CN101126510A

CN101126510A - Multi-component lighter

Info

Publication number: CN101126510A
Application number: CNA2007101418185A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·K·帕克
Original assignee: Prometheus International Inc
Current assignee: Prometheus International Inc
Priority date: 2006-08-15
Filing date: 2007-08-13
Publication date: 2008-02-20
Also published as: US20080044779A1

Abstract

The present lighter includes two basic components, a housing and a fuel cartridge. The housing may comprise multiple pieces. The fuel cartridge is easy to remove from the housing without the use of any tools. Thus, an empty fuel cartridge can quickly be replaced with a full one by the user. Replacing the fuel cartridge, rather than refilling it, prevents the user from coming into contact with lighter fuel. The housing and the fuel cartridge are each relatively inexpensive to mass produce. Thus, a worn or damaged housing may be removed from the lighter by the user and replaced with a new housing. The disposability and replaceability of the lighter components makes repairs to the lighter quick and inexpensive. All or part of the housing may also be replaced with a housing having a different outward appearance. A user can thus change the appearance of his or her lighter by changing housings, rather than having to purchase multiple lighters. The housing may include surface features, such as bosses, ribs and/or tensioning springs, to tighten a fit of the housing and prevent spontaneous separation. The surface features may also protect the appearance of the housing.

Description

Multi-component lighter

The cross reference of related application

[0001] the application is the application serial no No.11/505 that submitted on August 15th, 2006,250 continuous part, and the whole contents of this application is incorporated into this by reference.

Technical field

[0002] the present invention relates to a kind of igniter that is configured to light cigarette, cigar and tube.

Background technology

[0003] many senior lighter comprise the fuel reservoir that refills.When this lighter was used up fuel, it can refill by enough fuel available on the market.Regrettably, refilling process may be dirty and dangerous sometimes.When fuel was from the fuel reservoir of transferring to lighter such as the fuels sources of metal can, some fuel may overflow.Not only make dirty fabric and stay the residue that sends bad smell of this fuel that overflows, and it very easily fires, and may unexpectedly light, cause injury and property damage.

[0004] refills lighter usually with long-lived material manufacturing and be intended to keep many years of duty.The common bag of these lighter is also drawn together many movable mechanical parts.Regrettably these movable members wear and tear sometimes, and making lighter become can't use.These movable members have some very little and/or be difficult to dismantle from lighter.Therefore, when lighter breaks down, change the parts of wearing and tearing and make lighter return to duty very difficult, consuming time and spend many.Summary of the invention

[0005] in view of the above-mentioned shortcoming of prior art lighter, an aspect of of the present present invention provides (realization) a kind of lighter, and it separates lighter fuel as far as possible and helps using all users that refill lighter with the user.Therefore, the danger that fuel overflows if the user can refill his or his lighter is very little, and the user will be safe so, and make dirty any fabric or to stay the possibility of bad smell thereafter minimum of fuel.

[0006] another aspect of the present invention provides a kind of lighter, this lighter can change the parts of lighter wearing and tearing and have no problem, do not postpone repair procedures and the cost of repairs few, thereby be of value to all users that refill lighter.For example, if the parts that the user has been worn and torn by fast quick-detach lighter and with new part replacement can be handled the lighter components of having worn and torn simply, the user can re-use his or his lighter immediately and need not to wait for that the professional finishes its repair procedures.Also will save lighter user's repair cost from (oneself starts) repair capability.

[0007] preferred embodiment of multi-component lighter of the present invention has certain characteristics, and these feature neither ones determine their desirable attributes separately.Its outstanding more feature will be discussed below briefly and not limit the scope of this lighter of representing by claim.Consider after this discussion, particularly read " after the detailed description of preferred embodiment ", people are to be understood that how the feature of preferred embodiment provides advantage, this advantage comprises without the fast quick-detach of instrument and ressembles, disposable and removable parts, and the interchangeable parts that is used to change the lighter outward appearance.

[0008] lighter of the present invention embodiment comprises the have operating mechanism housing and the combustion cylinder (burner cylinder) of (starting drive).This lighter also comprises the fuel reservoir with the storage of fuels of being configured to and is configured to from the disposable propellant bottle (cartridge) of the transport sector of fuel reservoir transmission fuel.This propellant bottle and casing structure Cheng Yike separating type are bonded with each other, and make them to separate easily.When propellant bottle and at least a portion housing joint, the fuel transport sector is operably connected to this combustion cylinder and is configured to fuel is transferred to combustion cylinder from this reservoir.

[0009] another embodiment of lighter of the present invention comprises and is configured to the disposable propellant bottle that uses with lighter.This propellant bottle comprises the fuel reservoir that is configured for storage of fuels and is configured for the fuel transport sector of fuel from this reservoir transmission fuel.This transport sector comprises bar portion and outlet nozzle.This outlet nozzle be configured to decay fuel pressure and/or speed by this outlet nozzle.The top of this bar portion comprises first group of screw thread, and the bottom of this outlet nozzle comprises the screw thread of second group of complementation.Be fixed in this bar portion by first group of screw thread and second group of this outlet nozzle of screw-threaded engagement in discerptible mode.

[0010] another embodiment of lighter of the present invention comprises the method for repairing lighter.This method comprises by first parts that take off lighter to be dismantled lighter at least in part and disposes the step of this first lighter components.This method also comprise with second lighter components change first lighter components and by with the combination of this second lighter components and this lighter to ressemble the step of this lighter at least in part.This first lighter components comprises at least two subassemblies that operationally interfix.This method not tool using is all finished with hand.

[0011] another embodiment of lighter of the present invention comprises that replacing uses the method for the propellant bottle of empty lighter basically.This method comprises by taking out from its housing substantially to be dismantled this lighter at least in part and changes the step that this uses empty propellant bottle basically with the propellant bottle that is full of basically with empty lighter fuel tube.This method also comprises the step of ressembling this lighter at least in part by the propellant bottle that this is full of basically and this shell combination.

