HK1070124B - Child-resistant piezoelectric lighter - Google Patents

Description

Piezoelectric lighter capable of preventing children from being confused

Technical Field

The present invention relates to ignition mechanisms and devices, such as lighters, including pocket and extension-wand lighters, disposable and non-disposable lighters, incorporating such ignition mechanisms, and more particularly to piezoelectric ignition mechanisms and piezoelectric lighters incorporating such ignition mechanisms, and lighters that provide increased difficulty in operation by unintended users.

Background

Disposable gas lighters are available in different forms. Typically, a common element of disposable lighters is an actuating pad or lever used to initiate the flow of fuel. The start pad is typically used in conjunction with a spark generating mechanism so that the fuel flow is ignited immediately after it begins. For example, one type of lighter requires the user to press against a flint to rotate a toothed spark wheel to produce a spark, while (or immediately) depressing an activation pad to release gas and produce a flame.

Other devices used for ignition of disposable lighters employ piezoelectric mechanisms. In this type of ignition mechanism, a piezoelectric element, such as a crystal, is struck by a ram to generate a spark. A spark is generated at the fuel outlet or nozzle to ignite the gaseous fuel. The start button typically initiates fuel flow and subsequent ignition process when depressed by the user. An example of such a piezoelectric ignition Mechanism is disclosed in U.S. patent No.5,262,697 entitled "piezo Mechanism For Gas Lighter".

Various methods have been proposed to make it more difficult or prevent operation by unintended users. One typical approach used is to incorporate a latch member that prevents depression of the activation pad. Examples of such mechanisms are shown in U.S. patent nos. 5,435,719; 5,584,682, and 5,636,979.

However, there remains a need in the art for an ignition mechanism and lighter that increases the difficulty of unintended or undesired operation by unintended users, while also being convenient to use and attractive to a wide range of intended users.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a piezoelectric ignition mechanism that provides increased difficulty for non-target user operation and a pocket or wand type lighter incorporating the piezoelectric ignition mechanism. In one embodiment, the ignition mechanism includes an assembly having first and second members that are slidable and relatively rotatable about a common longitudinal axis thereof. The piezoelectric element is positioned in an assembly with the ram associated with (and preferably positioned in) the assembly. The assembly rotates between the start and stop configurations. In the activated configuration, the ram is capable of striking the piezoelectric element with sufficient force to generate a spark. Preferably, an impact spring is associated with one end of the ram and is compressed by the ram, the impact spring being capable of driving the ram with sufficient force to generate a spark in the actuated position. When in the rest configuration, the spring is not compressed or is not sufficiently compressed so as not to cause the ram to drive the piezoelectric element so that it produces a spark.

The ram preferably includes a lug disposed on a side thereof that is received by a longitudinal slot defined in the first member. The first member may also include a notch associated with the longitudinal slot and configured to receive the lug. The lug is movable into the notch and presses against the impact spring when the assembly is in the activated configuration. A window is defined in the second member and has a side portion. The side portions may contact the lugs and prevent them from entering the notches when the assembly is in the rest configuration. The window may further define a ramp portion such that when the assembly is in the activated configuration and the first member is moved a predetermined distance toward the second member, the lug engages the ramp portion of the window to rotate the ram until the lug disengages from the notch and moves within the longitudinal slot. A plurality of lugs are provided on the ram, and a plurality of longitudinal slots and a plurality of notches are provided on the first member. The second member may also have a plurality of windows with a plurality of sides and a beveled portion.

In one embodiment, the abutment is disposed on the first member and the cam member is disposed on the second member, wherein the cam member is dimensioned to interact with the abutment when the first member is depressed toward the second member to cause the assembly to rotate to the rest configuration. Alternatively, the abutment may be disposed on the second member and the cam member may be disposed on the first member. The abutment may be part of a button associated with the first or second member.

In another embodiment, the ignition mechanism includes an arm disposed on the second member for rotation relative to the first member and a cam member disposed on the first member. The cam member is dimensioned such that the biasing arm causes the assembly to rotate to the stop configuration upon substantial depression of the first member. Alternatively, the arm may be disposed on the second member and the cam member may be disposed on the first member.

