Abstract:
The lighter of the present invention provides a slip ring which is concentrically mounted about the striking wheel assembly of a conventional lighter. To operate the lighter, digital pressure is applied to frictionally couple the slip ring and the striking wheel assembly together to move in concert to create a spark. The slip ring has disposed along its circumference an elongated slot. The ends of the slot engage the flint housing to halt the movement of the ring, serving to limit the range of motion of the slip ring, and, hence, the motion of the striking wheel assembly. Lastly, the slip ring includes protrusions which hold the slip ring in a neutral position until force is applied in a backward direction to disengage the slip ring.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to a lighter having a mechanism for increasing the difficulty of operation, and, more particularly, to a lighter which incorporates a slip ring around the spark wheel which helps to resist undesired use of the lighter by young children. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Recently, attention has been directed toward preventing ready actuation of lighters by persons normally unable to appreciate the potential danger of flame. Such danger includes the potential to burn the user directly, to burn the areas surrounding the user, or to burn items in proximity to the user. Persons normally contemplated in these efforts are young children in the age category of under about five years of age. 
     A conventional roll and press lighter includes a body containing a fuel reservoir filled with a liquified and pressurized hydrocarbon fuel, a valve actuator lever, a striker wheel, a flint in frictional contact with the striker wheel, and a fuel flow control valve in fluid communication with the fuel reservoir. After the striker wheel is rotated against the flint by digital manipulation to produce sparks, the valve actuator lever is depressed allowing gaseous hydrocarbon fuel to flow out of the reservoir through the flow control valve. The sparks emitted by manipulation of the spark wheel ignite the released fuel which produces a flame. Such conventional lighters are known in the art and are commercially available. 
     It is desirable to increase the difficulty involved in using the conventional lighter in order to limit the ability of young children under about five years of age to operate such lighters. For this reason, there are many proposed &#34;child-resistant&#34; lighters offered in the patent literature and on the commercial market. Examples of such patents include U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,829; U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,482; U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,886; U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,893; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,011. Each of these disclosed devices describes a child-resistant feature which somehow acts to block movement of the gas fuel release mechanism to prevent operation of the lighter. 
     Other proposed &#34;child-resistant&#34; lighters are directed toward dexterity measures which make it more difficult for young children to create a spark by making operation of the lighter more difficult. An example of this type of lighter may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,335 to Loveless. 
     Although many of the currently available designs provide a degree of &#34;child-resistance&#34;, there is a continuing search in the art for designs which are more user-friendly for the intended adult to operate, while retaining their &#34;child-resistant&#34; qualities. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lighter which is operable by an adult, but resistant to operation by young children. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a lighter that can be manufactured with minimal design modifications from the conventional lighter. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a child-resistant feature for such a lighter that is retained so as to resist removal by the normal user. 
     These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by a lighter which requires that at least a threshold amount of digital pressure, i.e., pressure exerted by a finger or thumb, be applied to a slip ring which surrounds the striking wheel assembly before the striking wheel assembly can be rotated against the flint to create a spark. Further, the present invention may include a means for inhibiting further rotation of the striking wheel after the wheel has been initially struck. The present invention also includes means for holding the striking wheel in a neutral position to inhibit reactivation of the lighter once the lighter has been initially struck. 
     These features are provided by a lighter which includes a body defining a fuel reservoir and a valve for releasing fuel from the reservoir. A spark producing element is mounted on the body and is rotatable by the user to produce a spark toward the valve. The spark producing element preferably comprises a rotary sparker and at least one turning wheel mounted coaxially with the rotary sparker. The lighter body further includes a cylindrical carriage which houses a flint and is disposed beneath the rotary sparker of the spark producing element. When the spark producing element is rotated, it contacts the flint to produce a spark. A valve actuator is depressible to actuate the valve to release fuel from the body of the lighter. The lighter body also includes spark wheel supports which extend longitudinally from the body above the fuel reservoir. The spark producing element is mounted on the spark wheel supports. The spark wheel supports are preferably formed integrally with the body of the lighter. 
     The lighter of the present invention further comprises a slip ring which is mounted concentrically about the spark producing element. The slip ring is preferably a cylindrical sleeve which extends 360° around the spark producing element to form a closed loop. The slip ring rotates freely about the striking wheel assembly in both a forward and a backward direction. When digital pressure is applied to the slip ring, the slip ring frictionally engages the spark producing element to rotate the assembly to produce a spark. The slip ring preferably frictionally engages the turning wheels of the spark producing element. The slip ring and the spark producing element work in concert to create a spark toward the valve. The forward rotation of the slip ring is in the direction of rotation for creating a spark directed toward the valve. The backward rotation of the slip ring is in a direction opposite to the forward rotation. The slip ring may be rotated around the spark producing element without frictionally engaging the spark producing element. Therefore, a certain amount of dexterity and physical strength is needed to operate the slip ring to engage the spark producing element and create a spark. 
