Abstract:
An adjustable lighter in which the flame angle is controlled by a switch located on the lighter a safe distance from the flame. In one embodiment, a thumb slide switch is used to rotate the flame output to one or more flame angles. An alternative embodiment uses a flame output in the form of in the form of a wheel. An optional features include an integral LED lamp, and/or a transparent window that allows the user to view the inside of the lighter.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to lighters. In particular, it relates to lighters that use combustible fuel in which the direction of the flame output is selectively altered by the user. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    Originally, lighters were designed to project flames vertically. While this may have been an optimum design for cigarettes, it left something to be desired for other uses, such as lighting pipes, cigars, candles, barbeques, etc. A variety of attempts have been made to provide lighters that provide the user with greater control over the direction of the lighter&#39;s flame. The development of lighters having a flame which projects at a fixed angle to the side of the lighter has been one attempt to improve the lighter&#39;s functionality. A further improvement has been the development of lighters with two flame angles: vertical and/or horizontal. Another development has been lighters that have adjustable flame angles. Lighters that provide adjustable flame angles have a disadvantage in that they have the flame control mechanism that is too close to the flame. In addition, for lighters with extended nozzles, the nozzle or the nozzle extension must be manipulated by hand in order to adjust the flame angle. As a result, safety becomes an issue since they can be difficult to use depending on what is being lit and how it is accessed. 
         [0005]    While these variations of prior art devices accomplish their intended purposes, they also fail to provide a device with a mechanism to retract and/or extend a lighter&#39;s flame output, and/or a lighter with an adjustable angle that is safely controlled without requiring the finger(s) of the user to be in close proximity to the flame, output nozzle, or nozzle extension. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a lighter with an adjustable flame angle that is controlled by switches or controls that are located at a safe distance from the flame. In one embodiment, a slide mechanism is used in combination with a rotatable flame output that is controlled by operation of a switch or control button that is safely positioned away from the flame output. The control button or switch can be positioned at any suitable location on the lighter. For example, switches or control buttons that may be positioned on different models of the lighters to accommodate left-handed or right-handed users. Optionally, the flame angle can be adjusted along multiple planes of rotation (e.g., up and down, side to side, 360°, etc.). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a side transparent view of a preferred embodiment of the lighter with the lid in the closed position. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a side transparent view of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the lid in the open position and the flame ignited and oriented in a vertical direction. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a side transparent view of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the lid in the open position and the flame ignited and oriented in a side facing direction. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the lighter showing the flame output and the ignition switch. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4  showing the flame output, the ignition switch, and the control button. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6A  it is a front view of another preferred embodiment of the lighter. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6B  is a left side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0014]      FIG. 6C  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6D  is a right side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6E  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6F  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A   
           [0018]      FIG. 6G  Is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7A  it is a rear view of yet another preferred embodiment of the lighter. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7B  is a left side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7C  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0022]      FIG. 7D  is a right side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7E  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 7F  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A   
           [0025]      FIG. 7G  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 8A  it is a front view of a further preferred embodiment of the lighter. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8B  is a left side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0028]      FIG. 8C  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 8D  is a right side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 8E  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 8F  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A   
           [0032]      FIG. 8G  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0033]      FIG. 9A  is a side view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9B  is a front view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9C  is a bottom perspective view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10A  is a side view of an extended multi-segment flame output that adjusts the angle of the flame. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the extended multi-segment flame output that adjusts the angle of the flame output. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0038]    Prior to a detailed discussion of the figures, a general overview of the invention will be presented. The invention provides a lighter  1  with a mechanism that allows the direction of the flame output to be redirected under control of the user. In one preferred embodiment, the mechanism allows a lighter to be ignited in the conventional manner, and after ignition of the lighter  1 , it can be redirected by the user from a thumb slide switch  6  that is remote from the flame output to protect the user from inadvertently burning a finger. 
         [0039]    The preferred embodiment was designed with the intention of producing a product with the minimum number of parts. By minimizing the complexity of the device, the production costs will be reduced and superior reliability will be created due to the simplicity of design. 