The present invention is also directed to lighters incorporating an ignition mechanism. The ignition mechanism may be located in a lighter body having a fuel reservoir and have a valve for selectively releasing fuel. In one embodiment, the lighter body has an opening defined therein, and an arm disposed on the ignition mechanism extends from the opening to cause relative rotation of the first or second member therein.

The present invention is also directed to a utility lighter incorporating an ignition mechanism. The ignition mechanism may be located within a housing having a handle, a fuel supply, and an elongated stem having a nozzle for selectively releasing fuel. In one embodiment, the arm is attached to the ignition mechanism and the arm passes through an opening provided in the housing. Rotation of the arm causes a user to relatively rotate the first and second members within the housing, thereby rotating the members between the activated and deactivated configurations. Preferably, the opening is configured and dimensioned to bias the arm such that the ram automatically rotates to the rest configuration after the relative movement of the members a predetermined distance.

Drawings

To facilitate an understanding of the nature, structure and operation of the invention, preferred features of the invention are described in the following description, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the several views or embodiments, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the piezoelectric ignition mechanism of the present invention in a rest position and in an activated configuration;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ignition mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and side views, respectively, of an end cap for the outer member of the piezoelectric mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the internal components of the ignition mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an outer member of the ignition mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the ram element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the ram element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9A is a front view, partially in phantom, of the ignition mechanism of FIG. 1 in a rest position and a rest configuration;

FIG. 9B is a front view of the ignition mechanism of FIG. 1 in a rest position and in an activated configuration;

FIG. 10A is a top view of the ignition mechanism of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10B is a top view of the ignition mechanism of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the ignition mechanism of FIG. 1 showing the impact spring partially compressed;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the ignition mechanism of FIG. 1 showing the impact spring fully compressed just prior to start-up;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the button element of FIG. 1;

fig. 14 is a front view, partially in cross-section, of the piezoelectric mechanism of fig. 1 in a lighter assembly and in a rest position and a deactivated configuration;

fig. 15 is a side elevational view of a utility lighter showing portions removed and incorporating the ignition mechanism of fig. 1; and

fig. 16 is a partial side perspective view of the utility lighter of fig. 15.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to identify similar components and preferred features and embodiments of the ignition mechanism are shown by way of example and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the piezoelectric ignition mechanism of the present invention, shown therein as piezoelectric mechanism 10. The ignition mechanism 10 includes inner and outer telescoping members 12, 14 formed like concentric hollow tubes, with the inner member 14 received within the outer member 12. The inner member 14 is movable relative to the outer member 12 along a longitudinal axis 18, and the inner and outer members 14, 12 are relatively rotatable about their common axis 18.

An arm 15 is formed on or connected to the outer member 12 and provides a handle for rotating the outer member 12 relative to the inner member 14. Alternatively, the arms 15 may be formed on or attached to the inner member 14. Return cam member 60 is formed on, attached to, or otherwise associated with outer member 12 and is dimensioned to interact with either abutment portion 62 of button 17 or inner member 14 to automatically rotate outer member 12 relative to inner member 14 when inner member 14 is intended to be pressed into outer member 12. Alternatively, the return cam member 60 and the abutment member 62 may be constructed on the inner and outer members, respectively, or vice versa, to achieve the desired rotation, such as by integrally forming the abutment member 62 on the inner member 14, or by placing the return cam member 60 on the inner member 14 and the abutment member 62 on the outer member 12. A return spring 16 is positioned between the ends of the outer member 12 and the inner member 14 and biases the inner and outer members apart. The return spring 16 also overlaps and is concentric with a portion of the inner member 14. The inner and outer members may be configured with stops, flanges or other means to prevent separation thereof. Alternatively or additionally, external forces may act on the members, for example by means of a lighter body or housing, to hold the inner and outer members together.

