U.S. patent application number 10/761961 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-05 for gas lighter.
Invention is credited to Doucet, Michel, Frigiere, Rene.
Application Number | 20040152030 10/761961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28799983 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040152030 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doucet, Michel ; et
al. |
August 5, 2004 |
Gas lighter
Abstract
A gas cigarette lighter comprising: a fuel reservoir preferably
manufactured from a rigid amorphous polymer material, a top wall
through which a well passes, a threaded ring screwed into a tapped
portion of the well, and a gas dispensing device including at least
one tubular element fitted into the threaded ring. The tubular
element has a bottom portion that extends at least to the bottom
end of the well and receives a microporous membrane which provides
a gas flow rate that is substantially constant.
Inventors: |
Doucet, Michel; (Bains Sur
Ouste, FR) ; Frigiere, Rene; (Allaire, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JONES DAY
222 EAST 41ST ST
NEW YORK
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
28799983 |
Appl. No.: |
10/761961 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10761961 |
Jan 20, 2004 |
|
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PCT/FR03/01283 |
Apr 23, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
431/344 ;
431/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23Q 2/163 20130101;
F23Q 2/162 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/344 ;
431/277 |
International
Class: |
F23Q 001/02; F23D
014/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 26, 2002 |
FR |
0205297 |
Claims
1. A gas cigarette lighter comprising: a fuel reservoir made of a
rigid amorphous polymer material, the reservoir having a top wall;
and a well having a bottom end, the well passing through the top
wall; a threaded ring, the threaded ring being disposed within the
well; a gas dispensing device including at least one tubular
element having a bottom portion, the tubular element being fitted
into the threaded ring, and a microporous membrane, the membrane
being received within the tubular element, wherein the bottom
portion of the tubular element extends at least to the bottom end
of the well.
2. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 1, wherein the bottom
portion of the tubular element and the bottom end of the well are
flush with one another.
3. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 1, wherein the bottom
portion of the tubular element extends beyond the bottom end of the
well.
4. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 1, wherein the
threaded ring has a first opening and a second opening, the tubular
element passes through the first and second openings of the
threaded ring.
5. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 1, wherein an annular
sealing gasket is disposed between the tubular element and the top
wall.
6. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 5, wherein the top
wall is provided with a radially extending rim against which the
annular sealing gasket is held in abutment by the threaded
ring.
7. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 1, wherein the
tubular element is made of metal.
8. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 7, wherein the
microporous membrane is held against an internal shoulder in the
tubular element by being pressed against a retaining ring, the
tubular element having a bottom end crimped against said retaining
ring.
9. A cigarette lighter according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir
includes a bowl having a top end bonded to the top wall.
10. A cigarette lighter according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir
is formed of a material selected from at least one of the group
consisting of ABSs and SANs.
11. A gas cigarette lighter comprising: a fuel reservoir having a
top wall; a well disposed within the top wall; the well having a
bottom end; a threaded ring being disposed within the well; a gas
dispensing device including at least one tubular element having a
bottom portion, the tubular element being disposed within the
threaded ring; and a microporous membrane being received within the
tubular element, wherein the bottom portion of the tubular element
extends at least to the bottom end of the well.
12. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 11, wherein the
bottom portion of the tubular element and the bottom end of the
well are flush with one another.
13. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 11, wherein the
bottom portion of the tubular element extends beyond the bottom end
of the well.
14. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 11, wherein the
threaded ring has a first opening and a second opening, the tubular
element passes through the first and second opening of the threaded
ring.
15. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 11, wherein an
annular sealing gasket is disposed between the tubular element and
the top wall.
16. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 15, wherein the top
wall is provided with a radially extending rim against which the
annular sealing gasket is held in abutment by the threaded
ring.
17. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 11, wherein the
tubular element is made of metal.
18. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 17, wherein the
microporous membrane is held against an internal shoulder in the
tubular element by being pressed against a retaining ring, the
tubular element having a bottom end crimped against said retaining
ring.
