Abstract:
Disclosed is an actuator for a piezoelectric cigarette or utility lighter with a LED penlight incorporated as an independent light source. The actuator is located at the top of a standard piezoelectric lighter behind the lighter&#39;s burner. The actuator activates the lighter when it is depressed and makes contact with a piezoelectric unit that initiates release of gas into the burner while simultaneously emitting a spark in the area of the burner to ignite the gas. The penlight feature consists of an LED light assembly incorporated into the actuator&#39;s top cap situated so as to depress the piezoelectric unit. The LED light assembly consists of a light emitting diode mounted on a platform, the whole of which is configured to fit within the LED top cap whereby the platform is a bottom wall of the LED top cap and contains a power source in the form of a battery holder that fits between the piezoelectric unit and the outer casing of the lighter. A pressure switch on the actuator operates the penlight.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a piezoelectric lighter with an actuator that operates the ignition system of a cigarette or utility lighter and also contains an independent light source, i.e., a miniature lighting device commonly known as a penlight, key light, or miniature flashlight, specifically those that utilize a light emitting diode (LED) of high brightness as a light source.  
         [0003]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0004]     Penlights and other miniature light devices have a wide variety of uses, from illuminating poorly lit areas and dark, narrow spaces for any number of reasons to locating keys and locks. They are often used to read documents in cars or in poorly lit areas, as well as to identify persons or things in such areas. In the absence of a flashlight or penlight, cigarette lighters are frequently used as a light source in situations where a penlight would be useful While lighters may work in some situations, there is always the danger of inadvertently starting a fire. Moreover, a cigarette lighter can be used for illumination only very briefly without the real danger of suffering a burn injury to the hand.  
         [0005]     However, until very recently, equipping a piezoelectric lighter with a separate, reliable light source was simply impracticable because of the space requirements for the light source. The only cigarette lighters known to also contain an independent light source are those where an LED light is installed at the bottom end of the lighter, opposite to the end containing the burner and lighter actuator. In order to use such a light source, the lighter has to be reversed. This arrangement has several obvious disadvantages, especially if the light source is to be used in an unlit, dark area where the lighter may be lost or mishandled in the process of attempting to operate it. More significantly, a piezoelectric lighter with the LED light assembly at the bottom end—an assembly that requires at a minimum the LED device, a power source and a switch mechanism—will utilize almost as much space as the lighter components, which would include a piezoelectric unit, a fuel reservoir, a gas line and burner assembly, as well as an actuator to ignite the lighter. In the ordinary course of use, such a cigarette lighter would have an abbreviated life. First, because the light source is at the bottom, the LED assembly would receive many shocks since that end of the cigarette lighter would always be regarded as the base end and would be handled accordingly. Thus, the likelihood of it breaking is twice that of the ordinary lighter.  
         [0006]     More important, however, a piezoelectric lighter with an LED light assembly at its bottom end would have to have a very small and limited fuel reservoir because of the space utilized for the LED light assembly. Thus, if such a lighter is not refillable, its usefulness as a lighter would be extremely limited, as would be its marketability. It would probably be discarded before its light source expires. On the other hand, even if it is refillable, it will have to be refilled twice as often as an ordinary refillable lighter, having half the fuel capacity. In either case, a piezoelectric lighter with a LED light assembly at the bottom end would have less commercial value than one with the LED light at the top end of the lighter. The present invention remedies those disadvantages by incorporating the LED light source into the actuator behind the burner of the lighter.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     Thus there is a need for a cigarette or utility lighter with an independent light source at the same end as the lighter&#39;s burner and one that has the same fuel capacity as the ordinary, conventional lighter without an independent light source. Such features would extend the life of the lighter and make it more user friendly, and thereby more commercially viable.  
         [0008]     The object of this invention is to provide a reliable, user friendly, independent light source that can be combined with a conventional lighter to enhance its utility as both a miniature flashlight and cigarette or utility lighter, without sacrificing its useful life and fuel capacity. Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention over the prior art are:  
         [0009]     a) To provide an actuator for a piezoelectric lighter that incorporates an LED light assembly that includes an LED, a power source, and a switch mechanism that can be operated with a simple movement of the thumb.  
         [0010]     b) To provide an actuator for a piezoelectric lighter that incorporates an LED penlight in such a manner that the LED component will not utilize space dedicated to the lighter&#39;s fuel supply.  
         [0011]     c) To provide a cigarette lighter with an independent light source, i.e., a penlight or miniature flashlight, that will have the same fuel capacity as the ordinary, conventional lighter without an independent light source.  
         [0012]     d) To provide a cigarette lighter with an independent light source at the top end of the lighter, next to the lighter burner for the most convenient handling and user friendly position.  
         [0013]     e) To provide an actuator for a cigarette lighter that incorporates an LED light assembly that is positioned next to the lighter burner at the top end of the lighter to minimize damage from handling shocks.  
         [0014]     f) To provide an actuator for a cigarette lighter that incorporates an LED light assembly by using a simplified construction and design that integrates the LED device, the power source, and the switch mechanism in the most economical and cost effective way.  
         [0015]     g) To provide an actuator that incorporates an LED lighting assembly that can be adapted to the greatest range of piezoelectric lighter embodiments in the art.  
         [0016]     In this regard, the present invention provides an actuator for a piezoelectric cigarette or utility lighter which has an incorporated LED light assembly as an independent light source, commonly called a penlight. The actuator is embodied in a standard, conventional piezoelectric lighter with an elongated outer body casing defining a fuel reservoir enclosed by an inner fuel reservoir casing, and a fuel dispensing assembly consisting of a fuel line with a valve that regulates the flow of fuel to a burner atop the fuel assembly. A lighter top cap covers half of the lighter&#39;s top end, enclosing the burner and a pair of vertical arms that secure a fireproof partition across the top of the lighter. The fireproof partition separates and shields the LED light assembly incorporated in the actuator from the lighter burner. The fuel released by the burner is ignited by an electric spark generated by a piezoelectric unit that is positioned behind the fuel dispensing assembly and above a portion of the fuel reservoir. The piezoelectric unit generates a spark to the burner through a spark conductor when a smaller top member is telescoped into a larger bottom member of the unit by downward, vertical pressure on the actuator which is slidable. The slidable actuator covers the other half of the top end of the lighter and is positioned behind the lighter top cap and directly over the piezoelectric unit. The downward pressure on the actuator also releases fuel into the burner at the same time that it generates an electric spark and, thereby, creates a flame. The actuator is configured such that, when depressed, it not only causes the piezoelectric unit to emit the electric spark into the area of the burner, it also causes a gas lever to open the valve regulating the flow of gas to the burner. The gas lever extends from the gas valve on the gas line to the piezoelectric unit, where it is configured to be depressed when the actuator telescopes the top member of the piezoelectric unit, thereby causing the other end of the gas lever to open the gas valve on the gas line. A controllable flame from the burner results. When downward pressure on the actuator ceases, a spring within the piezoelectric unit providing resistance to the downward pressure forces the actuator upwards to its original position. As a result, pressure on the gas lever is relieved and the gas valve closes, extinguishing the flame.  