As shown in FIG. 2, anvil member 22 is attached to the end of inner member 14 and holds piezoelectric element 24 and impact pad 26 within inner member 14. Anvil member 22 is preferably attached to the inner member by corresponding tabs and recesses, and other attachment means such as screws, cooperating threads, pins, welding or adhesive may alternatively or additionally be used. Additionally, anvil member 22 may be integrally formed with inner member 14. The impact pad 26 is positioned adjacent to the piezoelectric element 24 and transfers impact energy directly from the impact pad 26 to the piezoelectric element 24. Accordingly, the anvil 22, piezoelectric element 24, and impact pad 26 are all components of an electrical circuit and cooperate to generate a spark when the impact pad 26 is struck by the ram member 28 with sufficient force, as will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the end member 21 is located on one end of the outer member 12 and has a hook 54 disposed on an opposite end thereof, the hook 54 engaging an opening 58 on the outer member 12 to retain the end member 32 within the outer member 12. Other methods known in the art, such as adhesives, welding, screwing or pinning, may also be used to retain the end members 32 on the outer member 12, or the end members 32 may be integrally formed with the outer member 12. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the end member 32 has a projection 48 and a flange 46 to retain one end of the impact spring 30.

As shown in phantom in fig. 2, the ram member 28 is located within the inner member 14. Ram member 28 is longitudinally movable along axis 18 within hollow passage 35 of inner member 14. As shown in detail in fig. 7 and 8, the ram 28 is a generally cylindrical body having a blunt end and two lugs 34 formed on opposite sides thereof. Although ram 28 has been shown and described as cylindrical, it may be configured in any general shape that allows it to slide and rotate within inner member 14. Lugs 34 are received in longitudinal slots 36 defined on opposite sides of inner member 14, as shown in fig. 5. The longitudinal slot 36 guides the movement of the ram 28, substantially limiting its movement in the longitudinal direction. Each longitudinal slot 36 has a retention notch 38. The ram 28 can be rotated so that the lug 34 rotates from the slot 36 to the retention notch 38 and vice versa. The tab 38 is configured and dimensioned to extend beyond the slot 36 and into a window 40 defined on the opposite side of the outer member 12, as shown in fig. 1 and 6.

Each window 40 has an upper and lower inclined surface 42, 44 and side surfaces. Thus, displacement and movement of the tab 34 is limited by the slot 36, the notch 38 and the window 40. An impact spring 30 is positioned within the outer member 12 and has one end associated with and preferably retained by one end of an end member 32. The other end 33 of the impact spring 30 is associated with and preferably retained by one end of the ram 28. The impact spring 30 biases the ram 28 against an upwardly inclined surface 42 which biases the lug 34 against the left edge 41 of the window 40.

To increase the difficulty of operation for unintended users, the ignition mechanism may be switched between a deactivated configuration and a activated configuration. In the deactivated configuration shown in fig. 9A, the ignition mechanism 10 is not operable to generate a spark. In contrast, in the start-up configuration shown in fig. 1, 2, and 9B, the ignition mechanism 10 is operable to generate a spark. The ignition mechanism is preferably configured such that after it has ignited, the mechanism returns to the deactivated configuration. In the case of the ignition mechanism 10, the stop configuration is shown in fig. 9A, where the lobe 34 is rotated so that it contacts the left edge of the window 40 and cannot enter the notch 38.

In the stop configuration shown in figure 9A, the notch 38 is located beyond the left edge 41 of the window 40 and contact between the tab 34 and the left edge 41 prevents the tab 34 from entering the notch 38. In this configuration, when the button 17 is depressed, the lug 34 slides freely in the slot 36 and the hammer 28 is not pressed against the impact spring 30. Thus, even if sufficient force contacts the impact pad 26 and creates an electrical potential across the piezoelectric stack 24, the energy stored in the impact spring 30 is insufficient to cause the hammer 28 to ignite at the impact pad 26.

The ignition mechanism 10 is convertible between the deactivated and activated configurations by relative rotation of the inner and outer members 14, 12 about their common longitudinal axis 18. This rotation causes outer member 12 to rotate approximately 45 deg. relative to inner member 14 so that edges 41 no longer prevent tabs 34 from entering notches 38. Alternatively, the ram 28 may be rotated directly so that the lugs 34 are located out of the notches 38. The angle of rotation between the start and stop configurations is preferably about 45 as shown in fig. 10A, but one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that more or less individual rotations may be configured and adapted as desired.

To transition from the deactivated configuration to the activated configuration, the user rotates outer member 12 counterclockwise about 45 ° relative to inner member 14 by rotating arm 15. Rotation of the outer member 12 transfers rotation to the ram 28 and/or the lug 34 such that when the outer member 12 is rotated counterclockwise, the notch 38 is uncovered and the lug 34 moves from the longitudinal slot 36 to the notch 38 and is retained therein. More specifically, the tab 34 pushes into the notch 38 and is retained therein by the upper ramped surface 42 as the outer member 12 rotates. Alternatively, as described above, the ram 28 may be rotated directly by the arm or a tab formed thereon such that the lugs 34 push into the notches 38. With the lugs 36 engaged in the notches 38, any depression of the inner member 14 toward the outer member 12 displaces the ram 28 and thus compresses the impact spring 30, storing energy therein. Thus, in the start configuration, the ram 28 may be pressed against the impact spring 30 and the ignition mechanism 10 is ready for start.

Fig. 1, 2 and 9B show ignition mechanism 10 in a rest position and in an activated configuration. Lug 34 of ram member 28 is retained within notch 38 on inner member 14 and the movement of ram 28 is thereby coordinated with the movement of inner member 14. Thus, when the inner member 14 is pressed into the outer member 12, the ram member 28 slides in the hollow passage 35 and depresses the impact spring 30, thereby storing energy in the spring. When the inner member 14 is pressed a distance of travel into the outer member 12, the lugs 34 contact the top of the lower ramp surface 44, as shown in FIG. 11. At this point, continued depression of the inner member 14 further compresses the impact spring 30 and also pushes the lug 34 of the ram 28 along the inclined surface 44, causing the ram 28 and the lug 34 to rotate. This rotation causes tab 34 to move out of notch 38 (see, e.g., fig. 12). The ram member 28 is driven toward the impact pad 26 by the compressed impact spring 30 immediately after the lug 34 is fully disengaged from the notch 38. Impact spring 30 urges ram 28 toward impact pad 26 and lugs 34 travel in longitudinal slots 36 until ram 28 impacts impact pad 26 to transfer energy from ram 28 to piezoelectric element 24, thereby energizing piezoelectric element 24 such that an electrical potential is generated across the piezoelectric element.

After tab 34 disengages from notch 38 causing ignition mechanism 10 to ignite, return cam member 60 disposed on outer member 12 contacts abutment 62 on button 17 (as shown in fig. 1 and 13) and causes outer member 12 to rotate back to the rest configuration, as shown and described in fig. 9A. Alternatively, the abutment 62 may be associated with the inner member 14, and alternatively, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the return cam member 60 and the abutment 62 may be located on the inner and outer members, respectively. This camming action serves to return the ignition mechanism 10 to the deactivated configuration after it has been activated. In another alternative embodiment, return cam member 60 may be disposed on button 17 and sized to interact with arm 15 to cause rotation of outer member 12. In yet another embodiment, the cam member and abutment may be disposed on the outer and inner members in a variety of configurations to return the outer member 12 to the rest configuration.

After ignition mechanism 10 has been activated, the user may release the inner and/or outer members, thereby expanding compressed return spring 16 and returning the inner and outer telescoping members to a fully extended or "resting" position. As described above, the interaction between the return cam member 60 and the push button 17 has caused the ignition mechanism 10 to return to the rest configuration, and the hammer 28 cannot be actuated, so that an electric potential cannot be generated on the piezoelectric element 24. Since the stop configuration is the default or resting configuration of the ignition 10, the mechanism provides some measure of protection against unintended user operation and prevents inadvertent operation.

Fig. 14 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a pocket lighter incorporating ignition mechanism 10. The ignition mechanism 10 is disposed in a chamber 64 within the lighter body 61. Inner member 14 is held against rotation by button 17 and outer member 12 is rotatable within chamber 64. The outer member 12 may optionally be supported at one end by a pivot support 63. The arms 15 pass through slots 67 in the lighter body 61 and allow the user to rotate the outer member 12 within the chamber 64, thereby allowing the user to transition the lighter between the deactivated and activated configurations.

After the user successfully activates and actuates the ignition mechanism 10 and the ram 28 strikes the impact pad 26 which transfers impact energy to the piezoelectric element 24, a potential difference develops across the piezoelectric element 24. A potential difference is transmitted to create an electrical discharge between the electrodes 65 and 72 to form a spark, thereby igniting the released fuel. In particular, a circuit is formed in which the following elements are connected in series: a first electrode 65, an anvil 22, a piezoelectric element 24, an impact pad 26, a cam member 66, a valve actuator 68, a valve 70, and a second electrode or nozzle 72. For example, the piezoelectric element 24 may be electrically connected to the anvil 22 and the first electrode 65; and the piezoelectric element 24 may be electrically connected to the cam member 66, the valve actuator 68, the valve 70, and the nozzle 72 serving as the second electrode 72. Therefore, the potential difference across the piezoelectric element 24 is transmitted through this circuit, and substantially the same potential difference is generated between the first electrode 65 and the second electrode 72. This potential difference is sufficient to create a spark in the air gap between the two electrodes. In other words, the two electrodes function like a capacitor having a dielectric disposed therein. Any conductive material may be used to form the components of this circuit, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that appropriate materials may be selected for the various components in this circuit.

After the arm 15 is rotated to the activated configuration and the button 17 is depressed to activate the ignition mechanism 10, the cam member 66 is likewise depressed and acts on the valve actuator 68. The valve actuator 68 pivots such that when the cam member 66 pushes one end of the valve actuator 68 downward, the other end moves upward, thereby opening a valve 70 (partially shown in fig. 14) to release fuel gas. When the push button is depressed sufficiently to activate ignition mechanism 10, the released fuel gas is then ignited by a discharge spark between electrodes 65 and 72. In the embodiment shown in fig. 14, the first electrode 65 moves relative to the second electrode 72, and more particularly closer to the second electrode 72, such that when the button is depressed to produce a spark, the gap in which the spark is produced decreases. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the first electrode may be fixed and/or the distance between the electrodes may remain fixed.

When button 17 is depressed further, abutment 62 on button 17 contacts return cam member 60 on outer member 12 (partially hidden in FIG. 14) and rotates outer member 12 to the rest configuration.

Valve actuator 68 controls movement of valve 70 to release fuel from the fuel supply. In the embodiment shown in fig. 14, the fuel supply is a compressed gaseous hydrocarbon and the valve 70 is a normally open valve, forcibly closed by the pressure of the valve spring 74. In this embodiment, the valve actuator 68 lifts the upper valve stem 76 to release the compressed gaseous hydrocarbons. In another embodiment, the valve 70 may be a normally closed valve and the valve actuator 68 moves the valve stem 76 to open the valve 70 and release the compressed gaseous hydrocarbon.

To operate the lighter, the user pushes the arm 15 to rotate the outer housing 12 to the activated configuration. The user then depresses the button 17, causing the cam member 66 to engage the valve actuator 68, thereby lifting the valve stem 76 to release fuel gas. Depression also causes the ram 28 to compress the impact spring 30 and gradually disengage from the notch 38. Upon disengagement from the notch 38, the compressed impact spring 30 drives the ram 28 against the impact pad 26 and causes the piezoelectric element 24 to produce a spark across the electrodes 65 and 72, thereby igniting the released fuel and producing a flame. As discussed above, contact between abutment 62 and return cam member 60 causes the lighter to return to the resting configuration shown in fig. 9A. To extinguish the flame, the user simply releases the button 17, thereby releasing the valve actuator 68, causing the valve spring 74 to close the valve 70.

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a utility lighter 100 incorporating ignition mechanism 10. The utility lighter 100 shown in fig. 15 has various components removed to show various internal components. Utility lighter 100 generally includes a housing 102, housing 102 including a handle 104 and a nozzle 106. The nozzle 106 is in the form of an elongated rod or wand disposed away from the handle 104 and is used to release fuel to feed the flame, as will be explained below. The handle 104 preferably includes a fuel source 108 that selectively supplies fuel to the nozzle 106, preferably through a valve 110 on the fuel supply container 108. Valve 110 is preferably operated by an actuating assembly that includes a valve actuator 112, with valve actuator 112 pivotally connected to fuel source 108. Thus, when the valve actuator 112 is depressed, fuel is released through the valve 110 and flows through a conduit, such as a flexible tube 113, to the nozzle 106.

The actuation assembly may also include other components to facilitate depression of the valve actuator 112 and simultaneously activate the piezoelectric ignition mechanism 10 to generate a spark proximate the nozzle 106. The actuating assembly preferably includes a trigger member 114, a pivot member 116, and a connecting rod 118 operatively connected to the ignition mechanism 10. A spring 117 may be located between the pivot member 116 and the valve actuator 112. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other actuating mechanisms and assemblies may be used to selectively release fuel or activate the ignition mechanism. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the actuation assembly that releases the fuel may comprise a single component or multiple components and may include a pivoting valve actuator and a separate user contacting member, such as trigger 114. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a gas release member separate from the ignition-enabling member is provided as, for example, in U.S. patent application serial No. 09/393,653, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The outer member 12 of the ignition mechanism 10 is associated with the connecting rod 118 and is rotatable within the lighter housing 102. According to one embodiment, a notch is formed in the end member 32 of the outer member 12 and a protrusion is formed on the connecting rod 118 such that the end member 32 (not shown in FIG. 15) can rotate about the protrusion. This configuration makes it easier to transition the ignition mechanism 10 between the stop and start configurations.

The ignition mechanism 10 is part of an electrical circuit. In the embodiment shown in fig. 15, the piezoelectric element 24 (not shown in fig. 15) is electrically connected to a rod 120 made of an electrically conductive material. The projection 126 is preferably stamped and formed from the stem 120 adjacent the nozzle 106. The piezoelectric element 24 is also connected to an insulated wire 122, the insulated wire 122 having an exposed end 124 that contacts the nozzle 106. Thus, the nozzle 106 functions as a first electrode in the circuit and the protrusion 126 functions as a second electrode in the circuit with a spark gap between the two electrodes. When the ignition mechanism 10 is activated, an electrical potential is established between the nozzle 106 and the projection 126, which positioning is sufficient to form a spark across the spark gap. Opening 128 may be provided on the end of rod 120 to allow passage of a flame from utility lighter 100. The components of this circuit may be fabricated using conductive materials. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand and select appropriate materials for the various components of this circuit.

As shown in fig. 16, an opening 130 is formed in the lighter housing 102 and allows the arm 15 of the ignition mechanism 10 to pass through, as described above. In this embodiment, opening 130 is generally U-shaped and is configured such that arm 15 is aligned with first slot 132 when ignition mechanism 10 is in the deactivated configuration, and arm 15 may be aligned with second slot 134 when ignition mechanism 10 is in the activated configuration, as shown in FIG. 16. Biasing edge 136 of opening 130 is preferably beveled to align arm 15 with first slot 132 when arm 15 is pressed against it, so that ignition mechanism 10 preferably automatically returns to the deactivated configuration after each use of lighter 100. Thus, when a user ignites utility lighter 100 and releases trigger 114, outer member 12 of ignition mechanism 10 extends away from inner member 14 under the force of return spring 16, and thereby causes arm 15 to contact and slide along biasing edge 136, causing outer member 12 to rotate to the stop configuration. Preferably, a small recess 138 is formed in the upper left portion of the biasing edge 136 to maintain the arm 15 aligned with the second slot 124 when the arm 15 is first moved to the actuated position.

In alternative embodiments, various configurations of cam members and abutments can be provided on ignition mechanism 10 to automatically return ignition mechanism 10 to the rest configuration after each ignition. One embodiment may provide a cam member on the inner member 14 to interact with the arm 15 and another configuration may provide an abutment on the inner member 14 to interact with the cam member on the outer member 12. Alternatively or additionally, the inner and outer members 14, 12 may be configured to rotate to the stop configuration relatively automatically. For example, return spring 16 may also act as a torsion spring when outer member 12 is rotated to the activated configuration, such that when lighter 100 is activated; the spring 16 recoils and rotates the outer member 12 back to the rest configuration.

To use utility lighter 100, the user must first move arm 15 upward to activate ignition mechanism 10. This causes the outer member 12 to rotate counterclockwise within the lighter housing 102 and places the ignition mechanism 10 in the activated configuration, as described above.