19. A cigarette lighter according to claim 11, wherein the
reservoir includes a bowl having a top end bonded to the top
wall.
20. A cigarette lighter according to claim 11, wherein the
reservoir is formed of a material selected from at least one of the
group consisting of ABSs and SANs.
21. A gas cigarette lighter comprising a reservoir including a top
wall for containing a fuel supply; a gas dispensing device for
releasing fuel from the fuel supply; a control device for actuating
the gas dispensing device and releasing the fuel; and an ignition
mechanism for igniting the released fuel; the lighter further
comprising: a well is disposed within the top wall; the well having
a bottom end; and a threaded ring being disposed within the well;
wherein the gas dispensing device includes at least one tubular
element having a bottom portion, the tubular element being disposed
within the threaded ring; the bottom portion extending at least to
the bottom end.
22. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 21, further
comprising a microporous membrane disposed within the tubular
element.
23. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 21, wherein the
bottom portion of the tubular element and the bottom end of the
well are flush with one another.
24. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 21, wherein the
bottom portion of the tubular element extends beyond the bottom end
of the well.
25. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 21, wherein the
threaded ring has a first opening and a second opening, the tubular
element passes through the first and second openings of the
threaded ring.
26. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 21, wherein an
annular sealing gasket is disposed between the tubular element and
the top wall.
27. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 26, wherein the top
wall is provided with a radially extending rim against which the
annular sealing gasket is held in abutment by the threaded
ring.
28. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 22, wherein the
tubular element is made of metal.
29. A gas cigarette lighter according to claim 28, wherein the
microporous membrane is held against an internal shoulder in the
tubular element by being pressed against a retaining ring, the
tubular element having a bottom end crimped against said retaining
ring.
30. A cigarette lighter according to claim 21, wherein the
reservoir includes a bowl having a top end bonded to the top
wall.
31. A cigarette lighter according to claim 21, wherein the
reservoir is formed of a material selected from at least one of the
group consisting of ABSs and SANs.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to gas cigarette lighters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a gas cigarette
lighter comprising: a fuel reservoir, preferably made of a rigid
amorphous polymer material. The reservoir having a top wall through
which a well passes, and a threaded ring screwed into a tapped
portion of the well. The threaded ring preferably being configured
to receive a gas dispensing device including at least one tubular
element.
[0003] The above-mentioned amorphous polymers are polymers having
chains of monomers disposed in disordered or random manner, unlike
semi-crystalline or crystalline polymers, in which the chains are
disposed uniformly. Certain amorphous polymers offer advantages for
making fuel reservoirs for lighters, with particular examples worth
mentioning being the categories of styrene acrylonitriles (SANs) or
acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes (ABSs). Certain amorphous polymers
are also transparent, which makes it possible to see the level of
liquid fuel remaining in the reservoir. Amorphous polymers are also
generally less expensive and easier to use than semi-crystalline
polymers.
[0004] However, these amorphous polymers are relatively brittle at
ambient temperature because their elongation at the elastic limit
is small, generally less than 5%. That brittleness makes it nearly
impossible to force-fit gas dispensing means into the well of the
reservoir. Thus more complex fitting means must be used. For
example, WO 01/18452 A1 discloses a gas dispensing device,
comprising: a wick 27, a porous foam element 25, a tubular element
12, a threaded ring 11, and a bushing 13. The wick 27, which
extends from the bottom of the reservoir 3 to the well in the top
wall, feeds a "wetting" chamber with liquid fuel by capillary
action; the porous foam element 25, which has a face in contact
with the wetting chamber, allows the liquid fuel to evaporate; the
tubular element 12, which is provided with an annular gasket 31,
provides a certain degree of sealing between the well and the
tubular element; the threaded ring 11, which is screwed into a
tapped top portion 1c of the well, receives the tubular element
that compresses the foam element; and the bushing 13, which is
generally made of brass is mounted to slide through the threaded
ring, has a bottom portion that co-operates with the tubular
element to form a valve for controlling the gas flow rate.
[0005] The main drawback of such a dispensing device however is
that the foam element does not make it possible to provide a
constant gas flow rate and thus a constant flame height. Rather,
the gas flow rate varies in particular as a function of the
internal pressure of the reservoir and with temperature. Thus the
threaded ring of the prior art device must usually be provided with
a manual control 37 so that the user can adjust the flame by
compressing the foam element to varying extents. However, in the
event that the flame height control is operated accidentally or
involuntarily, as happens often with pocket cigarette lighters, the
flame height can vary considerably.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a cigarette lighter with a
tubular element that has a bottom portion that extends at least to
the bottom end of the well.
[0007] The tubular element may also preferably receive a
microporous membrane which provides a gas flow rate that is
substantially constant. The microporous membrane forms a regulating
device for controlling the gas flow rate, thus making it possible
to provide a constant flame height. Such microporous membranes are
preferably provided with pores whose size and angular positioning
make it possible to regulate the gas flow rate with precision,
regardless of whether the inside face of the membrane is in contact
with the gas phase or with the liquid phase of the fuel. In
addition, the small dimensions of these membranes facilitate
miniaturization of the cigarette lighter. In addition, the relative
positioning of the microporous membrane with the positioning of the
bottom portion of the tubular element further contributes to
providing a controlled flame height.
[0008] That is, during impact testing, the inventors of the present
invention discovered that when the bottom portion of the tubular
element was disposed in an intermediate position between the top
end and the bottom end of the well, damage to the microporous
membrane occurs more readily, leading to uncontrolled variations in
flame height.
[0009] Such damage, which may take place when the reservoir is made
of a rigid amorphous polymer appears during impact tests designed
to simulate a lighter being dropped from a user's hand during use.
In such cases, a shock wave is generated in the reservoir, and,
because of the rigidity of the reservoir, the shock wave is
transmitted in full to the top portion of the lighter and is
channeled through the well to the microporous membrane.
[0010] The inventors of the present invention have observed that,
surprisingly, such damage does not occur when the tubular element
is positioned such that its bottom portion extends at least to the
bottom end of the well.
[0011] In addition, it is optionally possible to use any of the
following provisions singularly or in combination:
[0012] the tubular element passes through the threaded ring;
[0013] an annular sealing gasket disposed between the tubular
element and the top wall;
[0014] the top wall may be provided with a radially extending rim
against which the annular sealing gasket may be held in abutment by
the threaded ring;
[0015] the tubular element may be made of metal;
[0016] the micro-porous membrane may be held against an internal
shoulder in the tubular element by being pressed against a
retaining ring, the tubular element having a bottom end crimped
against the retaining ring;
[0017] the reservoir may include a bowl having a top end to which
the top wall may be bonded; and
[0018] the reservoir may be formed by a material chosen from ABSs
or from SANs.
[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art during the description which
will follow, given by way of a non-limiting example, with reference
to the appended drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0020] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross sectional view of a top portion
of a cigarette lighter
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to
an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. As
shown, the gas lighter 1 comprises a reservoir 2 intended to
contain a fuel under pressure, and, partially in the liquid phase,
such as, for example, isobutane.
[0022] In the embodiment shown, the reservoir is formed of a bowl
3, the bowl 3 preferably being U-shaped in cross section, and
having a bottom wall (not shown in the figure), and an annular side
wall that extends upwards from the bottom wall to a top end 4.
[0023] The top end 4 may be closed off by a top wall 5 which, in
the example shown, may be a separate part fixed to the bowl 3 by
any method known in the art including, but not limited to bonding,
gluing, welding, friction or press fit, etc. Alternatively, the top
wall 5 may be manufactured as an integral part with the bowl 3.
