Piezoelectric lighter which has a higher level of difficulty for operation

#1. Technical Field

#The present invention relates to a piezoelectric ignition mechanism, which includes a mechanism for resisting ignition by young users.

#2. Background Art

#To facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the following drawings have been provided, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a front longitudinal view, in partial cross section, of the piezoelectric mechanism of the present invention in the rest or normal configuration, in an assembled position and located in a gas lighter assembly;

#FIG. 2 is a front longitudinal view of the piezoelectric mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

#Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used to designate like parts, and as shown in FIG. 1, piezoelectric ignition mechanism 10 of a lighter according to the present invention, shown in the rest or normal configuration, comprises first and second telescopic members, which include an outer telescopic member 12, and inner telescopic member 14. Return spring 16 is positioned between the outer assembly 12 and the inner assembly 14 to maintain a separation denoted by X between the two members. Piezoelectric mechanism 10 is disposed in a chamber 20 located in a body of a lighter, and is isolated from the fuel source, e.g., compressed hydrocarbon gas.

#As also shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, piezoelectric mechanism 10 comprises anvil member 22, piezoelectric element 24 and impact pad 26. Plexor member 28, shown in phantom, in FIG. 3 and also in FIGS. 6 and 7, is guided within inner telescopic member 14. Plexor 28 is resiliently biased toward impact pad 26 by impact spring 30, which is also disposed in inner member 14. Outer member 12 also has end member 32 affixed thereon.

#Plexor 28 has two lugs 34 formed on opposite sides thereof. Lugs 34 are received in longitudinal slots 36, which are defined on opposite sides of inner member 14 as shown in FIG. 4. Longitudinal slots 36 guide the displacement of plexor 28, limiting it to the longitudinal direction. Each longitudinal slot 36 has retaining notch 38. Lugs 34 are configured and dimensioned to protrude beyond slots 36 and into windows 40, which are defined on opposite sides of outer member 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Window 40 also has an upper ramp surface 42 and lower ramp surface 44. Thus, the displacement and movement of lugs 34 is controlled by slots 36, notches 38 and ramp surfaces 42 and 44.