lever, a cam lever, and a return spring. When the cam mechanism is in the locked position, the cam lever engages the stopper tab of the trigger to impede depression of the trigger, and the fuel release lever closes the fuel release valve. The cam mechanism is actuated by depressing the safety button. As the safety button is depressed, the cam lever is disengaged out of alignment with the stopper tab to permit depression of the trigger, the hub rotates, and the fuel release lever is actuated to open the fuel-release valve. As the safety button is released, the return spring urges the cam mechanism into the locked position. In a second preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a lever spring and the cam mechanism having the fuel release lever and the safety button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Calico Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Patent number: 6328555
    Abstract: A gas lighter which is ignited only when the cap is open and a safety switch is released and when the cap is closed, it is automatically locked again, and of which the nozzle is open, whenever the cap is open and even when the cap is open, the gas does not flow out through the nozzle and just when the safety switch is adjusted to lift the nozzle, and then the nozzle is finally open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kyunghan Park
    Inventor: Kyunghan Park
  • Patent number: 6325617
    Abstract: A safety mechanism of a utility lighter. In a first preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a safety button and a cam mechanism having a fuel release lever, a cam lever, and a return spring. When the cam mechanism is in the locked position, the cam lever engages the stopper tab of the trigger to impede depression of the trigger, and the fuel release lever closes the fuel release valve. The cam mechanism is actuated by depressing the safety button. As the safety button is depressed, the cam lever is disengaged out of alignment with the stopper tab to permit depression of the trigger, the hub rotates, and the fuel release lever is actuated to open the fuel-release valve. As the safety button is released, the return spring urges the cam mechanism into the locked position. In a second preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a lever spring and the cam mechanism having the fuel release lever and the safety button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Calico Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Publication number: 20010044085
    Abstract: A safety mechanism of a utility lighter. In a first preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a safety button and a cam mechanism having a fuel release lever, a cam lever, and a return spring. When the cam mechanism is in the locked position, the cam lever engages the stopper tab of the trigger to impede depression of the trigger, and the fuel release lever closes the fuel release valve. The cam mechanism is actuated by depressing the safety button. As the safety button is depressed, the cam lever is disengaged out of alignment with the stopper tab to permit depression of the trigger, the hub rotates, and the fuel release lever is actuated to open the fuel-release valve. As the safety button is released, the return spring urges the cam mechanism into the locked position. In a second preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a lever spring and the cam mechanism having the fuel release lever and the safety button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Patent number: 6318992
    Abstract: A safety mechanism of a utility lighter that includes a locking mechanism and a safety button. The locking mechanism includes a locking spring, a locking lever and a stopper tab. In the locked position the locking mechanism prevents the trigger from being depressed. The locking lever engages the stopper tab when in the locked position. The safety button, when activated, depresses the locking lever which unlocks the trigger. Activating the safety button also opens the valve and fuel is released. In order to maintain a flame the safety button must be continuously activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Publication number: 20010041315
    Abstract: A safety mechanism in a utility lighter comprising a safety trigger that slides and rotates a fuel-release lever such that fuel is released, wherein said safety trigger has a space through it that is parallel to the safety trigger's longitudinal axis, an undersurface that moves in unison with the sliding section of a piezoelectric unit, an operation section that protrudes from the lighter housing and has a slightly curved surface, and extension tabs that help guide it along its sliding path, an ignition trigger which is located within said space through said safety trigger and activates the piezoelectric unit, said ignition trigger being capable of sliding relative to said safety trigger and having an operation section and an opposing end, wherein the operation section of said ignition trigger protrudes from said operation section of said safety trigger, and said ignition trigger is in contact with the sliding section of said piezoelectric unit, and a projection that interferes with an edge of said safety tri
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Patent number: 6315550
    Abstract: A lighter safety system which in a first “safety on” position prevents the ignition of the lighter by not releasing gas when the trigger is pulled. The simultaneous downward depression of a safety switch with the operator's thumb and the rearward depression of the trigger by the operator's fingers (of the same hand) allows the lighter to ignite. A safety gas lever in the housing is pivotable when a positioning pillar in the housing is depressed. A yoke on one end of switch lever engages the neck of a gas nozzle. Depression of the switch lifts the nozzle to release gas. The simultaneous depression of the trigger activates the ignition system; thereby igniting a flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Polycity Enterprise Limited
    Inventor: Tak Chi Sher
  • Patent number: 6311521
