Multi-mode lighter
First Claim
1. A lighter comprising:
- a housing having a supply of fuel;
an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively ignite the fuel; and
a latch moveable to vary an amount of force required to move the actuating member to ignite the fuel;
wherein movement of the actuating member a predetermined amount before substantial movement of the latch prevents varying the amount of force required to move the actuating member to ignite the fuel.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a lighter. The lighter includes a housing having a supply of fuel, an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively ignite the fuel, and a latch moveable between a first latch position and a second latch position to vary the amount of force required to move the actuating member to ignite the fuel. When a user attempts to move the latch before moving the actuating member, a first latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. When a user attempts to move the actuating member before moving the latch, a second latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. The second latch force is different that the first latch force, and is preferably greater than the first latch force. Various other features that improve the functioning of the lighter may be provided separately or in combination.
45 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A lighter comprising:
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a housing having a supply of fuel;
an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively ignite the fuel; and
a latch moveable to vary an amount of force required to move the actuating member to ignite the fuel;
wherein movement of the actuating member a predetermined amount before substantial movement of the latch prevents varying the amount of force required to move the actuating member to ignite the fuel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A lighter comprising:
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a housing having a supply of fuel;
an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively ignite the fuel, the actuating member operable in a high-force mode wherein a first actuating force must be applied to the actuating member to ignite the fuel, and a low-force mode wherein a second actuating force must be applied to the actuating member to ignite the fuel, the first actuating force being different than the second actuating force; and
a latch for switching the actuating member between the high-force mode and the low-force mode;
wherein upon movement of the actuating member a predetermined distance before substantial movement of the latch, the latch is disabled from switching the actuating member from the high-force mode to the low-force mode. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification