Patent ID: 6186774
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: F23Q

Abstract:
A modular lighter comprising:an upper assembly, a lower assembly capable of releasably interlocking with the upper assembly, said lower assembly defining a fuel reservoir for storing fuel;an ignition module, the ignition module releasably attached to the upper assembly, the ignition module capable of igniting the fuel;a fuel transfer mechanism interposed between the lower assembly and upper assembly, the fuel transfer mechanism capable of transferring fuel from the fuel reservoir to a destination outside the upper assembly, for ignition by the ignition module, the fuel transfer mechanism including a valve disposed on the lower assembly, the valve responsive to the connecting and disconnecting of the upper and lower assembly such that, when the upper and lower assemblies are connected, the valve opens so that fuel is allowed to pass through the fuel transfer mechanism from the fuel reservoir to the upper assembly and when the upper and lower assemblies are disconnected, the valve closes;a mating member capable of interlocking the upper assembly and the lower assembly;a pressure plate attached to the mating member and having a larger cross-sectional area than the mating member;a passageway and a raceway connection insertion portion to a terminal portion, the insection portion sized to receive the pressure plate and the mating member;the passageway sized to accommodate the pressure plate as it moves from the insertion portion to the terminal portion;the raceway sized to accommodate the mating member as it moves from the insertion portion to the terminal portion;the terminal portion sized to receive the pressure plate and mating member such that the upper assembly and lower assembly are interlocked.