    Abstract: A raw material mixture, which has a glass composition containing a salt or an oxide of a flame reaction metal, is heated, and an intermediate base material, in which the salt of the flame reaction metal, or the like, has been thermally decomposed and which is in a temporary sintered state or a fused glass state, is thereby formed. The intermediate base material is ground, and a ground material is thereby obtained. The ground material is mixed together with a liquid and, optionally, a binder, and a viscous flame reaction material is thereby formed. The viscous flame reaction material is supported on a substrate and heated to a temperature, which is not lower than a vitrification melting temperature of the viscous flame reaction material. In this manner, the flame reaction material is fusion bonded to the substrate. Generation of a thermal decomposition gas in the baking step is thus restricted, and the carrying of the flame reaction material on the substrate is carried out appropriately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tokai Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Mifune, Masato Seki
  • Patent number: 6299434
    Abstract: A safety mechanism in a cigarette lighter that utilizes a double-button actuator system. The safety button has an aperture through which is positioned an ignition button. The safety button and the ignition button are adjoined by a flange such that when the safety button is depressed the ignition button is also depressed. The safety mechanism also includes a stopper which limits the downward movement of the safety button. Thus the safety button translates downward sufficiently to operate the fuel-release lever opening the fuel-discharge valve. However, in order to activate the piezoelectric unit the ignition button must be depressed below the level of the contact surface of the safety button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Patent number: 6296475
    Abstract: A gas burner having synchronous ignition and gas supply functions includes a gas storing tank, a gas supply device, a housing, an ignition device, a retaining device, and a burning device. When a press button is pushed, the piezoelectric device is compressed so that a transverse rod is pushed by a push piece to cause a sliding piece and a driven piece to synchronously displace and a shaft spring to retract. The press button enters a wider portion of a lock-shaped hole via a narrower portion. A button spring stretches to cause the press button to be retained in the lock-shaped hole and extend from a piece hole. A gas nozzle is pulled out by a connecting groove for supply of fuel gas via the gas supply device to the burning device. Sparks generated by a lead wire ignites the fuel gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Lin Tsai
  • Patent number: 6296476
    Abstract: A gas burner safety control mechanism includes a housing, a slide button and a stop device, the stop device being formed of a slide, a control button, a locating rod and a follower plate. The slide is unlocked and moved with the slide button to open the gas valve of a fuel tank when pushing the slide button forwards to trigger a piezoelectric device to ignite fuel gas after the locating rod had been pressed. The slide is locked to hold the gas valve in the open position when pressing the control button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Lin Tsai
  • Patent number: 6293782
    Abstract: A safety device for gas burner includes a securing member, a press member, a slidable member, a retaining member and a button member. By manipulating the press member downwardly to reduce the height thereof, a connecting rod of the slidable member displaces as a result of loss of support from a lap piece, with an abutting rod contacting a stop ice. The connecting rod laps an upper portion of the lap piece so that the press member cannot rebound and is positioned. At this time, when the button member is pressed, an ignition means is simultaneously actuated, and the wall hook causes a gas supply means to supply fuel gas to a burner device. The fuel gas is ignited by means of the ignition means, and a wall rod abuts against a trigger rod. By pressing the retaining member, a fastening rod fastens the gas supply means in position to maintain supply of fuel gas. After use, the button member returns to its original position and is automatically retained by the press member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Lin Tsai
  • Publication number: 20010023054
    Abstract: A safety mechanism of a utility lighter. In a first preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a safety button and a cam mechanism having a fuel release lever, a cam lever, and a return spring. When the cam mechanism is in the locked position, the cam lever engages the stopper tab of the trigger to impede depression of the trigger, and the fuel release lever closes the fuel release valve. The cam mechanism is actuated by depressing the safety button. As the safety button is depressed, the cam lever is disengaged out of alignment with the stopper tab to permit depression of the trigger, the hub rotates, and the fuel release lever is actuated to open the fuel-release valve. As the safety button is released, the return spring urges the cam mechanism into the locked position. In a second preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a lever spring and the cam mechanism having the fuel release lever and the safety button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Patent number: 6287109
    Abstract: Disclosed is a locking mechanism for use in a piezoelectric lighter. The locking mechanism includes a slider piece and an inverted “L”-shaped latch member. The slider piece is slidably attached to the top of the flame-producing unit of the lighter, and is coplanar with the lighter body. The slider piece is spring-biased normally to its rear locking position in which its lock spacer stays above a slot made at the horizontal-to-vertical transition of the latch member. Depression of the slider piece allows the lock spacer to fall in the slot, so that the flame-producing unit may reach short of the ignition point at which the piezoelectric element can be struck for ignition. The vertical descent extension of the latch member cannot raise an actuator lever to open the gas valve, either. Thus, no ignition can be caused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Hirota & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryohei Hirota
  • Patent number: 6267582
    Abstract: A pocket lighter of the present invention comprises a gas container having an outlet valve through which ignitable gas is released. An igniter device having a reciprocative plunger is also provided. The igniter device is operative to produce a spark when the plunger is axially moved. A thumb actuator is operative to cause opening of the outlet valve and axial movement of the reciprocative plunger, thereby producing a controlled flame. The pocket lighter is constructed and arranged such that at least ten pounds of force is required to operate the thumb actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Guang Lin