[0012] another embodiment of lighter of the present invention comprises the method that changes the lighter outward appearance.This method comprises the step of partly dismantling this lighter by the first that takes out its housing at least.This first housing parts has at least the first appearance characteristics.This method also comprises the step of changing this first housing parts with second housing parts.This second housing parts has second appearance characteristics that is different from this first appearance characteristics at least.This method also comprise by with this second housing parts and this lighter built-up section ressemble the step of this lighter.

[0013] another embodiment of lighter of the present invention comprises and is configured to light cigarette.The lighter of cigar or tube.This lighter comprises shell, and shell comprises operating mechanism and combustion cylinder on this.The outer surface that should go up shell comprises the rib of at least one rising.This lighter also comprises lower casing, and this lower casing comprises the control inner chamber that is configured to admit shell on this.This lighter also comprises disposable propellant bottle, and this propellant bottle comprises the fuel reservoir that is configured for storage of fuels and is configured to from the fuel transport sector of this reservoir transmission fuel.This propellant bottle becomes in separable mode to be bonded with each other with last Shell structure, makes them to separate easily under the pressure of finger.When propellant bottle and last shell joint, this fuel transport sector is operably connected to this combustion cylinder, and is configured to fuel is transferred to this combustion cylinder from this reservoir.

[0014] another embodiment of lighter of the present invention comprises and is configured to light cigarette.The lighter of cigar or tube.This lighter comprises shell, and shell comprises operating mechanism, combustion cylinder and tension spring on this.This lighter also comprises lower casing, and this lower casing comprises the inner chamber that is configured to admit shell on this.This lighter also comprises disposable propellant bottle, and this propellant bottle comprises the fuel reservoir that is configured for storage of fuels and is configured to from the fuel transport sector of this reservoir transmission fuel.When this tension spring is configured in last shell is received in this lower casing this lower casing is applied power.This propellant bottle is bonded with each other in separable mode with last Shell structure one-tenth and makes them to separate easily under the pressure of finger.When propellant bottle and last shell joint, this fuel transport sector is operably connected to this combustion cylinder, and is configured to fuel is transferred to this combustion cylinder from this reservoir.

Description of drawings

[0015] below detailed description is illustrated the preferred embodiment of the multi-component lighter of the present invention of its feature.These embodiment describe novelty shown in the drawings and non-obvious lighter, and these embodiment only are used for illustrative purposes.These accompanying drawings comprise following feature, and wherein identical Reference numeral is represented identical parts:

[0016] Fig. 1 is the decomposition forward sight elevation of an embodiment of multi-component lighter of the present invention;

[0017] Fig. 2 is the decomposition forward sight elevation of another embodiment that comprises the multi-component lighter of the present invention of cutter;

[0018] Fig. 3 is the decomposition front cross sectional view of the lighter of Fig. 1;

[0019] Fig. 4 is the front cross sectional view of assembling of the lighter of Fig. 1, lighter is shown in inactive state;

[0020] Fig. 5 is the front cross sectional view of assembling of the lighter of Fig. 1, lighter is shown in fired state;

[0021] Fig. 6 is the last shell of lighter of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and the forward sight elevation of propellant bottle;

[0022] Fig. 7 is the last shell of lighter of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and the decomposition forward sight elevation of associated components, comprises button ignition switch, burner lid, combustion cylinder, interior support member and lever;

[0023] Fig. 8 is the propellant bottle of lighter of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and the decomposition forward sight elevation of associated components, comprises fuel reservoir, fuel transport sector and outlet nozzle lift lever;

[0024] Fig. 9 is the top plan view of the outlet nozzle lift lever of Fig. 8;

[0025] Figure 10 is the outlet nozzle of propellant bottle of Fig. 8 and the forward sight facade detail drawing of bar portion;

[0026] Figure 11 is the forward sight elevation of lower casing of the lighter of Fig. 1;

[0027] Figure 12 is that elevational view is looked in the left side of the lower casing of Figure 12;

[0028] Figure 13 is the forward sight elevation of assembling of the lighter of Fig. 1, and the lighter of inactive state is shown;

[0029] Figure 14 is the lighter forward sight elevation of Figure 13, and lighter button that is in compressive state and the button cover that is in the lighter of open mode are shown;

[0030] Figure 15 is the top plan view of the lighter of Figure 13;

[0031] Figure 16 is the top plan view of the lighter of Figure 14;

[0032] Figure 17 is the flat sheet of the bottom view of the lighter of Figure 13;

[0033] Figure 18 is the forward sight elevation of assembling of the lighter of Fig. 2, and the cutter that is in the close position is shown;

[0034] Figure 19 is the forward sight elevation of the lighter of Figure 18, and the cutter that is shown in an open position is shown;

[0035] Figure 20 is the flat sheet of the bottom view of the lighter of Figure 18;

[0036] Figure 21 is the flat sheet of the bottom view of the lighter of Figure 19;

[0037] Figure 22 is that another embodiment of multi-component lighter of the present invention decomposes the forward sight elevation; And

[0038] Figure 23 is that elevation is looked on the right side of exploded of the lighter of Figure 22.

The specific embodiment

[0039] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of multicompartment lighter 30 of the present invention.This lighter 30 comprises propellant bottle 32 and housing 34.In the embodiment shown, housing 34 comprises shell 36 and lower casing 38.But those of ordinary skill in the art understands, and this housing can include only single parts in other embodiments.For example, propellant bottle 32 can be an one with lower casing 38, or goes up shell 36 and use with propellant bottle and do not have a lower casing 38.

[0040] Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of lighter 40 of the present invention.The embodiment of this embodiment and Fig. 1 is same basically, and comprises propellant bottle 32 and last shell 36.But lower casing 42 comprises with the connected punch-cuts device 44 of the mode that can pivot.The structure of this punch-cuts device is described in more detail below with acting on.