         [0040]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that components of the lighter  1  can be fabricated from any suitable material, from low-cost plastics, synthetic materials glass, crystal, wood, metal, precious metal, etc. The only requirement is that the material used to fabricate the device can be safely used as a component of a lighter. Likewise, the materials used for the internal components can be anything suitable for the purpose of the device. 
         [0041]    In the embodiment provided to illustrate the features of the invention, the lighter operates in a similar manner to conventional cigarette lighters. The fuel can be anything suitable, such as gas or liquid fuel. 
         [0042]    Having discussed the features and advantages of the invention in general, we turn now to a more detailed discussion of the figures. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the lighter  1  is shown. This figure is a transparent side view of the lighter  1  that illustrates the components. The lighter  1  has an external case  2  and an external lid  13  that is attached to the external case  2  by a hinge  14 . Also shown are frictional thumbwheel  12  and flint  11  both of which represent conventional ignition mechanisms found in many lighters. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable ignition mechanism can be used. For example, the mechanical spark igniter illustrated in this figure can be replaced with an electronic spark generator, or any other suitable mechanism. 
         [0044]    The lid  13  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  is exemplary of lids commonly used for cigarette lighters. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the lid  13  is not part of the invention, and depending on the design of the lighter  1 , it can be dispensed with entirely. 
         [0045]    Also shown in this figure is fuel supply  3 . Fuel supply  3  can contain any suitable fuel, such as butane, propane, liquid lighter fuel, etc. Fuel is supplied from the fuel supply  3  to the flame output  8  via a fuel conduit  4 . In the preferred embodiment, the fuel conduit  4  is routed through a hollow portion of the slide mechanism  5 . Fuel output  8  is hingedly attached to slide mechanism  5  via hinge  9 . 
         [0046]    In this figure, the fuel output  8  is fully retracted. Also shown in this figure are thumb slide switch  6 , which is used to slide mechanism  5  up and down, and cam  7 . 
         [0047]    As can be seen from the figure, the flame output  8  is held in a substantially vertical position by cam  7 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 2  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the lighter ignited and the flame  15  projecting upward from flame output  8 . In this configuration, the lighter  1  would operate in an identical manner to prior art lighters. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  illustrates how the direction of flame  15  is user controlled. As the slide mechanism  5  is moved under control of the thumb slide switch  6 , the spring mechanism  10  maintains pressure against the flame output  8  such that it rotates against cam  7 . The user controls the angle of flame  15  with thumb slide switch  6 . As a result, the user can adjust the angle of the flame  15  without having their fingers in close proximity to the flame output  8 . As can be seen, the thumb slide switch  6  is safely located far from the flame output  8 . Likewise, the flame angle can continuously vary under user control. 
         [0050]    This embodiment has the advantage of using a minimal number of parts that reduces costs and reduces the possibility of failure due to the low part count. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of mechanical alternatives can be used in place of the mechanical slide  5 . For example, the cam  7  used in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3  can be replaced with a gear assembly that can be operated by a rotatable thumbwheel in place of thumb slide switch  6 . Likewise, thumb slide switch  6  can be replaced with an electronic switch that drives a gear assembly. The gear assembly can also be controlled by electromagnets that are activated by an electronic switch that cause magnets attached to the gear assembly to move in response to the electromagnets, thereby causing the flame output  8  to rotate. 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the lighter  1  showing the flame output  8  and the ignition switch  16 . This embodiment uses a conventional ignition mechanism that is activated by the ignition switch  16 . Typically, these are piezoelectric devices that are well known in the art. A significant advantage of piezoelectric ignitions over older flint ignitions is that flint is eliminated and the reliability of the lighter  10  is improved. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4  showing the flame output  8 , the ignition switch  16 , and the thumb slide switch  6 . Thumb slide switch  6  is operatively connected to flame output  8  such that when thumb slide switch  6  slides along slot  17 , under control of the user, the flame output  8  rotates to a different angle. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the lighter  1  can be configured such that the flame output  8  can be rotated to any angle, or configured to stop at predetermined angles. Likewise, the angle of flame output  8  can be adjusted before or after ignition since the ignition switch  16  is separate from thumb slide switch  6 . 
