Patent ID: 6077069
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: F23Q

Abstract:
A flame producing lighter, comprising:a lighter housing adapted to contain a fuel supply, having an exterior surface;a valve mounted on the housing and actuatable between a closed position and an open position which releases fuel from the fuel supply;an actuator mounted on the housing and cooperating with the valve to selectively actuate the valve between the open and closed positions;a spark producing mechanism mounted on the housing at a location proximate said valve to produce sparks, thereby selectively causing ignition of fuel released from the valve;a latching mechanism mounted on the housing, separate from and cooperating with the actuator, said latching mechanism having a part extending out of said housing for contact by a user's finger, said extending part being movable by a user along at least two directions, each direction being parallel to said exterior surface of said lighter housing, between a first position, in which the latching mechanism cooperates with the actuator such that the valve is not actuated to the open position by the valve actuator, and a second position, in which the valve may be actuated to the open position by the valve actuator, said extending part being movable out of the first position only by application of an external force by a user, said latching mechanism further being biased such that the extending part returns automatically from the second position to the first position after the valve is actuated to the open position.