     The slip ring further includes an elongated channel which is formed around part of the circumference of the cylindrical sleeve of the slip ring. The elongated channel preferably runs around more than half of the circumference of the sleeve. The channel serves as the means for allowing the rotary sparker to engage the flint. In addition, the channel serves as a means for stopping the motion of the slip ring. During rotation of the slip ring in either the forward or backward direction, whether sufficient digital pressure is applied to engage the spark producing element or not, the ends of the elongated channel engage the cylindrical carriage which extends upward from the body. This engagement stops the motion of the slip ring. A first end of the elongated channel engages a front side of the cylindrical carriage at a neutral position after the slip ring has been rotated in the forward direction. When the first end of the elongated channel engages the cylindrical carriage, further forward motion of the slip ring is halted. The slip ring may then be rotated in the backward direction until a second end of the elongated channel engages a rear side of the cylindrical carriage, thereby halting the backward movement of the slip ring. When the slip ring is in this position, the ready position, it can be rotated in concert with the spark producing element to produce a spark toward the valve. 
     The invention further includes a means for holding the slip ring in the neutral position. The slip ring preferably includes protrusions which extend laterally from either side of the slip ring. The protrusions are preferably located along the length of the elongated channel near the first end of the channel. During rotation of the slip ring and spark producing element in the forward direction, the protrusions engage the inner walls of the spark wheel supports. Movement of the slip ring in the backward direction is thereby inhibited. The spark wheel supports are preferably composed of a material which is more ductile than the material of the slip ring protrusions. Therefore, when force is exerted on the slip ring during rotation to create a spark, the protrusions are forced past the edge of the inner wall of the supports, causing the inner walls to deform slightly and hold the protrusions firmly in place. Pressure must be exerted in the backward direction to disengage the protrusions from the inner wall of the supports. 
     In another embodiment, the spark wheel supports preferably have disposed on an inner wall a cavity for engaging the slip ring protrusions. In this embodiment, when the slip ring is rotated in the forward direction, the protrusions engage the cavities and are held in a fixed position until a predetermined force in the backward direction is applied to disengage the protrusions from the cavities. In this embodiment, the protrusions are forced past the inner wall of the support until they reach the cavity. 
     The exterior surface of the slip ring is preferably serrated to provide a rough edge for engagement by the user&#39;s finger. The interior surface of the slip ring, which engages the spark producing element, is preferably smooth. The slip ring is preferably the same width as the spark producing element. The elongated channel is preferably the same width as the rotary sparker. 
     Thus, a lighter having the above described slip ring with protrusions should provide a young child with sufficient deterrent features to prevent the child from readily producing a flame, or to deter the child from readily producing a flame at least for a time sufficient to permit the normally expected adult intervention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighter of the present invention with the slip ring in the ready position; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lighter of the present invention with the slip ring in the neutral position; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a lighter of the present invention with the slip ring in the ready position; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional rear view of the lighter of the present invention with the slip ring in the ready position; 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of the lighter of the present invention with the slip ring in the ready position; 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a valve actuator of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a valve actuator of the present invention along line 7--7 in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the slip ring of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8B is an exploded perspective view of a spark wheel assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the slip ring of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional rear view of the lighter of another embodiment of the present invention with the slip ring in the ready position; 
     FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional rear view of the lighter of another embodiment of the present invention with the slip ring in the neutral position; 
     FIG. 12 is a top view of another embodiment of the lighter of the present invention with the slip ring in the neutral position; 
     FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the body of the lighter of present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a partial interior side view of the spark wheel supports of another embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the body of the lighter of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used to designate like parts, FIGS. 1 and 2 show lighter 10 according to the present invention as including a slip ring 60 disposed concentrically about the striking wheel. The slip ring 60 in FIG. 1 is shown in the ready position. The ready position is the position at which the lighter may be activated to produce a spark. FIG. 2 shows the lighter 10 of the present invention with the slip ring 60 in the neutral position. When the slip ring 60 is in the neutral position, it cannot be further rotated to create a flame. 