         [0017]     The instant invention is a lighter actuator with an incorporated LED light assembly which will provide a reliable, user friendly, independent light source in addition to igniting the lighter. The actuator is generally in two parts. The first part is an integrally molded, helmet shaped, LED top cap constructed so as to slidably fit on top of the lighter behind the lighter top cap and burner, separated by a fireproof partition. The helmet shaped, LED top cap includes a back wall and two opposite side walls extending downward from a top wall, all of which define a cavity that receives the second part of the actuator. The second part of the actuator is the upper portion of the LED light assembly, which includes an LED bulb with two contact leads on an LED platform which has a battery holder for three or less batteries attached. The top wall of the LED top cap has an aperture through which the light beam from the LED shines. The aperture is defined by a round heat guard that extends downwards from the opening and is sized to receive the LED bulb when the LED top cap is assembled with the LED light assembly to complete the actuator. Two abbreviated flanges extending from the top of the open end of the LED top cap are configured to slidably connect the LED top cap to the lighter body by articulating with connecting channels on the vertical arms extending from the top of the lighter body. Fitting within the vertical connecting channel, the flanges provide a slidable means for the depression of the actuator. The back wall of the LED top cap has a small bore for a LED pressure light switch. And, on the inside of the LED top cap are slight, molded vertical ribs in the back and front to provide a means for connecting and stabilizing the LED light assembly when inserted. At the open end of the LED top cap, the free ends of the two vertical side walls are configured to provide a seal with the folded edges of the lighter cap when the LED top cap is fitted to the lighter.  
         [0018]     The LED assembly consists of a LED bulb of suitable size and type with two contact leads, one short and the other long, extending therefrom. The LED bulb rests atop of and is adhered to a LED platform that includes a flat, horizontal base bisected by a longitudinal, vertical post on which the LED bulb is positioned. The horizontal base provides a solid floor to the LED top cap and a surface to depress the piezoelectric unit&#39;s top member to activate the lighter. The LED assembly also includes a power source consisting of three flat, cell batteries contained in a battery holder, attached at a right angle to the underside of the LED platform base at the end next to the back wall of the LED cap when the actuator is assembled. The effect of the LED bulb and platform fitting within the LED cap, along with the perpendicular, flatten battery holder as the power source is to utilize the least amount of space for an independent light source. The three (3) cylindrical, flat cell batteries, of sufficient voltage to power the LED, inserted in three (3) vertically aligned battery compartments on the battery holder requires less space than the piezoelectric unit. In fact, the battery holder utilizes unused space within the lighter body because it fits within the unused space between the outer casing and the piezoelectric unit.  
         [0019]     The operation of the penlight feature of the lighter is a simple matter of turning the lighter in the direction one wants the light beam to illuminate and pressing the light switch located on the outside of the back wall of the LED top cap. The short lead on the LED bulb runs to the area of the light switch, adjacent to, but not touching a flexible conductive plate that runs from the negative terminal of the first cell battery on the battery holder. The conductive plate is flexible to a degree that when the light switch is pressed inward against it, the conductive plate flexes and makes contact with the short lead, thereby closing a circuit and powering the LED penlight. The electric circuit also consists of the long lead extending down from the LED bulb, along the back side of the battery holder where it makes contact with the positive terminal of the third battery through a bore in its battery compartment. On its opposite side, the negative terminal of the third battery makes contact with the positive terminal of the second battery by means of a conductive plate clipped to the surface of those two batteries. The negative terminal of the second battery is similar linked to the positive terminal of the first battery by a conductive plate in their adjoining battery compartments. This simple, elegant arrangement of 3 flat, cell batteries linked by conductive plates sets up an electric circuit which is closed and powers up the LED bulb when the light switch is depressed. As with the lighter flame and the actuator, the LED light is extinguished when pressure on the light switch is removed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a standard piezoelectric cigarette lighter embodying the present actuator with an independent light source, i.e., an LED penlight.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a cross section, schematic view showing the structure of a standard piezoelectric lighter fully assembled with the actuator.  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a cross section schematic view of the lighter in  FIG. 1  showing the action of the lighter when the actuator is depressed to ignite the lighter.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is an exploded, schematic, cross section view of the lighter in  FIG. 1  showing the lighter top cap, the actuator with an LED penlight assembly and a standard piezoelectric lighter.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded, perspective view of the actuator showing perspective views of the LED top cap and the LED light assembly, consisting of the LED bulb, LED platform, and the battery holder.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the LED top cap and LED light assembly assembled into the actuator in relationship to the lighter.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are perspective front views of the LED light assembly showing the arrangements of the LED bulb with two leads, the battery holder with batteries, and conductor plates.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  are perspective front views of the LED light assembly showing the structure of the battery holder without batteries in the battery compartments but with a conductive plate inside the top and middle battery compartments.  
         [0028]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  is a perspective front view of the LED light assembly showing the placement of the conductor plates in the battery holder in relationship to the placement of the batteries.  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is perspective view of the orientation of a piezoelectric lighter with an LED penlight actuator in the hand during the operation of the lighter feature.  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the orientation of a piezoelectric lighter with an LED penlight actuator in the hand during the operation of the LED penlight.  
     