[0041] in each embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, advantageously, lighter 30,40 comprises two basic elements of character, housing 34 and propellant bottle 32.In addition, in an illustrated embodiment, this housing 34 comprises shell 36 and lower casing 38,42.But in certain embodiments, housing can include only a shell.

[0042] as in the following detailed description of, housing 34 and propellant bottle 32 can be by lighter user assemblings and do not need to use any instrument easily.Therefore the user can pull down one or more parts of lighter easily also with these parts of new part replacement.For example, empty if propellant bottle is used, the user can dispose it and replace it with the propellant bottle that newly is full of.By refilling lighter by this way, the user will never contact with lighter fuel.Therefore it is quite safe and quite fast to refill process, and the fabric or stay niff of preventing to make dirty.

[0043] as another example, if upward any part of shell 36 is worn or damages, the user can change it.Last shell comprises several movable members.Because the lighter of general prior art comprises similar movable member, if becoming, can't use by lighter, the user must buy new lighter or must be finished by the professional and not only spend but also time-consuming repairing.And lighter 30,40 of the present invention, if last shell 36 (or lower casing 38 or propellant bottle 32) becomes and can't use or owing to any reason becomes ugly, the user can buy the replacing parts, and then the parts by abandoning damage and with new parts with its replacing and oneself completes repairs.This oneself repairing mostly saved money than buying whole lighter, and finishes than professional repair organ place under repair flower less time mostly.

[0044] with reference to figure 3 and Fig. 4, last shell 36 comprises cavity 43, and the size and dimension of this cavity 43 is made in the mode that is slidingly matched and admitted propellant bottle 32.Lower casing 38 also comprises cavity 46, and the size and dimension of this cavity 46 is made in the mode that is slidingly matched and admitted propellant bottle 32 and last shell 36.All these three

parts

32,36 and 38 preferably are bonded with each other with friction fit, make each parts spontaneously not to be separated from each other.In addition, propellant bottle 32 can comprise one or more projectioies and/or convex surface, and go up shell 36 can comprise one or more pallets (? detent)/concave surface and/or aperture.In an illustrated embodiment, propellant bottle 32 is included in two convex surfaces 48 (Fig. 1) on its front surface, and last shell 36 is included in two apertures 50 on its front surface.Similarly convex surface of She Zhiing and aperture also can be arranged on the rear surface of propellant bottle 32 and last shell 36.When propellant bottle 32 and last shell 36 during as Fig. 4 and shown in Figure 6 combining, aperture 50 is admitted convex surfaces 48.The joint of these features is strengthened the connection between propellant bottle 32 and the last shell 36.If wish, can be used for further strengthening connection between propellant bottle 32 and the last shell 36 such as one or more securing members of screw (not shown).For example, screw can extend through shell 36 and enter in the propellant bottle 32.But preferably, screw will not damage the globality of propellant bottle, and the globality of infringement propellant bottle 32 may cause the seepage of fuel.

[0045] with reference to figure 1 and Fig. 2, last shell 36 can also comprise one or more protruding 51.In an illustrated embodiment, two isolated protruding 51 are arranged on the front surface of shell, near its lower limb.The same projection 51 that is provided with can be arranged on the rear surface of shell 36.This projection 51 engages the inner surface of lower casing 38,42.Therefore, when last shell 36 slided into or skid off

lower casing

38,42, protected not being subjected to of the front and rear surfaces of last shell 36 may be owing to contact the scratch that causes with the inner surface of lower casing 38,42.Therefore projection 51 prolongs the new outward appearance that goes up shell 36.Projection 51 can provide the cooperation of more being close between last shell 36 and

lower casing

38,42, therefore, reduce this two chances that parts spontaneously separate.And projection 51 engages pallet and the recess (not shown) on the inner surface of

lower casings

38,42, further will go up shell 36 and

lower casing

38,42 is fixed together.

[0046] with reference to Figure 22 and 23, last shell can also comprise the rib 53 of and a plurality of protuberances.This rib has the function that is similar to projection illustrated in figures 1 and 2 51.Just, their protections are gone up the surface of shell 36 and provide the cooperation of more being close between last shell 36 and lower casings 38,42.In an illustrated embodiment, each rib comprises from contiguous lower end of going up shell along the surface that straight substantially vertical curve raises up or swells.With reference to Figure 23, the upper and lower side 55 of each rib 53 can tilt towards last shell 36.When last shell 36 slides into lower casing 38, the top edge 57 of the surface 55 contact lower casings 38 of this inclination, and help guides upward, and shell 36 enters in the lower casing 38.

[0047] in an illustrated embodiment, three flatly at interval and vertically the rib 53 of orientation be arranged on the front surface of shell 36.Three also can be arranged on the rear surface of shell 36 with the rib that is orientated similarly at interval.Other rib can be arranged on the left-hand face of shell 36.One skilled in the art will appreciate that rib 53 can have other shapes and/or structure, can be provided with still less or more rib, and this rib can differently be located.For example, on the left-hand face rib 53 can be set.

[0048] with reference to Figure 23, last shell 36 can comprise tension spring 59.In the embodiment shown, this tension spring comprises two sheet springs 61 relatively that extend, cantilever.This sheet spring 61 is formed by the flat board 63 with two U-shaped holes 65.The openend of hole 65 mutually towards.The free end of each sheet spring comprises convex shape 67.With reference to Figure 22, this convex shape stretches out from the right lateral surface of last shell 36, thereby, between last shell 36 and lower casing 38, form interference engagement.Therefore, when last shell 36 was positioned in the lower casing 38, sheet spring 61 was owing to the contact between the inner surface of this convex shape 67 and lower casing 38 curves inwardly.Therefore crooked sheet spring 61 forms tension force, and this tension force will be gone up shell 36 and remain on closely in the lower casing 38.Those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that tension spring must not be provided with.