The user then pulls trigger member 114, causing valve actuator 112 to release fuel from fuel source 108. Gaseous fuel, such as butane or other hydrocarbon, is released from the nozzle 106. At substantially the same time, activation of the trigger 114 rotates the pivot member 116 in a clockwise direction against the connecting rod 118 and thereby compresses and ignites the ignition mechanism 10 to create a potential difference between the nozzle 106 and the protrusion 126. Thereby creating a spark in the spark gap between the nozzle 106 and the protrusion 126 and igniting the air/gas mixture near the nozzle 106. The resulting flame passes through an opening 128 in the housing 120.

When the user releases pressure on the trigger member 114, the valve actuator 112 closes to close the supply of fuel to the nozzle 106. This causes the flame from the opening 128 to extinguish. At the same time, the return spring 16 and/or the impact spring 30 assist in separating the inner and outer members 14, 12 of the ignition mechanism. This separation or movement causes the arms 15 to move within the slots 134 in the lighter housing 120 toward the biasing edge 136. Once arm 15 contacts biasing edge 136, the continued pressure on arm 15 created by return spring 16 helps arm 15 slide down the sloped surface of biasing edge 136, thereby rotating outer member 12 until ignition mechanism 10 returns to the rest configuration.

The piezoelectric ignition mechanism of the present invention may also be incorporated in the range of natural gas cooktops, outdoor gas grills, or similar devices, in order to increase the difficulty of unintended or undesired operation by unintended users and the ability to prevent such operation.

While preferred embodiments and features of the ignition mechanism and lighters using the ignition mechanism have been described herein, it will be understood that numerous variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of these claims and that the claims be limited not by or to such embodiments or features.

Claims (33)

1. A piezoelectric ignition mechanism, comprising:

an assembly having first and second members that rotate relative to one another between an activated configuration and a deactivated configuration;

a piezoelectric element associated with the assembly; and

a ram associated with the assembly;

wherein when the assembly is in the activated configuration, the ram is capable of driving toward the piezoelectric element and impacting the piezoelectric element with sufficient force to cause it to generate a spark.

2. The piezoelectric ignition mechanism of claim 1,

the assembly defining a longitudinal axis;

the first and second members being relatively slidable along the longitudinal axis; and

the first and second members are relatively rotatable about the longitudinal axis between activated and deactivated configurations.

3. The piezoelectric ignition mechanism of claim 1, further comprising an impact spring having first and second ends, the first end associated with the ram, wherein the impact spring is compressible in the activated configuration to drive the piezoelectric unit with sufficient force to cause the piezoelectric element to generate a spark.

4. The piezoelectric ignition mechanism of claim 3, wherein when the assembly is in the rest configuration, the impact spring is not compressed enough to cause the impact spring to not drive the ram with sufficient force toward and impact the piezoelectric element to cause it not to generate a spark.

5. The ignition mechanism of claim 1, wherein the ram includes at least one lug disposed on a side thereof, and the assembly has at least one longitudinal slot adapted and configured to receive the lug and control ram movement.

6. The ignition mechanism of claim 5, wherein the assembly further comprises at least one notch, and wherein the tab is received in the notch when the assembly is in the activated configuration.

7. The ignition mechanism of claim 6, wherein said tab is prevented from entering said notch when the assembly is in the rest configuration.

8. The ignition mechanism of claim 6, wherein said longitudinal slot and said notch are defined and coupled in the first member.

9. The ignition mechanism of claim 8, wherein the second member has at least one window adapted and configured such that when the assembly is in the at-rest configuration, the sides of the window contact the tab and prevent the tab from entering the notch.

10. The ignition mechanism of claim 9, wherein said window further defines a ramp portion such that when the assembly is in the activated configuration and the first member is moved a predetermined distance toward the second member, at least one ramp causes said lug to move away from said notch.

11. The ignition mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a cam member disposed on one of the members, wherein the cam member is adapted and configured to interact with at least a portion of the other member and rotate the first member relative to the second member.

12. The ignition mechanism of claim 11, further comprising a button on the other member, the button having an abutment extending therefrom, wherein a portion of the other member is the abutment.