    
     DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS  
       [0031]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                  2 
                 preferred embodiment lighter 
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 lighter top cap 
                 11 
                 lighter cap sidewall 
                 12 
                 lighter aperture 
               
               
                 13 
                 lighter cap top wall 
                 14 
                 lighter burner 
                 16 
                 fuel valve 
               
               
                 18 
                 fuel line 
                 20 
                 penlight actuator 
                 22A 
                 short lead 
               
             
          
           
               
                 22B 
                 long lead 
                 24A-24C 
                 conductive plates 
               
             
          
           
               
                 26A-26B 
                 clips 
                 28A 
                 top battery 
                 28B 
                 middle battery 
               
             
          
           
               
                 28C 
                 bottom battery 
                 29A-29C 
                 battery compartments 
               
             
          
           
               
                 30 
                 LED top cap 
                 32 
                 LED aperture 
                 34 
                 light switch 
               
               
                 36 
                 heat guard 
                 38 
                 LED bulb 
                 40 
                 vertical arm 
               
               
                 42 
                 partition 
                 44 
                 connecting channel 
                 46 
                 folded edge 
               
               
                 50 
                 flange 
                 51 
                 LED cap back wall 
                 52 
                 LED cap sidewall 
               
               
                 53 
                 back rib 
                 54 
                 front rib 
                 55 
                 LED top wall 
               
               
                 60 
                 piezoelectric unit 
                 60A 
                 top member 
                 60B 
                 bottom member 
               
               
                 62 
                 piezoelectric spring 
                 64 
                 spark conductor 
                 66 
                 LED platform 
               
               
                 68 
                 fuel lever 
                 70 
                 outer casing 
                 72 
                 fuel reservoir casing 
               
               
                 74 
                 fuel reservoir 
                 76 
                 bottom cap 
                 78 
                 fuel cap 
               
               
                 80 
                 LED battery holder 
                 82 
                 LED light assembly 
                 84 
                 LED platform base 
               
               
                   