[0049] with reference to figure 3, propellant bottle 32 also comprises the cantilever spring thin slice 52 that extends from its right lateral surface.The upper end of this spring thin slice 52 is in abutting connection with the reservoir part 54 of this propellant bottle 32, and bracketed part is roughly from its downward extension.Because the thickness of spring wave plate 52 increases and reduces then towards free end 56, the spring thin slice is near its vertical center, and its right lateral surface is outward-dipping, and slopes inwardly then.The maximum ga(u)ge of spring thin slice 52 occurs in the bump pad 58 of its Lower Half.This protuberance 58 and and this inclined surface that swells 58 both sides engage to go up opening 60 on the tongue 62 of shell 36, as shown in Figure 4.With reference to figure 3, when propellant bottle 32 slided in the cavity 43 in the shell 32, the upper inclined surface 64 of spring thin slice 52 engaged the lower limb 66 of tongues 62, and because propellant bottle 32 further slides into 52 bendings of shell 36 medi-spring thin slices.When propellant bottle 32 and last shell 36 during near the state of abundant joint shown in Figure 4, protuberance 58 is by the lower limbs 68 of the opening 60 on the tongue 62, and spring thin slice 52 outwards launches (pop) when swelling in 58 openings 60 that enter suddenly at tongue 62.The joint of these features further strengthens the connection between propellant bottle 32 and the last shell 36.

[0050] Fig. 7 illustrates shell 36 and its relevant parts.Should go up shell 36 and comprise rigid outer housing 70, its shape shape is made the parallelepiped of basic rectangle, and comprises the internal cavities of admitting various parts.In an illustrated embodiment, last shell 36 is equipped with electronics piezoelectrics 72 (Fig. 3), and it produces spark to light lighter fuel and to produce flame.The 26S Proteasome Structure and Function of general electronics piezoelectrics, and its associated components is known for a person skilled in the art.Therefore, the operation of some parts of lighter of the present invention will not go through.But those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that lighter of the present invention can comprise other devices that are used to produce spark.For example, lighter can comprise flint and metal sparks wheel.

[0051] the upper right side part of external shell 70 is admitted the button ignition switch 74 that moves up and down (Fig. 3,7 and Figure 13-16).This button 74 is installed on the spring (not shown), and this spring is positioned at the inboard (Fig. 3) of housing 76.When the user of lighter pushed and unclamps this button 74, spring turned back to inactive state shown in Figure 3 with button 74.The upper left side part of external shell 70 is admitted combustion cylinder 78.The fuel that admit from propellant bottle 32 lower end 80 of this combustion cylinder 78, and when pushing button ignition switch 74, with a plurality of glory holes 82 fuel that gasifies is entered (Fig. 3 and 16) in the atmosphere by one at every turn.Be positioned at when pushing button ignition switch 74 near near the spark output unit the combustion cylinder 84 at every turn and produce spark.The fuel of spark ignition gasification is to be created in the flame of space combustion directly over the combustion cylinder 78.The front and rear surfaces of shell 70 can comprise opening 85 (Fig. 7), and this opening can make air pass through to combustion cylinder 78 to strengthen the burning there.But those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that opening must not be provided with.

[0052] the upper left side part of external shell 70 is also admitted hinged lid 86.The profile of this lid 86 is shape basically.Its underpart comprises the aperture 88 (Fig. 7) of admitting pin 90 (Fig. 3).This pin 90 is fixed in shell 36 by external shell 70 and by aperture 88 so that pivotally will cover 86.The motion of lever 92 response button ignition switches 74 promotes to cover 86.With reference to figure 4 and Fig. 5, to be similar to 86 the mode of covering, lever 92 usefulness pins 94 pivotally are installed on the shell 36.As shown in Figure 5, when the user of lighter pushed button 74, button 74 moved down the right side part of lever 92, caused that lever 92 pivots around pin 94, and pin 94 is arranged near the center about lever 92.Because lever 92 pivots, its left part moves up and applies power to covering 86 lower end.Applied force causes covers 86 rotations around its pin 90, and will cover 86 open modes that move to Fig. 5.When user's release button 74, the spring (not shown) upwards back into resting position with button, as shown in Figure 4.When button 74 moved up, lever 92 back pivoted towards its resting position, and covered 86 too.

[0053] admittance internal support 96 is divided in the right side of external shell 70, the various parts of this support member location and support lighter 30.For example, with reference to figure 3, the right side branch of support member 96 comprises the elongated vertical cavity 98 that holds piezoelectrics 72 and is used for spring

The cavity 76 of (not shown).The lower surface 100 of support member 96 comprises the spill guiding piece 102 of cavity form, and it is admitted from the convex guiding piece 164 of the peg form of propellant bottle 32 extensions, and this will explain below.Tongue 62 extends (Fig. 7) downwards from the corner, lower right side of this support member 96.The left-hand face of this tongue 62 comprises groove 104 (Fig. 3), and its admittance also guides the spring thin slice 52 of aforesaid propellant bottle 32.This tongue 62 also comprises opening 60, and as mentioned above, it admits the protuberance 58 of spring thin slice 52.

[0054] Fig. 8 illustrates the decomposition view of propellant bottle 32.This propellant bottle 32 comprises the fuel reservoir 54 with internal cavities 106 (Fig. 3), and it is configured for storing storing liquid and/or gas phase fuel.For example fuel can be butane or any other suitable fuel.In the embodiment shown, fuel reservoir 54 comprises that it is the bottom 108 of parallelepiped of rectangle and the top 110 that shape is also made the parallelepiped that is rectangle basically basically that shape is made.Advantageously, this fuel reservoir 54 molded plastics manufacturing makes fuel reservoir 54 produce less expensively.Also advantageously, the transparent or semitransparent material manufacturing of these fuel reservoir 54 usefulness makes the liquid fuel amount that stores within it determine easily by visual inspection.