         [0053]    An important safety advantage of the invention is that the angle of the flame output  8  can be adjusted remotely, due to the location of thumb slide switch  6  that prevents inadvertent injuries from contact with the flame output  8 . In this figure, thumb slide switch  6  is positioned such that the user controls the flame angle with the user&#39;s thumb. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that thumb slide switch  6  can be placed at any convenient location. 
         [0054]      FIG. 6A  it is a front view of another preferred embodiment of the lighter  1 . In this figure, the external case  2 , the flame output  8 , the fuel adjuster  19 , and the optional LED lights  20  are shown. The fuel adjuster  19  is a multi-position switch that allows the user to adjust flame height. 
         [0055]    Also shown are the optional LED lights  20 , which provide a flashlight capability that is conveniently available in the lighter that is carried by the user. In the present invention, the LED lights  20  are positioned on the front of lighter  1  to improve ease of use. Those skilled in the art will recognize that when the optional LED lights  20  are present, the user has the advantage of a conveniently available light. However, in embodiments where the optional LED lights  20  are not present, there will be more space available for more fuel storage because the LED battery and LED electronics will not be present. For ease of discussion, three LED lights  20  are shown in this figure. While only one LED light  20  is necessary for this feature, any suitable number of LED lights  20  may be selected based on design choices. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6B  is a left side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . In this figure, the thumb slide switch  6  is used to rotate the flame output  8  such that the flame direction is user controlled. Ignition switch  16  is also shown. In practice, ignition switch  16  can be activated before or after the direction of flame output  8  is adjusted by thumb slide switch  6 , or simultaneously with adjustment of the flame output. Thumb slide switch  6  changes the direction of the flame output  8  to a plurality of positions. The thumb slide switch  6  can be designed to stop at fixed points. For example, it could be designed such that the flame output  8  stops at 0°, 45°, or 90°. Alternatively, it can be designed such that it can be freely moved to any position from approximately 0° to 360°. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable method for changing the angle of the flame output  8  can be used, including push rods, levers, pulleys, springs, magnets, gears, etc. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that a locking switch (not shown) can be used to allow the flame to remain on for extended periods of time once ignited. The thumb slide switch  6  in the embodiments shown herein is positioned at the rear side of the lighter  1 . However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the thumb slide switch  6  can be positioned at any convenient location on the lighter  1 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 6C  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . This figure, the thumb slide switch  6  is shown along with the ignition switch  16 , and the flame output  8 . In addition, the LED activation switch  27  is shown on the rear of the lighter  1 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that activation switch  27  can take the form of a button, a switch, or any other suitable device. Likewise, it can be located at any suitable location on the lighter  1 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 6D  is a right side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6E  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . In this view, the gas output port  22  is illustrated along with igniter  21 . When the lighter  1  is activated, gas output port  22  is opened and gas is released. Simultaneously, igniter  21  is activated to initiate the flame.  FIG. 6F  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . This view further illustrates gas input port  23 , which is used to refill the lighter  1 . Also shown is battery cover  24 , which secures a battery (not shown) that powers the LED lights  20 , and depending on the ignition method selected, will also power the igniter  21 .  FIG. 6G  Is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . This illustrates the lighter  1  output  8  in the vertical position. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7A  it is a rear view of yet another preferred embodiment of the lighter  1 . This figure illustrates an alternative embodiment in which an alternative flame output  25  rotates under control of thumb slide switch  6 . This embodiment preferably uses a piezoelectric ignition, but suitable alternatives can be used. In this embodiment, the lighter  1  can be designed with a one-step or two-step operation. In the one-step operation, the user pushes the thumb slide switch  6  in to ignite the lighter  1  and simultaneously slides the thumb slide switch down to rotate the flame output  25 . In the two-step operation, the ignition and rotation of the flame output  25  are executed separately. Alternatively, the user can push to ignite the lighter  1  and then slide the slide switch  6  to change the angle or vice-versa. An advantage of the invention is that the user only needs to use one hand to ignite the lighter  1  and to rotate the flame output  25 . As a result, the user is less likely to inadvertently be burned. 