                   
                 86 
                 LED platform post 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0032]     Although a specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, the following description is only one example of a variety of specific embodiments representative of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art pertaining to the present invention are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims.  
         [0033]      FIG. 1  depicts a preferred embodiment of the present invention—an actuator with a LED penlight incorporated as an independent light source in a standard piezoelectric cigarette lighter. It shows a lighter  2  with an attractive exterior consisting generally of three parts—a top cap for the lighter  10 , the LED top cap  30  of the penlight actuator  20  and the elongated outer casing  70 . The lighter top cap  10  has a lighter aperture  12  for the flame. The actuator  20  contains an aperture  32  for the LED light beam, wherein can be seen an Led bulb  38 . A light switch  34  for the LED penlight is also depicted.  
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a cross section, schematic view of lighter  2  in  FIG. 1  showing the structure of a standard piezoelectric lighter fully assembled with the penlight actuator  20 . It portrays an outer casing  70  along with a fuel reservoir casing  72  defining a fuel reservoir  74 . At the bottom end is a bottom cap  76  that contains a fuel cap  78  through which the fuel reservoir  74  may be filled with an appropriate fuel for the lighter. Also displayed is a fuel dispensing assembly that includes a fuel line  18  that leads to a fuel valve  16  that releases fuel to a burner  14  that is atop the fuel dispensing assembly and beneath the lighter aperture  12 , through which the flame emanates. To the right of and parallel to the fuel reservoir casing  72  is the piezoelectric unit  60 , consisting of a small top member  60 A and a large bottom member  60 B containing a spring  62 . A spark conductor  64  runs from the piezoelectric unit  60  up to the area of the burner  14 . A fuel lever  68  extends from the small top member  60 A of the piezoelectric unit  60  on one end to the fuel valve  16  on the other end. The fuel lever  68  regulates the release of fuel to the burner  14  in response to the action of the small member  60 A of the piezoelectric unit  60 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , when the small member of the piezoelectric unit  60 A is depressed and telescoped within the larger bottom member  60 B because of pressure on the actuator  20 , a spark is emitted from the spark conductor  64  in the area of the burner  14 , while at the same time fuel is released into the burner  14  as a result of the fuel lever  68  opening the fuel valve  16 . A flame results from this cascade of events.  
         [0035]     Two vertical arms, one of which  40  can be seen in cross section on  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3  and in the exploded, perspective view of  FIG. 4 , extend vertically from the top of the outer casing  70 . The vertical arm  40  can be adhered to or integrally molded with the outer casing  70 . The vertical arm  40 , mirrored on the opposite, parallel side of the outer casing  70  secures one end of a fireproof partition  42 . The partition  42 , secured on both ends by a vertical arm  40 , shields the penlight actuator  20  incorporated in the LED top cap  30  from the flame of the burner  14  and holds the spark conductor  64  in proximity to the burner  14 . The partition  42  is constructed of material that is nonflammable and heat resistant. Also, as depicted in  FIG. 4 . the vertical arm  40  contains a connecting channel  44 , which is duplicated on the parallel, opposite side vertical arm not depicted in the drawings. The connecting channel  44  provides a slidable means for the depression of the actuator  20 , necessary to operate the lighter. As seen in  FIGS. 2, 3 , &amp;  4 , and describe in further detail herein below, on each side of a top cap  30  of actuator  20  is a flange  50  that fits within the slidable connecting channel  44  and allows the actuator  20  to be depressed.  FIG. 4  also shows the lighter top cap  10  in the present embodiment as helmet shaped with a top wall  13  conjoined with two curving sidewalls  11  forming a closed front end. The lighter top cap  10  encloses the burner  14  and the vertical arms  40 . Although the lighter top cap  10  may adhere or attach to the outer casing  70  of the lighter in different ways, in the present embodiment it is designed with the free ends of the side walls  11  at the open end having folded edges  46  to provide a means for securing the lighter top cap  10  to the top of lighter  2 . This is achieved by fitting a folded edge  46  on both sides of the open end of the lighter top cap  10  around the back edge of the vertical arm  40 . This connective arrangement also allows a seal to be created with the LED top cap  30  of the actuator  20 . When the flange  50  on the LED top cap  30  is positioned within the slidable connecting channel  44  of the vertical arm  40 , the folded edge  46  of the lighter top cap is flush with the open end of the LED top cap sidewall  52 . This is depicted in  FIG. 3  which shows the actuator  20  depressed and both top caps in juxtaposition. Thus, not only is the lighter top cap  10  connected firmly to the lighter, the position of its folded edges  46  flush against the ends of the LED top cap sidewall  52  creates a seal with the actuator, as the exploded view of  FIG. 5B  suggests.  