[0055] left side of propellant bottle 32 comprises elongated vertical cavity 112 (Fig. 3), and it is configured to admit fuel transmission post 114.Show that in Fig. 8 this fuel transmission post 114 of making decomposition view comprises tubular rod 116, it is configured to fuel is transferred to combustion cylinder 78 from fuel reservoir 54.In the embodiment shown, this bar portion 116 comprises external screw thread 118, and it engages with the internal thread (not shown) of this elongate cavity 112, so that bar portion 116 is fixed in this cavity.

[0056] flame height adjuster 120 is fixed on the lower end of bar portion 116, and fuel outlet nozzle 122 is fixed on the upper end of bar portion 116.Flame height adjuster 120 makes the user can regulate the fuel flow rate of transmitting post 114 by fuel with respect to the rotation of bar portion 116, thereby can regulate the size of the flame that is produced by combustion cylinder 78.The lower end of bar portion 116 can also comprise fuel inlet valve 124, as shown in Figure 3.This fuel inlet valve 124 can add in the fuel reservoir 54 additional fuel to manner known in the art.But because propellant bottle 32 is detachable and removable, fuel inlet valve 124 must not be provided with.The parts of fuel transmission post 114 can be with a kind of and multiple metal manufacturing, for example brass or steel.But those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that fuel transmission post 114 can be used in and not corrode under the situation that has lighter fuel or rotten any suitable material manufacturing.

[0057] Figure 10 at length illustrates the upper end and the fuel outlet nozzle 122 of bar portion 116, and wherein nozzle illustrates with the form of cutaway view.This fuel outlet nozzle 122 is configured to decay by the pressure and/or the speed of the fuel of this outlet nozzle 122.This nozzle 122 be columniform basically and comprise therebetween near the very narrow opening 126 that passes through.The upper end of bar portion 116 also is columniform basically and comprises first and second O shapes ring 128.This O shape ring 128 abuts the inner surface 132 of the bottom 130 of nozzle 122, with the lower end of sealed-in nozzles 122 and prevent that fuel from passing through its escape.

[0058] upper end of bar portion 116 also comprises and is positioned at the external screw thread 134 that O shape is encircled 128 tops.The inner surface of nozzle 122 comprises internal thread 138, and external screw thread 134 engagements of itself and bar portion 116 are to be fixed in bar portion 116 with this nozzle 122.Advantageously, screw-threaded engagement prevent these two parts accident separately.When propellant bottle 32 because any reason this feature advantageous particularly when housing 34 takes out, because nozzle 122 is smaller and may be put by mistake.Under the situation that propellant bottle 32 is packed dividually as the replacing parts of lighter 30,40.This feature also is particularly advantageous.When the user changed the propellant bottle 32 of using sky with the propellant bottle that is full of, the nozzle 122 of Bao Chiing was unlikely lost regularly.

[0059] in an illustrated embodiment, nozzle 122 is included as the bottom 130 and the top 136 of separate pieces.Those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that nozzle 122 can be constructed with single piece.Nozzle 122 can comprise fuel core (not shown), and it helps pressure and/or the speed of decay by the fuel of this outlet nozzle 122.But those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that the fuel core must not provide.

[0060] with reference to figure 8, lever 140 is can the pivot mode to be connected in the upper end of propellant bottle 32.This lever 140 is shown in the top plan view of the forward sight elevation of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.With reference to figure 8, lever 140 comprises the fulcrum 142 near its center, left and right sides.This fulcrum 142 comprises the first and second cylindrical poles 144 (Fig. 9), and it extends along opposite direction from the front surface and the rear surface of this lever 140 respectively.With reference to figure 8, lever 140 also comprise the horizontal component 146 on the left side that extends to this fulcrum 142 and extend upward and extend to this fulcrum 142 the right side to top portion 148.In top plan view (Fig. 9), this horizontal component is the U-shaped shape basically, comprises first and second at interval the supporting legs 150, and is rectangle basically to top portion 148.

[0061] with reference to figure 8, the top of propellant bottle 32 comprises antetheca and rear wall 152 at interval.This wall 152 comprises the part that extends upward of the antetheca of fuel reservoir 54 and rear wall.In Fig. 8, only see antetheca.Each wall 152 comprises aperture 154, and it admits a pole 144 pivotally.Each aperture 154 is at top margin 156 openings of its respective wall.Distance between first and second sides of this opening 158 of opening 158 places is slightly smaller than the diameter of each pole 144.Therefore, when pole 144 was slided by this narrow opening 158 and entered in this aperture 154, lever 140 was stuck on the fuel reservoir 54.By this pole 144 is back released this aperture 154 through this narrow opening 158, lever 140 equally can be from these fuel reservoir 54 dismountings.

[0062] with reference to Figure 10, bar portion 116 is included in the narrow neck 160 below the O shape ring 128.With reference to figure 3 and Fig. 4, this neck 160 is placed between the supporting leg 150 of lever 140.When the user pushes button ignition switch 74, as shown in Figure 5, the right side part of lever 92 lever 140 to top portion 148 on push away downwards.Therefore, lever 140 pivots around its pole 144, and supporting leg 150 upwards pivots, upwards the top of pull lever portion 116.When the top of bar portion 116 moves up, flow through fuel transmission post 114 and enter combustion cylinder 78 from the fuel of reservoir 54.

[0063] lever shown in 140 is advantageously with a part structure.Therefore the manufacturing of this lever 140 is than the lever cheapness made from a plurality of parts.Lever 140 can be used the molded plastics manufacturing, and it further reduces the cost of making lever 140.

[0064] with reference to figure 3 and Fig. 8, the top of propellant bottle 32 comprises the first and second convex guiding pieces 164.The shape of each convex guiding piece 164 is made peg, comprises the bottom of the general cylindrical of extending from this propellant bottle 32 and extends upward and terminate in the cardinal principle conical portion at circle tip from this bottom.Those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that this convex guiding piece 164 can have other configurations.With reference to figure 3 and Fig. 4, each peg 164 is configured to match with one of them of the first and second spill guiding pieces 102,166 on the propellant bottle 32.In the embodiment shown, this first guiding piece 102 comprises the cavity of general cylindrical, and the second spill guiding piece 166 comprises aperture.Those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that this spill guiding piece 102,166 can have other configurations.And can be partly or be entirely opposite in the position of convex and spill guiding piece.