     More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, lighter 10 has body 12 with striking wheel assembly 14 disposed between spark wheel supports 15 (shown partially in phantom in FIG. 4) via axle 16. Striking wheel assembly 14 is located at the top end of body 12 and comprises turning wheels 18 disposed on each side of rotary sparker 20. The two turning wheels 18 and sparker 20 are connected to one another and are mounted coaxially on axle 16. Body 12 defines a cylindrical carriage 22 forming a cavity positioned longitudinally and centrally within body 12. Flint 24 is disposed within carriage 22, and is urged into frictional contact with the rotary sparker by spring 26. 
     Lighter 10 further comprises a valve actuator 28, which is pivotally mounted on body 12 through tabs 30, which are located below axle 16. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, valve actuator 28 defines slot 32 at one end for receiving the valve. At the other end of the valve actuator 28 is thumb pad 36. In its middle region, valve actuator 28 defines an opening 37, which allows flint 24 to extend from lighter body 12 through valve actuator 28 to reach rotary sparker 20. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, valve 34 controls the release of fuel from reservoir 42. In this embodiment of the present invention, valve 34 is a normally open valve, forced open by the pressure of fuel within reservoir 42. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, valve actuator 28 acts on valve 34 to maintain it in a closed position. Compression spring 44 pushes up on a first end of valve actuator 28, forcing the second, opposite end to act downwardly on valve 34 where it extends through slot 32. This pressure maintains the valve in a closed position until thumb pad 36 is sufficiently depressed allowing the stem of valve 34 to move upward and thereby releasing the fuel. Second compression spring 38 acts between the valve actuator and valve stem to prevent the release of fuel before the thumb pad 36 is depressed to a sufficiently actuated position. It is contemplated that other suitable valve configurations may be selected by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a normally closed valve, which is forced open by the lifting of the second end of the valve actuator due to depression of the thumb pad may be utilized. 
     Lighter 10 also has shield 50 mounted on top of body 12 enclosing the spark wheel supports 15 and around valve 34, as shown in FIG. 5. Shield 50 assists in the generation and maintenance of the flame. 
     The lighter 10 of the current invention further includes a slip ring 60 as shown in FIG. 8A. Slip ring 60 is mounted concentrically about the striking wheel assembly 14 as is shown in FIGS. 1-5. 
     Referring to FIG. 8A, the slip ring 60 comprises a cylindrical sleeve which preferably extends 360° around the striking wheel assembly 14 to form a closed loop. The cylindrical sleeve has an elongated channel 70 formed around part of the circumference of the sleeve. Preferably, the elongated channel 70 runs around more than about half of the circumference of the sleeve. The exterior surface 68 of the slip ring 60 is preferably serrated in order to make it easier to grip by the user. The inner surface 66 of the slip ring 60 is preferably smooth. 
     FIG. 8B shows the slip ring 60 in conjunction with the turning wheels 18 and the rotary sparker 20. The two turning wheels 18 are placed on the ends of the rotary sparker 20 to form the striking wheel assembly 14. The slip ring 60 is placed around the striking wheel assembly 14. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, the slip ring 60 is disposed concentrically about the striking wheel assembly 14. A space 41 is shown between the slip ring 60 and the striking wheel assembly 14. The space 41 shown in FIG. 3 is greatly exaggerated to demonstrate that a space exists, but the actual space should be suitable to allow the slip ring 60 to slip around the striking wheel assembly 14 to frictionally engage the turning wheels 18 when digital pressure is applied. 
     Since the slip ring 60 entirely surrounds the striking wheel assembly 14, it may only be removed by the user by disassembling the lighter 10. The slip ring may rotate freely about the striking wheel assembly 14 in either a forward F or backward B direction of rotation. In order to operate the lighter 10 to produce a spark, digital pressure is applied to the slip ring 60 during rotation of the slip ring 60 in a forward F direction. When pressure is applied toward the axis of the striking wheel assembly 21, the slip ring 60 frictionally engages the turning wheels 18 and rotates the same to create a spark toward the valve. After the user digitally rotates the slip ring 60 in concert with the striking wheel assembly 14 to create a spark, the user&#39;s digit then moves to depress the thumb pad 36 to open the fuel valve 34 in order to produce a flame. 
     The slip ring interior surface 66 is preferably smooth and preferably engages only the turning wheels 18 of the striking wheel assembly 14 during rotation. Examples of materials which may be used for the slip ring 60 include brass, zinc, or plastic. Other embodiments utilizing other materials may also be used and the slip ring 60 of the present invention should not be limited to the above examples. 
