Patent ID: 6045354
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: F23Q

Abstract:
A flame producing lighter, comprising:a housing having an outer wall defining an upper edge along its periphery, said housing defining a reservoir for containing fuel under pressure;a valve selectively actuatable between a closed position which prevents exit of said fuel from said reservoir and an open position which permits exit of fuel from said reservoir through said valve;a valve actuator having a depressible portion which is movable to actuate the valve for movement between first and second positions corresponding, respectively, to said closed and open valve positions:spark producing mechanism capable of producing sparks at a location proximate a gaseous medium exit opening of said valve thereby selectively causing ignition of said fuel; anda latch member disposed below the valve actuator and movable between(i) a latched position, disposed between the valve actuator and housing such that movement of the valve actuator to the second position is blocked by contact between said valve actuator, a latch member contact portion and said housing upper edge, and(ii) an unlatched position allowing movement of the valve actuator to the second position; wherein the latch member is moved inward with respect to the outer wall to the unlatched position from the latched position and wherein the distance between the latch member and a longitudinal axis, along an axis both perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and aligned with said valve and said valve actuator, is reduced from the latched to the unlatched positions.