U.S. patent application number 13/855535 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for lighter wind protector.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nathan Hancock, Robert Joseph Howells. Invention is credited to Nathan Hancock, Robert Joseph Howells.
Application Number | 20140011144 13/855535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49878771 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140011144 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hancock; Nathan ; et
al. |
January 9, 2014 |
LIGHTER WIND PROTECTOR
Abstract
A lighter wind protector is disclosed herein which has a lighter
hole sized and configured to receive a lighter. The lighter is
inserted into the lighter hole until a lighter head is aligned to a
flame hole defined by an end wall Sidewalls of the protector block
the wind to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame of the
lighter.
Inventors: |
Hancock; Nathan; (San
Clemente, CA) ; Howells; Robert Joseph; (San
Clemente, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hancock; Nathan
Howells; Robert Joseph |
San Clemente
San Clemente |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49878771 |
Appl. No.: |
13/855535 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61668899 |
Jul 6, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/350 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23Q 2/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/350 |
International
Class: |
F23Q 2/50 20060101
F23Q002/50 |
Claims
1. A lighter wind protector for blocking wind to mitigate flame
blowout when lighting a combustible material, the protector
comprising: a body having an entry through hole for receiving a
lighter at a first portion of the body, a second portion of the
body having a flame opening and a trigger opening, the flame
opening sized and configured to accommodate a flame therethrough
when the lighter is lit for igniting a material and the trigger
opening sized and configured to accommodate a trigger of the
lighter therethrough so that a user has access to the trigger for
producing the flame; wherein the flame opening and the trigger
opening are on adjacent sides of the body.
2. The lighter wind protector of claim 1 wherein the trigger is a
thumbwheel or a push button switch.
3. The lighter wind protector of claim 1 wherein the body is
fabricated from a fire resistant material.
4. The lighter wind protector of claim 1 wherein an internal
surface of the flame opening is lined with a fire resistant and
heat insulation material.
5. The lighter wind protector of claim 1 wherein the entry through
hole matches a cross sectional shape of a gas tank of a
lighter.
6. The lighter wind protector of claim 1 wherein the body is
fabricated from a rubber material.
7. The lighter wind protector of claim 1 wherein the body defines
first and second sidewalls which define the flame opening and the
trigger opening.
8. The lighter wind protector of claim 1 wherein the body has a cut
out at the trigger opening so that the trigger extends out of the
trigger opening.
9. The lighter wind protector of claim 1 wherein a depth of the
entry through hole is less than a height of the lighter so that a
bottom portion of the lighter extends out of the entry through
hole.
10. The lighter wind protector of claim 1 wherein a depth of the
entry through hole is equal to a height of the lighter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/668,899, filed Jul. 6, 2012, the contents of
which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] The lighter wind protector is directed to a device for
blocking wind so that the user can light a cigarette or other
combustible material in windy conditions.
[0004] Lighters for cigarettes are built with a flame guard to
block wind from blowing out the flame produced by the lighter.
Unfortunately, the flame guard is oftentimes insufficient to block
the wind. As a workaround, people will cover the lighter with their
hand to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame. In other
situations, the smoker will ask other people to stand around the
lighter to create a zone of still wind so that the user can light
his or her cigarette.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved
device to help smokers in maintaining the flame of the lighter in
windy conditions.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The lighter wind protector discussed herein addresses the
needs discussed above, discussed below and those that are known in
the art.
[0007] The lighter wind protector may be sized and configured to
fit around a lighter. It produces a zone of still air around the
ignition mechanism so that the user can light a cigarette or other
combustible material in windy conditions. The protector may have
sidewalls that block the wind and prevent the wind from blowing out
the flame. The lighter may slide into an "off" position and an "on"
position. In the "on" position, a lighter head is recessed further
into the sidewalls of the protector to maximize the zone of still
air around the ignition mechanism of the lighter. The thumbwheel
and gas lever of the lighter are still accessible with the person's
thumb in both the "on" and "off" positions.
[0008] More particularly, a lighter wind protector for blocking
wind to mitigate flame blowout when lighting a combustible material
is disclosed. The protector may comprise a body. The body may have
an entry through hole for receiving a lighter at a first portion of
the body. The body may have a second portion having a flame opening
and a trigger opening. The flame opening may be sized and
configured to accommodate a flame therethrough when the lighter is
lit for igniting the combustible material. The trigger opening may
be sized and configured to accommodate a trigger of the lighter
therethrough so that a user has access to the trigger for producing
the flame. The flame opening may be located at the distal end of
the body. The trigger opening may be on a side of the body.
[0009] The trigger may be a thumbwheel or a push button switch.
[0010] The body may be fabricated from a fire resistant material.
Alternatively, the inner surfaces of the body may be lined with a
fire resistant material and/or heat insulation material. In this
case, the body may be fabricated from a rubber or plastic
material.