  • Patent number: 6264463
    Abstract: A safety mechanism in a utility lighter comprising a safety trigger that slides and rotates a fuel-release lever such that fuel is released, wherein said safety trigger has a space through it that is parallel to the safety trigger's longitudinal axis, an undersurface that moves in unison with the sliding section of a piezoelectric unit, an operation section that protrudes from the lighter housing and has a slightly curved surface, and extension tabs that help guide it along its sliding path, an ignition trigger which is located within said space through said safety trigger and activates the piezoelectric unit, said ignition trigger being capable of sliding relative to said safety trigger and having an operation section and an opposing end, wherein the operation section of said ignition trigger protrudes from said operation section of said safety trigger, and said ignition trigger is in contact with the sliding section of said piezoelectric unit, and a projection that interferes with an edge of said safet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Kil Yong Sung
  • Patent number: 6244858
    Abstract: A multi-purpose lighter with child resistant device includes a lock member including a lock button and a locker arm wherein the lock button is arranged to drive the locker arm to move from a normally locking position to an unlocked position. The locker arm has an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion thereof is horizontally extended to a blocking wall of a trigger button for blocking up the trigger button from being pushed inwardly so as to lock up the trigger button from ignition. The lower portion of the locker arm is downwardly extended to a piezoelectric unit casing wherein a resilient element is mounted therebetween for applying an urging pressure against the locker arm so as to normally retain the lock member at said locking position. In order to ignite the multi-purpose lighter, a user must intentionally press the lock button down and remain it in an unlocked condition that the locker arm is offset from the blocking wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Boqi Wang
  • Patent number: 6241511
    Abstract: A gas lighter comprises a housing for receiving a fuel reservoir and a pivot plate, a spring-biased ignition button partially raised above the housing with bottom in contact with the pivot plate having a conductive contact, a spring-biased safety button partially raised below the housing, a high-voltage circuit device including a first contact coupled to ignition tube, a second contact coupled to a source, and a conductive pad coupled between the second contact and the stud. In use, depress the ignition button and the first safety button to form an electrical path from the source to the ignition tube for generating an arc, and the pivot plate is pivoted by the ignition button to open a gas outlet to introduce gas to the ignition tube for igniting the gas lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Huang-Hsi Hsu
  • Publication number: 20010001705
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility lighter platform which includes a lighting mechanism configured to selectively ignite fuel supplied from a fuel supply container, and a frame configured to operatively house the lighting mechanism and configured to receive an outer shell thereon. The frame includes a fuel supply container housing structure configured to hold a fuel supply container at a first end of the frame and an insulating cap holding structure configured to receive an insulating cap at a second end of the frame and configured to house a nozzle operatively connected to the fuel supply. The frame also includes an ignitor assembly holding structure configured to house an ignitor assembly, and a trigger holding structure configured to operatively hold a trigger stem with which to activate the ignitor assembly and to release fuel from the fuel supply in order to ignite fuel received at the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Ferrara, Brian Tubby, Paul Adams
  • Patent number: 6234784
    Abstract: A safety lighter uses a double release lock mechanism applied to a conventional construction of igniter and valve release. Before the lighter can be activated and a flame produced, a latching collar around the button normally pressed to cause operation of the lighter must be released from a locking position in which this button is locked from being pushed down by an interior set of fingers engaging a ledge. The latching collar is itself locked into the button by the restraint between a first tab and groove latch and is only released by a pressure which disengages this first tab and groove restraint therebetween. With this tab and groove latch released by a strong thumb pressure of the operator that can only be done by an adult, the collar can be slid down to a point where a second tab and groove latch is activated between the button and collar. At this point the latch fingers are forced off the ledge, but downward extending arms of the collar engage the same ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Yoshinaga Technica Corporation
    Inventors: Michinori Yoshinaga, Masahiko Kamegamori
  • Patent number: 6231335
    Abstract: A lighter includes an igniting button disposed in a gas container, a block slidably received in the container, a cap engaged on top of the container and pivotally secured to the block with a pivot shaft, and a an actuator secured to the block and moved in concert with the block relative to the container to depress the button for igniting purposes. A latch is slidably received in the an actuator and biased to engage with the cap and to prevent the cap from being rotated relative to the block about the pivot shaft and to prevent the an actuator from being depressed by the children inadvertently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Ying Fang Huang
  • Patent number: 6217313
    Abstract: A childproof barbecue lighter includes a lock button having a locking arm downwardly extended to a stopper in a pusher cavity for blocking up a pusher button from being pushed downwardly so as to lock up the pusher button from ignition. The lock button is movable with respect to the pusher button wherein the lock button is arranged to drive the locking arm to move offset from the stopper in such a manner the pusher button is capable of being pushed downwardly to ignite the barbecue lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Ying Wen Luo