[0024] The reservoir 2 is preferably manufactured from at least one
rigid amorphous polymer material including, for example,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes (ABSs), styrene acrylonitriles
(SANs), etc. Alternatively, by way of example, the bowl 3 may be
manufactured from SAN, and the top wall 5 may be manufactured from
ABS, and vice-versa, it being possible, in known manner, to bond
these materials together, for example by ultrasonic sealing,
bonding, ultrasonic welding, gluing, etc.
[0025] As previously stated, the advantage of such rigid amorphous
polymers is that they are relatively inexpensive, and easy to
implement, process, manufacture, and form parts from. In addition,
certain rigid amorphous polymers, such as SAN, may be transparent,
making it possible for the cigarette lighter user to see the level
of liquid fuel remaining in the reservoir.
[0026] Other amorphous-type polymers may also be used, provided
that their mechanical and chemical properties are compatible with
them being used as a gas lighter reservoir.
[0027] To accommodate the gas pressure prevailing inside the
reservoir 2, the bowl 3 and the top wall 5 may have walls that are
relatively thick, and the bowl 3 may optionally be provided with
one or more bridges that extend vertically from the bottom wall
while interconnecting two opposite faces of the side wall.
[0028] The top wall 5 preferably is provided with a well 6 that in
the example shown, extends vertically and which may preferably be
in the shape of a cylinder that is circularly symmetrical. The well
6 preferably being capable of receiving a gas dispensing device 10,
which includes a tubular element 23 which is preferably made of
metal and also in the shape of a cylinder that is circularly
symmetrical.
[0029] The gas dispensing device 10 preferably is actuated by a
control device 11 that is carried on the a head 12 of the lighter,
the head of the lighter overlying the reservoir 2 as shown.
Preferably, as shown the head 12 is retained against the top wall 5
of the reservoir by catches 20 (i.e., studs) on the head 12 that
cooperate by snap-fastening or clipping with complementary catches
21 molded in the top wall 5 of the reservoir 2.
[0030] The head 12 may also form a support for fitting an ignition
device 14 and a windshield 13 forming a screen or shield against
the wind or drafts. The ignition device 14, which are generally
widely known in the art, may comprise, for example, a serrated
friction wheel 15 and a flint 16 held pressed against the serrated
friction wheel 15 by a spring 17 received in a circular cup 18 in
the head 12. A complementary cavity 19 is formed in the top wall 5
of the reservoir 2 to accommodate the cup 18 of the head 12.
However, it is of course possible to use other types of ignition
devices, such as a piezoelectric device, etc.
[0031] Preferably the present invention further comprises a
threaded ring 7, which may be screwed into the well 6, preferably
into a tapped portion 8 of the well 6. As shown, preferably the
threaded ring 7 is screwed into the top portion of the well 6.
[0032] Preferably, the threaded ring 7 is capable of receiving a
tubular element 23. The tubular element 23 may be fitted to the
threaded ring 7 by any method known in the art. However, it is
preferred that the threaded ring 7 and the tubular element 23 be
fitted therein by force or press fitting so as to provide good
sealing and to ensure that the tubular element 23 is held
stationary relative to the threaded ring 7.
[0033] Furthermore, a microporous membrane 25 is preferably
disposed within the bottom portion 24 of the tubular element 23.
The microporous membrane 25 provides a constant gas flow rate. This
microporous membrane 25 preferably is manufactured by a uniaxially
stretched polypropylene film provided with slot-like pores, as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,309.
[0034] Preferably the bottom portion 24 of the tubular element 23
extends below the bottom end 6a of the well 6. As shown, the bottom
portion 24 extends about 1 millimeter (mm) below the bottom end 6a
of the well 6, however, it should be noted that this dimension may
vary, and that it may be sufficient for the bottom portion 24 of
the tubular element 23 to be flush with the bottom end 6a of the
well 6 to avoid damaging the microporous membrane 25 in case the
lighter is accidentally dropped.