[0011] The entry through hole may match a cross sectional shape of
a gas tank of a lighter.
[0012] The body may define first and second sidewalls which define
the trigger opening. An end wall may define the flame opening. The
body may have a cut out at the trigger opening so that the user's
finger or thumb may access the trigger. By way of example and not
limitation, the user's finger or thumb may be inserted into the
trigger opening to operate the trigger. In the alternatively, the
trigger may extend out of the trigger opening.
[0013] A depth of the entry through hole may be less than a height
of the lighter so that a finger sized bottom portion of the lighter
extends out of the entry through hole. Alternatively, a depth of
the entry through hole may be equal to a height of the lighter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
lighter wind protector and lighter;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of
the lighter wind protector shown in FIG. 1; and
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of the first embodiment of the
lighter wind protector shown in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
lighter wind protector and lighter;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lighter wind
protector shown in FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of the lighter wind protector shown
in FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top view of the lighter wind protector shown in
FIG. 4; and
[0022] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the lighter wind protector shown
in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, a lighter wind protector 10,
10a is shown. The lighter wind protector 10, 10a blocks the wind so
that the user can operate the lighter 12 without having to block
the wind with his or her hand and without having to ask another
person to block the wind so that the user can light a cigarette 14
or other combustible material. The lighter wind protector 10, 10a
may be sized and configured to receive the lighter 12 so that the
user can slip the lighter 12 into the lighter wind protector 10,
10a. When the lighter 12 is inserted into the lighter wind
protector 10, 10a, a thumbwheel 16 is exposed and accessible to a
thumb 18 of the user. The user rotates the thumbwheel 16 with his
or her thumb and presses down on the gas lever 20 shown in FIG. 3.
The flame 22 may extend out of the flame hole 24 and rise up
outside of the lighter wind protector 10, 10a as shown in FIGS. 3
and 6. If the wind is sufficiently strong, then the lighter 12 may
be slid back to an "on" position as shown in solid lines in FIG. 2.
As shown, the ignition mechanism 27 is recessed deeper so as to
create a larger zone of still air around the ignition mechanism 27.
Accordingly, the lighter wind protector 10, 10a blocks the wind so
that the wind does not put out the flame 22 while trying to light
the cigarette 14 or combustible material. The lighter 12 may also
be slid forward as shown in dash lines in FIG. 2 if conditions are
not windy to maximize the flame extending out of the flame hole
24.
[0024] More particularly, the lighter wind protector 10 may have a
body 26 which may have any external configuration. The body 26 may
define a lighter cavity 28 which receives the lighter 12. The
lighter cavity 28 (see FIG. 1) may have an entrance hole 30 (see
FIG. 1). The entrance hole 30 shown in FIG. 1 may have the same
shape as the cross-sectional shape of a longitudinal axis 32 of the
lighter 12. Moreover, an entire length 34 of the lighter cavity 28
may also have the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the
longitudinal axis 32 of the lighter 12. The entrance hole 30 and
the inner surface of the lighter cavity 28 may be sized and
configured so as to have a snug fit with the exterior surface of
the lighter 12. The snug fit is achieved when the lighter 12 can be
inserted into the entrance hole 30 and disposed within the lighter
cavity 28 and removed therefrom by hand but when the lighter 12 is
disposed within the lighter cavity 28, the lighter 12 does not fall
out of the lighter cavity 20 when the entrance hole 30 is pointing
downward. Optionally, the bottom end of the body 26 may have a cap
or cover to assist with holding the lighter 12 within the body
26.
[0025] Although the entrance hole 30 and the lighter cavity 28 is
described as having the same configuration as the lighter 12, it is
also contemplated that the starter portion 36 of the hole 30a may
be larger to aid in the insertion of the lighter 12 into the
lighter cavity 28. The starter portion 36 may be flared outwardly
and produce a larger entrance hole 30a as shown in FIG. 1. When
inserting the lighter 12 into the lighter wind protector 10, 10a,
the user will have an easier time inserting the flame guard 38 of
the ignition mechanism into the entrance hole 30a. A portion 40 of
the interior surface of the lighter cavity 28 forms a snug friction
fit with the lighter 12 to prevent inadvertent dislodging of the
lighter 12 from the lighter wind protector 10, 10a.
[0026] The length 34 of the lighter cavity may be sufficiently long
so that a finger sized portion 42 (see FIG. 3) of the lighter 12
extends out of the entrance hole 30, 30a when the lighter 12 is
fully inserted into the cavity 28. The user can grasp the finger
sized portion 42 of the lighter 12 to pull the lighter 12 out of
the lighter cavity 28. Alternatively and in the preferred
embodiment, it is contemplated that the bottom end 44 of the
lighter 12 may be flush with the bottom end 46 of the lighter wind
protector 10, 10a by adjusting the length 34 of the lighter cavity.