13. The ignition mechanism of claim 11, wherein the cam member is disposed on the first member and the cam member is sized to interact with an arm disposed on the second member.

14. The ignition mechanism of claim 1, for use in a lighter.

15. The ignition mechanism of claim 1, for use in a utility lighter having an elongated rod.

16. A lighter, comprising:

a lighter body having a fuel reservoir and an actuator for selectively releasing fuel;

a piezoelectric ignition mechanism for igniting a release fuel, comprising:

an assembly having first and second members that rotate relative to one another between an activated configuration and a deactivated configuration;

a piezoelectric element positioned on the assembly;

a ram movably disposed within the assembly; and

a biasing element associated with the ram;

wherein the ram is capable of being driven by the biasing element toward the piezoelectric element with sufficient force to generate a spark when the assembly is in the activated configuration.

17. The lighter of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first and second members is rotatable within the lighter body.

18. The lighter according to claim 16, further comprising a cam member disposed on one of the members, wherein the cam member is adapted and configured to interact with at least a portion of the other member and rotate the first member relative to the second member.

19. The lighter according to claim 18, further comprising a button on the first member, the button having an abutment extending therefrom, wherein the cam member is disposed on the second member and interacts with the abutment.

20. The lighter according to claim 16, further comprising:

an arm disposed on one of the members for rotating the member; and

an opening in the lighter body, wherein at least a portion of the arm extends through the opening.

21. The lighter according to claim 16, having a handle, a stem extending from the handle, and a nozzle located within the stem for releasing the fuel.

22. A utility lighter, comprising:

a housing having a handle, a fuel supply, a stem extending away from the handle, and an actuator for selectively releasing fuel to the nozzle; and

a piezoelectric ignition mechanism for igniting a release fuel, comprising:

an assembly having first and second members that rotate relative to one another between an activated configuration and a deactivated configuration;

a piezoelectric element positioned on the assembly; and

a ram movably disposed within the assembly;

wherein when the assembly is in the activated configuration, the ram is capable of driving toward the piezoelectric element and impacting the piezoelectric element with sufficient force to cause it to generate a spark and ignite the released fuel.

23. The utility lighter of claim 22, wherein one of the first and second members is rotatable within the housing.

24. The utility lighter of claim 22, further comprising an opening in the housing and an arm disposed on the second member and adapted and configured to rotate the second member, wherein at least a portion of the arm extends through the opening.

25. The utility lighter of claim 24, wherein the opening is adapted and configured to bias the arm such that the assembly returns to the deactivated configuration after the first and second members return to the rest position after activation of the piezoelectric ignition mechanism.

26. The utility lighter of claim 25, wherein the opening is generally U-shaped with a sloped surface to bias the arm to the deactivated configuration.

27. The utility lighter of claim 22, further comprising an impact spring associated with the ram.

28. A piezoelectric ignition mechanism, comprising:

an assembly rotatable between an activated configuration and a deactivated configuration;

a piezoelectric element associated with the assembly;

a ram associated with the assembly, the ram including at least one lug that engages the assembly when the assembly is in the activated configuration such that the ram is movable through the assembly to compress the biasing element;

wherein the lugs prevent engagement with the assembly when the assembly is in the rest configuration.

29. The piezoelectric ignition mechanism of claim 28, wherein the assembly includes first and second members.

30. The piezoelectric ignition mechanism of claim 29, wherein the first and second members move relative to each other between the activated and deactivated configurations.

31. The piezoelectric ignition mechanism of claim 29, wherein the tab engages a notch on one of the first and second members when the assembly is in the activated configuration and the tab is prevented from engaging the notch by the other of the first and second members when the assembly is in the deactivated configuration.

32. The piezoelectric ignition mechanism of claim 29, wherein the assembly defines a longitudinal axis and compressing the first and second members relative to each other along the longitudinal axis causes the ram to compress the biasing element.

33. The piezoelectric ignition mechanism of claim 32, wherein when the first and second members are compressed a predetermined distance relative to each other, the lug disengages from the assembly, causing the biasing element to drive the ram toward the piezoelectric element, thereby generating a spark.