Multi-mode lighter
AssigneeBIC Corporation
InventorsAnthony Sgroi, Jr., Paul Adams
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A lighter includes a housing having a supply of fuel, an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively perform at least one ignition function, and a latch assembly associated with the housing for selectively changing the actuating member from a high-force mode to a low-force mode. The latch assembly preferably must be moved in at least two different directions to change the actuating member from the high-force mode to the low-force mode. The latch assembly may include a latch actuator movable mounted to a latch member. Various other features which improve the functioning of the lighter may be provided separately or in combination.
Claims20
A lighter comprising:
- a housing having a supply of fuel;
- an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively perform at least one step in an ignition function;
- a latch assembly associated with the housing and movable between a blocking position where the actuating member is substantially blocked from operative movement and an actuating position where the actuating member is movable to perform the at least one step in the ignition function,
- the latch assembly comprising a latch actuator mounted to a latch member where the latch actuator is movable with respect to the latch member;
- and wherein the actuating member performs ignition of the lighter irrespective of the position of the latch assembly.
A lighter comprising:
- a housing having a supply of fuel;
- an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively perform at least one step in an ignition function;
- a latch assembly associated with the housing for selectively changing the actuating member from an inoperative mode to an operative mode,
- wherein the latch assembly comprising a latch actuator mounted to a latch member where the latch actuator is movable with respect to the latch member;
- and wherein the actuating member performs ignition of the lighter irrespective of the position of the latch assembly.
A lighter comprising:
- a housing having a supply of fuel;
- an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively perform at least one step in an ignition function;
- a latch assembly associated with the housing and movable between a blocking position where the actuating member is substantially blocked from operative movement and
- an actuating position where the actuating member is movable to perform the at least one step in the ignition function, the latch assembly comprising a latch actuator mounted to a latch member where the latch actuator is movable with respect to the latch member,
- wherein the latch actuator must be moved a predetermined distance in a first direction before the latch member is moved in a second, different direction, from the blocking position to the actuating position;
- and wherein the actuating member performs ignition of the lighter irrespective of the position of the latch assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.