Flameless lighter

• US 7,586,063 B1
• Filed: 10/02/2006
• Issued: 09/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas R. Wilbon
• Original Assignee: Thomas R. Wilbon
• Inventors: Wilbon, Thomas R.
• Primary Examiner(s): ROBINSON, DANIEL LEON
• Application Number:
  US11/537,981
• Time in Patent Office: 1,072 Days
• Field of Search: 219/268, 219/260, 219/261, 219/263, 219/264, 219/265, 219/266, 219/267, 219/269, 219/270
• US Class Current: 219/268
• CPC Class Codes: F23Q 7/16 with built-in battery

Abstract

A flameless lighter that provides a cigarette lighter that does not rely on butane or another flammable fuel. The lighter includes a battery-powered unit that includes a heating element instead of an open flame. An incorporated main body portion encloses circuitry and batteries, while on top of the main body portion is located a concentric pattern of wire with a ceramic filament. An attached cover would protect the user from unintentional contact with the hot filament while also acting as an off switch when the flameless lighter is not in use.

Claims

1. A flameless lighter comprising:

an outer casing, the outer casing including a main body,

a top-mounted cover pivotally attached to the main body,

a heating element located on the outer casing, the heating element being covered by the top-mounted cover when the top-mounted cover is in a closed position,

power means for providing power to the heating element,

means for connecting the power means to the heating element,

means for controlling the flow of power between the heating element and the power means,

wherein the power means for providing power to the heating element further comprises a battery, the battery being located within the outer casing,

wherein the battery comprises a rechargeable battery,

wherein the flameless lighter further comprises

a charging device for charging up the battery, and

means for connecting the charging device to the battery,

wherein the charging device further comprises a kinetic generator, the kinetic generator being located within the outer casing.

2. A flameless lighter according to claim 1 wherein the kinetic generator located within the outer casing is a shakable kinetic generator.

3. A flameless lighter according to claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the charging device to the battery further comprises:

(a) a first positive connector having two ends, a first end and a second end,

(b) a first negative connector having two ends, a first end and a second end,

(c) wherein the first end of the first positive connector is attached to the battery,

(d) further wherein second end of the first positive connector is attached to the charging device,

(e) wherein the first end of the first negative connector is attached to the battery,

(f) further wherein second end of the first negative connector is attached to the charging device.

4. A flameless lighter according to claim 3 wherein the heating element located on the outer casing further comprises:

(a) a ceramic core located on the outer casing, and

(b) a heating coil wrapped around the ceramic core.

5. A flameless lighter according to claim 4 wherein the means for connecting the power means to the heating element further comprises:

(a) a second positive connector having two ends, a first end and a second end,

(b) a second negative connector having two ends, a first end and a second end,

(c) wherein the first end of the second positive connector is attached to the battery,

(d) further wherein the second end of the second positive connector is attached to the heating element,

(e) wherein the first end of the second negative connector is attached to the battery,

(f) further wherein the second end of the second negative connector is attached to the heating element.

6. A flameless lighter according to claim 5 wherein the means for controlling the flow of power between the heating element and the power means further comprises:

(a) a switch located on a second connector, the switch having two positions comprising an open position and a closed position,

(b) a nodule attached to the top-mounted cover,

(c) wherein the nodule is placed into contact with the switch when the cover is in a closed position, thereby placing the switch in an open position, thereby preventing power from the battery from reaching the heating element, and

(d) further wherein the nodule is removed from contact with the switch when the cover is in an open position, thereby allowing power from the battery to reach the heating element.