[0065] further with reference to figure 3 and Fig. 4, because propellant bottle 32 slides in the shell 36, the sharp end of each peg 164 enters its corresponding spill guiding piece 102,166 that cooperates.Because the terminal diameter of point of each peg 164 is significantly less than its corresponding spill guiding piece 102,166, be the not alignment of these two parts when combining of convenient propellant bottle 32 and last shell 36, each peg 164 may be arranged in corresponding spill guiding piece 102,166 very much.In case the end of each peg 164 suitably is positioned at after its spill guiding piece 102,166, when propellant bottle 32 and last shell 36 slid together on the way, the tapered end of peg 164 helped two parts are suitably alignd.

[0066] in one embodiment, the method that refills lighter of the present invention comprises uses the propellant bottle of filling, or the propellant bottle of partly filling is changed with step empty or that partly use empty propellant bottle 32.The user at first pulls down lower casing 38,42, and separates this sky propellant bottle 32 from last shell 36 then.The user can abandon this disposable propellant bottle 32 then and change it with the fresh fuel tube of filling fuel.The propellant bottle 32 that is pre-charged with can have been bought in the retail exit.Make the process of loading again of lighter 30,40 of the present invention not need to use fuels sources, or fuel is input to transmission the reservoir from source container such as container.As mentioned above, fuel may be dirty and be dangerous from source container the process the reservoir of being input to.Lighter of the present invention, empty propellant bottle 32 can be changed with the commercial propellant bottle of having bought of filling fuel.The replacing process is separated user and inflammable and fuel that bad smell is arranged safely, and whenever fuel all is contained in the reservoir the inside.In one embodiment, the replacing process comprises from empty propellant bottle 32 takes out fuel nozzle 122, and is fixed in the step on the fresh fuel tube 32.The commercial refuelling tube that obtains can not comprise fuel nozzle 122, and this can advantageously reduce the retail price of refuelling tube.For example, fuel nozzle 122 can comprise fuel sheet (fuel chip) and/or the somewhat expensive widget of other manufacturing costs.But in certain embodiments, the commercial refuelling tube that obtains can comprise fuel outlet nozzle 122, and method that make to change empty propellant bottle can not comprise from empty propellant bottle 32 takes out fuel outlet nozzles 122 and be fixed in step on the fresh fuel tube 32.

[0067] in another embodiment, the method that refills lighter 30,40 of the present invention comprises the step of adding fuel to fuel reservoir, and this step is by means of from importing fuel the fuel reservoir by fuel inlet valve 124 such as the fuels sources of container.In this embodiment, though the user need open the door 178 on the lighter 40, do not need to take out

lower casing

38,42 from lighter.The user locatees fuels sources simply with respect to fuel inlet valve 124, make fuel to carry by this valve.For example, fuels sources can comprise the nozzle that engages and pass through its injection fuel with fuel inlet valve 124.This fuels sources is known in this area, and here is not described in detail.

[0068] Figure 11 and Figure 12 illustrate the lower casing 38 of Fig. 1 lighter 30.In an illustrated embodiment, the shape of lower casing 38 is made the parallelepiped of the rectangle with open top basically.Those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that shown shape only is a kind of structure choice, and has difform housing fully in the scope of claim of the present invention.With reference to Figure 11, in the embodiment shown, lower casing 38 antetheca 168 comprise the first and second air inlet ports 170 near its upper left corner.Similarly opening can be included on the rear wall of lower casing 38.Though also can use any other shape, this opening 170 is oval-shaped substantially.When pushing the sparking button 74 of lighter 30, fuel flows to combustion cylinder 78, and air flows to combustion cylinder 78 to strengthen the burning of fuel by air intake 170.Those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that, can not must comprise air intake.

[0069] with reference to Figure 12, in the embodiment shown, the left side wall 172 of lower casing 38 comprises fuel watch window 174, and it can observe the fuel height in the fuel reservoir 54 easily.Therefore the lighter user determines easily to also have how much fuel in its lighter and does not need to dismantle lighter 30.In the embodiment shown, fuel watch window 174 comprises avette aperture.But those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that aperture can have Any shape, and is for example circular or oval.Alternatively, the fuel watch window can be set.

[0070] in one embodiment, lower casing 38 is used metal construction, for example stainless steel, chromium-plated steel or anodized aluminum.Lower casing 38 also can be with other suitable material manufacturing, for example highstrenghtpiston or pottery.Lower casing 38 can have smooth outer surface, and perhaps it can comprise superficial makings or figure.Lower casing 38 can also have any shades of colour, and/or comprises sign (logo) or mark.In one embodiment, first lower casing that has such as silver color first external appearance characteristic can substitute soon with second lower casing that has such as golden second external appearance characteristic.The lower casing of different colours, texture etc. can be sold in retail salesroom, so as the owner of lighter by only with another lower casing replace a lower casing can be customized its oneself lighter 30.By this way, given lighter 30 can be easy to and expensively not change, and cooperating different auxiliary equipments, or is fit to certain place, for example golf travelling of travelling or go fishing, a plurality of lighter of all needn't spending to buy.The lighter owner only need buy a plurality of lower casings to be used for the place that he or she sees fit.

[0071] with reference to figure 3, Fig. 3 illustrates lower casing 38 with the form of cutaway view.The lower surface of this lower casing 38 comprises aperture 176.This aperture 176 aligns with fuel inlet valve 124 (Figure 17), so that the lighter user can refill this fuel reservoir and not need to dismantle lighter 30.In the embodiment shown, aperture 176 is circular and has enough degree of depth, so that flame height adjuster 120 does not stretch out (Fig. 4) from the lower surface of lighter 30.But, but those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that aperture 176 can have Any shape, and flame height adjuster 120 do not stretch out from the lower surface of lighter 30, perhaps than shown in further recessed.Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that also lower casing 38 can not need fully to comprise that any fuel enters aperture.