[0035] Surprisingly, extending the bottom portion 24 of the tubular
element 23 so that it is at least flush with the bottom end 6a of
the well 6 makes it possible to avoid damage to the microporous
membrane 25 when the lighter is dropped from a substantial height
onto a hard floor. This is in contrast with previous devices where
the bottom portion 24 of the tubular element 23 terminates at a
point inside the well 6, (i.e., above the bottom portion 6a of the
well 6) which typically results in the microporous membrane 25
being damaged and even possibly rupturing in some cases when
dropped from substantial heights.
[0036] It should be further noted that the cavity 19 in the top
wall 5 may extend towards the inside of the reservoir 2 without
modifying the resistance to impact of the microporous membrane
25.
[0037] Preferably, the microporous membrane 25 is held against an
internal shoulder 26 of the tubular element 23, the shoulder 26
being formed in the vicinity of the bottom portion 24 of the
tubular element 23. The microporous membrane 25 covers an orifice
27 formed in the center of the shoulder 26. The microporous
membrane 25 is preferably pressed against the bottom face of the
shoulder 26 by a retaining ring 28, which is itself retained at the
bottom portion 24 of the tubular element 23 by crimping the lower
end of the bottom portion 24 of the tubular element 23.
[0038] The dispensing device 10 preferably also includes a valve
having a gas outlet duct 33 opening near the ignition means 14. The
valve being formed by a tubular hollow body 31 which, in its bottom
portion, preferably carries closure means such as an elastomer disk
32 adapted to shut off the above-mentioned gas passage orifice 27
as the duct is moved along the longitudinal axis of the tubular
element 23. The hollow body 31, which defines the gas outlet duct
33, communicates with the inside of the tubular element 23 via
slots 34, etc. provided in the hollow body.
[0039] The hollow body 31 has an outside wall that preferably
extends along most of the inside wall of the tubular element 23 in
order to limit gas losses when the valve is opened. Furthermore, it
should be noted that the tubular element 23 preferably passes right
through the threaded ring 7 in order to increase the axial length
of the outside wall of the hollow body 31 that is in contact with
the inside wall of the tubular element 23.
[0040] Preferably, the lighter also includes a control device 11.
The control device 11 includes a fork 35 mounted to tilt about a
pin integrally secured to the head 12. The fork having a first end
36 and a second end 38. The first end 36 of the fork cooperates
with a setback 37 formed on the top portion of the hollow body 31
which emerges from the tubular element 23 thus permitting the gas
dispensing device 10 to be raised as the user depresses the second
end 38 of the fork. When the user depresses the second end 49 of
the fork raising the hollow body 31, the valve is opened releasing
gas from the reservoir 2.
[0041] Preferably, a compression spring 39 is disposed between the
bottom face of the second end 38 of the fork and the top wall 5 of
the reservoir 2, thus biasing the fork upwards and hence the valve
into a closed position when the lighter is not in use.
[0042] Finally, the lighter may also include an annular gasket 41
disposed between the tubular element 23 and a portion 42 of the top
wall 5. The portion 42 of the top wall 5 receiving the annular
gasket 41 is preferably smooth. The quality of the surface state of
the portion 42 of the top wall 5, and the quality of the material
used for the annular gasket 41 may be chosen such as to obtain
satisfactory sealing for the reservoir 2.
[0043] In addition, the annular gasket 41 may be held in position
by a radially extending rim 43 formed on the top wall 5 and by the
threaded ring 7. However, the annular gasket 41 should not be
pressed hard against the rim 43, in order to avoid the appearance
of cracks in the top wall 5 of the reservoir 2. The present
invention has been described in connection with the preferred
embodiments. These embodiments, however, are merely for example and
the invention is not restricted thereto. It will be understood by
those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications
can easily be made within the scope of the invention as defined by
the appended claims, thus it is only intended that the present
invention be limited by the following claims.
* * * * *