         [0036]      FIGS. 2 &amp; 3  also show the unique and innovative construct of the present lighter actuator with an incorporated LED penlight  20  assembled within the preferred lighter embodiment  2  The design and construct of the actuator  20  enables it to be placed directly above the small, telescopic member  60 A of the piezoelectric unit  60 . Thus the penlight actuator  20  is in a position to initiate ignition of lighter  2  in the usual manner that a standard piezoelectric is operated—by depression of the telescopic member of the piezoelectric unit. The actuator  20 , however, does not require additional space in the standard lighter  2  because of the penlight feature, since the LED  38  is incorporated within the LED top cap  30 , as seen in  FIGS. 3, 4 ,  5 A, &amp;  5 B.  
         [0037]      FIGS. 2 &amp; 3  depict a cross-sectional view of the penlight actuator  20  composed of an LED top cap  30  enclosing a LED bulb  38  atop an LED platform  66  and disposed within a heat guard  36 . The heat guard  36 , sized to receive the LED bulb  38 , extends down from the LED aperture  32 . The heat guard  36  focuses and concentrates the light from the LED bulb  38  into a coherent beam of light through the LED aperture  32 . The heat guard  36  also provides additional protection from the lighter&#39;s flame and heat. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the LED platform  66 , being disposed directly above, depresses the small member  60 A of the piezoelectric unit when the actuator  20  is depressed, thereby generating a spark through the spark conductor  64  in the area of the burner  14 . At the same time, fuel is released into the burner  14  when the small member  60 A of the piezoelectric unit  60  is depressed because the fuel lever  68 , articulating with the small member  60 A, is similar depressed, thereby opening the fuel valve  16  on the other end of the fuel lever  68  and releasing fuel into the burner  14 . The cascading effect resulting from pressure on the actuator ignites the lighter. When pressure on the actuator  20  is removed, the piezoelectric spring  62  within the large bottom member of the piezoelectric unit drives the actuator  20  back to its original position, as seen in  FIG.2 . In another embodiments, not depicted, the fuel valve  16  may also contain a means for pre-setting the amount of fuel entering the burner  14  and thus regulating the height of the flame that emanates from the burner.  
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is an exploded, perspective, cross section view of lighter  2 , its lighter top cap  10 , and its penlight actuator  20  with a LED top cap  30  and a battery holder  80 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are exploded, perspective view of the actuator  20 , including the helmet shaped LED top cap  30  and a LED light assembly  82 , composed of a LED bulb  38  atop a LED platform  66  and a battery holder  80 . The LED top cap  30  has two opposite sidewalls  52  joined to a back wall  51  and a LED top wall  55 . The back wall  51  of the LED top cap  30  has a pressure light switch to operate the LED light, while the top wall  55  has an aperture  32  for a LED light beam. The open ends of the LED sidewalls  52  have flanges  50  extending out. As stated before, the flanges  50  enable the depression of the actuator  20  when positioned within the connecting channel  40 . Molded within the LED top cap side walls  52  are slight ribs  53  at the back end and ribs  54  at the front end which help stabilize and connect the LED bulb  38  and Platform  66  when inserted into the LED top cap  30 .  FIG. 5A  also shows the construction of the LED platform  66  which has a base  84  portion and a post  86  portion. Constructed out of the same rigid, nonconductive plastic that composes the battery holder, the LED platform must be of sufficient strength and durability to withstand the pressure of depressing the top member  60 A of the piezoelectric unit. The power source for the LED bulb  38  is illustrated in  FIG. 5A  as a battery holder  80  that extends down from one end of the LED platform  66 .  FIG. 5B  depicts the position of the battery holder  80  when the actuator  20  is assembled with the LED bulb  38  inside the LED top cap  30 . In that position, the battery holder  80  is next to the back wall  51  of the LED top cap  30 .  