[0072] Figure 18-21 illustrates lighter shown in Figure 2 40, and it comprises hinged punch-cuts device 44.With reference to Figure 19, door 178 usefulness swivel pin (not shown) are articulated in the lower end of lower casing 38.In the embodiment shown, swivel pin is arranged on the lower right corner near lower casing 38.But, but those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that swivel pin and linkwork can be arranged on any position of lower casing 38.

[0073] door 178 comprises outer surface 180 and inner surface 182, and when door 178 was in closed position shown in Figure 180, this outer surface formed the outside face of this lower casing 38.Columniform punch-cuts device 44 extends from inner surface 182.With the edge 184 of inner surface 182 isolated cutters 44 be sharp, and be configured to this area week known mode remove the insert and the tobacco of unlap from the end of cigar.The lower end of lower casing 38 comprises recess 186 (Figure 21), and cutter 44 extends therein when door 178 is in closing position shown in Figure 180.

[0074] as shown in the figure, door 178 can pivot 180 ° with respect to lower casing 38, and perhaps it can be with respect to the littler and bigger angle of lower casing 38 pivots.With reference to Figure 21, sheet spring 188 vertically extends from the lower surface of lower casing 38 in recess 186 substantially, and is positioned at the end of the lower casing 30 relative with hinge 190.Knocker (catch) 192 on these sheet spring 188 engages door 178 is to be fixed in the closed position with door 178.The end of the door 178 relative with hinge comprises the projection 194 that clamping surface is provided, for the user opens door 178.By with its finger projection 194 being applied a very little pressure, the user can overcome the confining force of sheet spring 188, opens door 178 with flicking (flip).The lower surface that is positioned at the lower casing 38 of this recess can comprise the aperture 196 that can enter into fuel inlet valve 124, as mentioned above, and with respect to this lighter 30.Those of ordinary skill in the art also will appreciate that, fuel channel aperture 196 must be set.

The parts that are difficult to align when [0075] advantageously, lighter 30,40 of the present invention does not have flexible pipe (hose) or other assembling lighter.The lighter of some prior aries comprises a plurality of widgets, suitably is provided with and all parts that align are very difficult processes, and this is very undesirable for the assembling lighter.On the contrary, lighter 30,40 of the present invention, its critical piece can easily align apace, and slides into together, to finish assembling.For example, fuel outlet nozzle 122 and combustion cylinder 78 are separating components, and when fuel outlet nozzle 122 was damaged, it can easily be changed apace.

[0076] those of ordinary skill in the art also will appreciate that, the foregoing description only is an example.Each embodiment is described as having parts, and these parts have given shape and are positioned at specific position.But many other structures also are possible.For example, some parts can have different shapes, can be positioned at different positions, perhaps can wholely save.Can comprise the other parts outside the described parts equally.Above-mentioned disclosed embodiment neither one is interpreted as limiting the scope of claim.

Scope of the present invention

[0077] above with comprehensive, clear, succinctly and accurately term provides the description of best mode of the expection of lighter of the present invention, and make and use its process and mode, make the relevant any technical staff in this area can make and use this lighter.But this lighter is allowed modification and is the above-described optional structure of equivalent fully.Therefore, this lighter is not limited to disclosed specific embodiment.On the contrary, this lighter is contained all modifications and the optional structure of being represented by claim that belong to this lighter spirit essence and scope, and claim is specifically noted and clearly advocated the theme of this lighter.

Claims

1. lighter that is configured to light cigarette, cigar or tube, described lighter comprises:

Housing, described housing comprises operating mechanism, combustion cylinder; With

Disposable propellant bottle, described propellant bottle comprise the fuel reservoir that is configured for storage of fuels and are configured to from the fuel transport sector of described reservoir transmission fuel;

Wherein, described propellant bottle becomes in separable mode to be bonded with each other with described casing structure, make them under the pressure of finger, to separate easily, and when propellant bottle engages with at least a portion of described housing, described fuel transport sector is operably connected to described combustion cylinder, and is configured to fuel is transferred to described combustion cylinder from described reservoir.

2. lighter as claimed in claim 29, wherein said housing comprises shell and lower casing.

3. lighter as claimed in claim 30, the wherein said shell of going up supports and locatees described operating mechanism and described combustion cylinder.

4. lighter as claimed in claim 31, wherein said lower casing comprise the inner space of at least a portion that is configured to admit described at least a portion that goes up shell and described propellant bottle.

5. lighter as claimed in claim 4, wherein, described upward at least a portion of shell and at least a portion of described propellant bottle can be received within the inner space of described lower casing, make the described shell of going up can be easy to separate from described lower casing under finger pressure with described propellant bottle.

6. lighter as claimed in claim 29, wherein said housing comprises that at least the first guiding piece and described propellant bottle comprise at least the second guiding piece that is configured to described first guide member engagement, when described housing and propellant bottle are bonded with each other, described propellant bottle is directed to relatively the suitable bonding station with described housing.

7. lighter as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first guiding piece is cavity or aperture, and described second guiding piece is a peg.

8. lighter as claimed in claim 29, wherein said housing comprises at least the first fixture, and described propellant bottle comprises at least the second fixture that is configured to engage described first fixture, is tending towards described housing and the separated power of described propellant bottle with opposing.

9. lighter as claimed in claim 8, wherein said first fixture is pallet, concave shape or aperture, and and described second fixture be projection or convex surface.

10. lighter as claimed in claim 29, also comprise described propellant bottle and described housing securing member fixed with each other, only make that at securing member described propellant bottle and described housing separate easily after described propellant bottle and/or described housing unclamp under finger pressure.