         [0060]      FIG. 7B  is a left side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . In this figure, the thumb slide switch  6  is used to rotate the flame output  25  such that the flame direction is user controlled. As was the case above, the thumb slide switch  6  changes the direction of the flame output  25  to a plurality of positions such that the flame direction is user controlled. Likewise, the thumb slide switch  6  can be designed to stop at fixed points. For example, it could be designed such that the flame output  25  stops at a variety of predetermined angles. For example, the lighter can be set to any desired angle. By way of example, it could be set to 0°, 45°, or 90°. Further, any suitable angle can be chosen to suit the purposes of a particular lighter. For example, the best angles for use with a cigar may be different than the best angles for use with a pipe, a candle, etc. Alternatively, it can be designed such that it can be freely moved to any position from approximately 0° to 90°. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable method for changing the angle of the flame output  8  can be used, including push rods, levers, pulleys, springs, magnets, gears, etc. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that a locking switch (not shown) can be used to allow the flame to remain on for extended periods of time once ignited. 
         [0061]      FIG. 7C  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . This figure, flame output  25  is shown.  FIG. 7D  is a right side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . In this figure, flame output  25  is illustrated along with thumb slide switch  6 .  FIG. 7E  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . In this figure, flame output  25  is illustrated.  FIG. 7F  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . This view also illustrates flame output  25 .  FIG. 7G  Is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . This illustrates the flame output  25  in the vertical position. 
         [0062]      FIG. 8A  it is a front view of yet another preferred embodiment of the lighter  1 . This embodiment provides a transparent window  26  that allows the user to see the fuel chamber such that the user can determine when the fuel is running low.  FIG. 8B  is a left side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8C  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8D  is a right side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8E  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8F  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8G  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . The embodiment represented by  FIGS. 8A-8G  is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A-6G . The difference in the present embodiment is that a transparent window  26  is provided which allows the user to see the internal fuel chamber. 
         [0063]      FIG. 9A  is a side view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output  8 . Thumb slide switch  6  is connected to arm  28  that is in turn connected to loop  29 . When thumb slide switch  28  is moved upward or downward, arm  28  forces loop  29  upward or downward. Loop  29  is slidably attached to posts  31  (shown in  FIG. 9C ). As loops  29  are moved vertically, posts  31  slide within loops  29  and force flame output  8  to rotate about pivot  30 . As the flame output  8  rotates on the pivot  30 , the flame angle is selectively adjusted by the user.  FIG. 9B  is a front view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output  8 . This figure further illustrates the arms  28  that drive loops  29 .  FIG. 9C  is a bottom perspective view of the internal mechanism that adjusts the angle of the flame output  8 . This view better illustrates the posts  31  that slide within loops  29 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 10A  is a side view of an extended multi-segment flame output  8  that adjusts the angle of the flame. In this embodiment the flame output  8  has extension segments  32  that rotate on knuckles  33 . The advantage of this embodiment is that it allows the lighter  1  to be used in applications where the object of the lighter&#39;s flame is difficult to reach (e.g. candles, barbeques, etc). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the number of segments  32 , as well as their length, can vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that existing finger designs from known robot hands can be used to control movement of the extended multi-segment flame output  8 . As was the case with other embodiments, the lighter  1  can be ignited before, after, or while the segments  32  are being moved. 
         [0065]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the extended multi-segment flame output  8  that adjusts the angle of the flame. This figure shows the extended multi-segment flame output  8  disconnected from the lighter  1 . The control wire  34  extends through the extended multi-segment flame output  8  and connects to the knuckles  33  such that the angle of the flame output can be controlled in the same manner as the other embodiments. For ease of illustration, the gas supply line and ignition line have been omitted. 
         [0066]    While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention. For example, the material used to construct the lighter and its internal mechanisms may be anything suitable for its purpose, the size and shape of a lighter can vary, the mechanical controls can vary, etc. Accordingly, the invention herein disclosed is to be limited only as specified in the following claims.