     It is not necessary that the slip ring 60 engage the rotary sparker 20. Slip ring 60 is preferably the same width as the striking wheel assembly 14. The elongated channel 70 is preferably about the same width as the rotary sparker 20. The elongated channel must be wide enough to accommodate the width of the flint 24 which is disposed in the cylindrical carriage 22. Preferably, elongated channel 70 is wide enough to accommodate both the cylindrical carriage 22 and the flint 24. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3-5, means for preventing further forward rotation F of the striking wheel assembly 14 after an initial forward rotation F is provided by the first end 72 of the elongated channel 70. Similarly, means for preventing backward rotation of the striking wheel assembly 14 is provided by a second end 74 of the elongated channel 70. In operation, the slip ring 60 is preferably initially positioned in the ready position as shown in FIG. 1. When pressure is applied to the slip ring 60 to engage the turning wheels 18, the striking wheel assembly 14 rotates in the forward direction F to create a spark toward the valve 34. Rotation of the slip ring 60 in the forward direction F is halted when the first end 72 of the elongated channel 70 engages a front surface 90 of the cylindrical carriage 22, which is disposed beneath the rotary sparker 20. When the slip ring 60 is in this position, it is neutralized. It cannot be rotated further in the forward direction F to create a spark. The neutral position of the slip ring 60 is depicted in FIG. 2. In order to reactivate the striking wheel assembly 14, the slip ring 60 must be rotated in the backward direction B. As the slip ring 60 is rotated in the backward direction B, the second end 74 of elongated channel 70 engages a rear surface 92 of the cylindrical carriage 22, thereby halting the rotation of the slip ring 60 in the backward direction B. This rotation series brings the slip ring 60 back to the ready position shown in FIG. 1. 
     Means for holding the striking wheel assembly 14 in the neutral position to inhibit reactivation of the lighter 10 once the lighter 10 has been struck is provided in another embodiment of the present invention as is shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the slip ring 60 further comprises at least one protrusion 80 and preferably a pair of protrusions 80. Protrusions 80 extend laterally from the sides of the slip ring and serve to widen the slip ring 60 at their location of placement. Protrusions 80 are preferably located along the length of the elongated channel 70 and, most preferably, are located near the first end 72 of the elongated channel 70. Protrusions 80 are preferably integrally formed with the slip ring 60. 
     As discussed above, the body of the lighter includes a pair of spark wheel supports 15 which extend from the top of body 12 of lighter 10 to hold striking wheel assembly 14 in place. Spark wheel supports 15 are shown in FIG. 13 and in phantom in FIGS. 10 and 11. Spark wheel supports 15 are preferably formed integrally with body 12 as is shown in FIG. 13. 
     Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in operation, as slip ring 60 is rotated from the ready position to the neutral position to create a spark toward valve 34, slip ring protrusions 80 engage the inner walls of spark wheel supports 15 as slip ring 60 reaches the neutral position. Protrusions 80 are forced past the front edge of spark wheel supports 15 until they are firmly engaged by the inner walls of the spark wheel supports 15. In order to disengage the protrusions 80, a greater predetermined force must be applied to the slip ring 60 in a backward direction of rotation B. 
     Spark wheel supports 15 are preferably composed of a material which is more resiliently deformable than the material of the slip ring protrusions 80 so that the material of the spark wheel supports 15 will be resiliently deformed, e.g., spread apart, to receive the protrusions 80 when force is applied during movement of the slip ring 60 from the ready position to the neutral position. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the spark wheel supports 15 may include an inner wall cavity 75 for receiving the slip ring protrusions 80. In this embodiment, slip ring protrusions 80 must pass by an edge of spark wheel supports 15 until they engage the cavity 75. A predetermined force must be used to disengage the protrusions from the cavities 75 in the backward direction B. 
     The lighter as described above is more difficult to operate and potentially &#34;child-resistant&#34; because generally children under five years of age do not have the needed dexterity to apply digital pressure to rotate the slip ring 60 in concert with the striking wheel assembly 14. In addition, a child under the age of five may not have the intelligence to determine that the slip ring 60 must be repositioned at the ready position after an attempt to strike the lighter 10 has been made. 
     While various descriptions of the present invention are described above, it is understood that the various features of the present invention can be used singly or in any combination thereof. Namely, a conventional spark wheel assembly can be modified to include the protrusions of the present invention. Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the specifically preferred embodiments depicted herein.