11. lighter as claimed in claim 29, also comprise described propellant bottle and described housing retention mechanism fixed with each other, only make that at retention mechanism described propellant bottle and described housing separate easily after described propellant bottle and/or described housing unclamp under finger pressure.

12. be configured to the disposable propellant bottle that uses with lighter, described propellant bottle comprises:

Be configured to the fuel reservoir of storage of fuels;

Be configured to from the fuel transport sector of fuel reservoir transmission fuel, described fuel transport sector comprises bar portion and outlet nozzle, and described outlet nozzle is configured to decay by the pressure and/or the speed of the fuel of described outlet nozzle;

The top of wherein said bar portion comprises first group of screw thread, and the bottom of described outlet nozzle comprises the screw thread of second group of complementation, makes to be threadedly engaged with described outlet nozzle and releasably to be fixed in described bar portion by described first group of screw thread and described second group.

13. propellant bottle as claimed in claim 12, at least a portion of wherein said fuel reservoir is transparent, so that be observable by the fuel quantity in the described reservoir of visual inspection.

14. propellant bottle as claimed in claim 12 wherein further comprises at least one entry nozzle, it is configured to make additional fuel can inject described fuel reservoir.

15. propellant bottle as claimed in claim 12, also comprise and be configured to engage described bar portion and/or described outlet nozzle and it is applied the operating lever of lifting force, described lifting force causes fuel from described reservoir, is also flowed out flowing of described outlet nozzle by described bar portion.

16. a method of repairing lighter, described lighter is configured to light cigarette, cigar or tube, and described method comprises the steps:

Dismantle lighter at least in part by first parts that take off described lighter;

Dispose described first lighter components;

With second lighter components change described first lighter components and

Ressemble described lighter at least in part by described second lighter components and the combination of described lighter;

Wherein said first lighter components comprises at least two subassemblies that operationally interfix; And

Described method not tool using is all finished with hand.

17. method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said first lighter components engages described lighter in the mode that sliding friction cooperates.

18. method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said sub-component are selected from following one group: housing, lid, button ignition switch, combustion cylinder, spark generator and lever.

19. the method for the propellant bottle of empty lighter is used in a replacing basically, described lighter is configured to light cigarette, cigar or tube, and described method comprises the steps:

Basic by from its housing, taking out with empty lighter fuel tube, dismantle described lighter at least in part;

Change the described empty propellant bottle of using basically with the propellant bottle that is full of basically; With

By described propellant bottle that is full of basically and described shell combination are ressembled described lighter at least in part.

20. method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said basic lighter fuel tube with sky engages described housing in the mode that sliding friction cooperates.

21. method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said method not tool using is all finished with hand.

22. method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said housing comprises lower casing, and described method also comprises the step of taking off described lower casing with empty propellant bottle basically from described.

23. method as claimed in claim 22, wherein said housing also comprises shell, and described method also comprises from the described shell of going up and takes off the described step of using empty propellant bottle basically.

24. a method that changes the lighter outward appearance, described lighter is configured to light cigarette, cigar or tube, and described method comprises the steps:

Dismantle described lighter at least in part by the first that takes out its housing at least, described first housing parts has at least the first appearance characteristics;

Change described first housing parts with second housing parts, described second housing parts has at least the second appearance characteristics that is different from described first appearance characteristics; And

By described second housing parts and the combination of described lighter are ressembled described lighter at least in part.

25. method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said first housing parts engages described lighter in the mode that sliding friction cooperates.

26. method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said first housing parts comprises lower casing.

27. method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said method not tool using is all finished with hand.

28. method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said first external appearance characteristic comprises color, texture, surfacial pattern, sign or mark.

29. a lighter that is configured to light cigarette, cigar or tube, described lighter comprises:

Last shell, the described shell of going up comprises operating mechanism and combustion cylinder, the described outer surface of going up shell comprises the rib of at least one rising;

Lower casing, described lower casing comprise the cavity that is configured to admit described last shell; With

Wherein said propellant bottle becomes in separable mode to be bonded with each other with last Shell structure, make them under the pressure of finger, separate easily, and when described propellant bottle and described upward shell joint, described fuel transport sector is operably connected to described combustion cylinder, and is configured to fuel is transferred to described combustion cylinder from described reservoir.

30. method as claimed in claim 29, the wherein said shell of going up comprises three ribs that extend vertically at interval flatly on its front surface.

31. method as claimed in claim 29, the wherein said shell of going up comprises three ribs that extend vertically at interval flatly on its rear surface.

32. method as claimed in claim 29, the wherein said shell of going up comprises the rib that at least one extends vertically on its side surface.

33. method as claimed in claim 29, wherein said last shell is also comprising tension spring, and it is configured to when described last shell is received in the described lower casing lower casing be applied power.

34. method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said tension spring comprise first and second springs.

35. method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the free end of each sheet spring comprises convex form.

36. a lighter that is configured to light cigarette, cigar or tube, described lighter comprises:

Last shell, the described shell of going up comprises operating mechanism, combustion cylinder and tension spring;

Wherein said tension spring is configured to when described last shell is received in the described lower casing lower casing be applied power; And

Described propellant bottle becomes in separable mode to be bonded with each other with last Shell structure, make them under the pressure of finger, separate easily, and when described propellant bottle and described upward shell joint, described fuel transport sector is operably connected to described combustion cylinder, and is configured to fuel is transferred to described combustion cylinder from described reservoir.

37. method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said tension spring comprise first and second springs.

38. method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the free end of each sheet spring comprises convex form.

39. method as claimed in claim 36, the wherein said outer surface of going up shell comprises the rib of at least one rising.

40. method as claimed in claim 39, the wherein said shell of going up comprises three ribs that extend vertically at interval flatly on its front surface.

41. method as claimed in claim 39, the wherein said shell of going up comprises three ribs that extend vertically at interval flatly on its rear surface.

42. method as claimed in claim 39, the wherein said shell of going up comprises the rib that at least one extends vertically on its side surface.