         [0039]     The exploded, cross-section view of the actuator in  FIGS. 4, 5A  &amp;  5 B and the schematic views of  FIGS. 6A, 7A  &amp;  7 B, all show the actuator  20  with a conventional LED  38  with two leads, a short lead  22 A and a long lead  22 B, that connect with the power source in order to establish the necessary electrical circuit. In  FIG. 4 , the short lead  22 A is seen curling down over the LED platform  66  up towards the area of a conductive plate  24 A and the light switch  34 . The short lead  22 A may adhere to the LED Platform  66  in some manner AND/or be set in a groove or notch to stabilize its path. The long lead  22 B is seen to travel down the backside of battery holder  80  to the bottom battery. The path of the long lead  22 B can be seen on  FIGS. 4, 5A ,  7 A, &amp;  7 B. As shown thereon, the long lead  22 B travels behind the battery compartments  29 A,  29 B, &amp;  29  C, finally entering compartment  29 C so as to make contact with a battery that is inserted, as in  FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B . The long lead  22 B may also set in a groove or adhere to the surface of the battery holder in some manner to guide and stabilize its path.  FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B  are schematic views of the front side of the battery holder  80  that faces the LED top cap back wall  51 .  FIGS. 5A &amp; 6A  show the battery holder  80  with three batteries inserted  28 A,  28 B &amp;  28 C.  
         [0040]      FIGS. 5A &amp; 6B  show a clip  26 A securing a conductive plate  24 A to the surface of the negative side of the top battery  28 A at one end, while the other end of the conductive plate  24 A is adjacent to the short lead  22 A that travels from the LED bulb  38 . The conductive plate  24 A can be composed of any thin, flexible, highly conductive material. When the actuator is assembled, the conductive plate  24 A makes contact with the negative side of the top battery  28 A at one end and the other end is disposed between the light switch  34  and the short lead  22 A as depicted in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 4 . To illuminate the LED bulb  38  and thereby operate the LED penlight actuator  20 , the electric circuit is closed by pressure on the light switch  34  which pushes the flexible conductive plate to make contact with the short lead  22 A, thereby closing the circuit and powering up the LED bulb  38 .  
         [0041]      FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B  illustrate the balance of the circuit created by the three batteries, which includes a conductive plate  24 C straddling the middle battery  28 B and the bottom battery  28 C and secured by a clip  26   b.  Conductive plate  24 C makes contact with the positive side of the middle battery  28 B and the negative side of the bottom battery  28 C. The circuit is completed by a conductive plate  24 B straddling the positive side of the top battery  28 A and the negative side of the middle battery  28 B.  FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B  show the empty battery compartments  29 A and  29 B and the placement of a conductive plate  24 B at the bottom of the empty battery compartments  29 A and  29 B.  FIGS. 8A &amp; 8B  depict how the top battery  28 A and the middle battery  28 B are placed on top of the conductive plate  24 B straddling the conjoined battery compartments  29 A and  29 B. Thus an electric circuit consisting of three, flat cell batteries of suitable voltage is completed. The circuit is closed when the light switch  34  is pushed in, causing conductive plate  24 A to contact the short lead  22 A, resulting in the illumination of the LED penlight in the actuator  20 .  
         [0042]     It is clear from the foregoing description of the structure and operation of the LED penlight actuator for a piezoelectric lighter in a preferred embodiment that the instant invention provides a simple and elegant construction of a lighter with a Led penlight actuator. The LED penlight actuator is not only cost efficient and simple to operate (by the simple movement of the thumb), it can be adapted to greatest range of piezoelectric lighter embodiments in the art. Moreover, the invention enhances the commercial appeal of the ordinary lighter since the actuator adds the independent light source at the top of the lighter without sacrificing fuel capacity. Although this invention has been disclosed and illustrated with reference to a particular embodiment, the intention is not to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various equivalent modifications in structure, features, assembling, and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concepts indicated by the appended claims.