In this instance, to remove the lighter 12 from the lighter wind
protector 10, 10a, the user pushes the gas lever 20 or the top of
the flame guard 38 in the direction of arrow 48 (see FIG. 3) so
that a finger sized portion 42 of the lighter 12 extends out of the
entrance hole 30, 30a. The user can now grasp the finger sized
portion 42 to remove the lighter 12 from the lighter cavity 28 and
the lighter wind protector 10, 10a. When the lighter 12 is fully
inserted into the cavity 28, the protector is in the "off"
position. When the lighter 12 extends slightly out of the cavity 28
(see solid lines in FIG. 2), the protector may be characterized as
being in the "on" position.
[0027] The insertion depth of the lighter 12 into the lighter
cavity 20 may be regulated by an optional nub 50 (see FIG. 3) at
the end of the lighter cavity 28 or other means such as friction
fit. The nub 50 interferes with the flame guard 38 of the lighter
12. When the flame guard 38 contacts the nub 50, the lighter 12 can
no longer be inserted into the lighter cavity 28. The length 34 of
the lighter cavity 28 may be sized so that the end 44 of the
lighter 12 is either flush with the distal end 46 of the body 26 of
the lighter wind protector 10, 10a or extends out of the end 46 as
shown and discussed above. It is also contemplated that the length
34 of the lighter cavity 28 may be sized so that the end 44 of the
lighter 12 is positioned within the cavity 28.
[0028] Since the flame guard 38 is aligned to the flame hole 24,
the flame 22 shoots out of the lighter 12, through the flame hole
24 and then bends upwardly as shown in FIG. 3 when the lighter is
held horizontally. The flame 22 rises upward and the user can light
the cigarette 14 or combustible material with the flame 22
extending out of the flame hole 24 or may insert the tip of the
cigarette 14 into the flame hole 24.
[0029] The body 26 of the lighter wind protector 10, 10a may also
have a thumb cutout 54 which provides thumb access to the
thumbwheel 16 and the gas lever 20 of the lighter 12. With the
lighter 12 inserted into the lighter wind protector 10, 10a, the
thumbwheel 16 and the gas lever 20 is exposed through the thumb
cutout 54 when the flame guard 38 of the lighter 12 butts up
against or contacts the nub 50 (i.e. "off" position). The
thumbwheel 16 and the gas lever 20 may also be exposed through the
thumb cutout 54 when the wind protector 10 is in the "on" position.
In windy conditions, the user may traverse the wind protector 10 to
the "on" position. In the on position, the user may hold the
lighter 12 in the horizontal position as shown in FIG. 3 and pushes
down on the thumbwheel 16 to rotate the same. The horizontal
position may be used for lighting a pipe. After rotating thumbwheel
16, the user's finger holds down the gas lever 22 to maintain the
flame 22. The user's fingers can be wrapped around the bottom end
44 of the lighter 12 to prevent the lighter 12 from being pushed
out of the lighter wind protector 10, 10a. Alternatively, the user
may hold the lighter 12 may be in the vertical position for
lighting a cigarette. When not in use, the lighter 12 has a snug
friction fit with the lighter wind protector 10, 10a so that the
lighter 12 may not be inadvertently dislodged from the lighter wind
protector 10, 10a.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, a second embodiment of the
lighter wind protector 10a is shown. The lighter wind protector 10a
is identical to the first embodiment of the lighter wind protector
10 discussed in relation to FIGS. 1-3 except that the flame hole 24
is opposite the thumb cut out 54.
[0031] In use, the user may insert the lighter 12 into the wind
protector 10a. The lighter 12 is inserted into the lighter cavity
28 until the flame guard 38 contacts the nub 50. In this position,
the thumbwheel 16 and the gas lever 20 are still exposed through
the thumb cutout 54a so that the user can still operate the
lighter. The user may provide additional wind protection to the
ignition mechanism 27 of the lighter 12 by pushing the lighter 12
in the direction of arrow 64. In this manner, the ignition
mechanism is disposed deeper between the sidewalls of the wind
protector 10a. While the user holds the lighter 12 and the wind
protector 10a in the horizontal position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
the user may then ignite the lighter 12. The flame will bend upward
as shown in FIG. 6.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 7-8, air may flow vertically through the
flame hole 24 so as to provide oxygen to the ignition mechanism of
the lighter 12. Optionally, the sidewalls 56a, b of the body 26 may
have a plurality of air holes 58 that allow air to flow to the
ignition mechanism of the lighter to help with combustion of the
fuel. The air holes 58 may also be incorporated into the first
embodiment of the wind protector 10.
[0033] The body 26 may also have a lanyard hole 60 so that a
lanyard may be attached to the body 26 to help the user attach the
lighter wind protector 10, 10a to his or her neck, wrist, handbag
or other object or personal effects.
[0034] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
invention disclosed herein, including various ways of forming the
exterior shell of the body of the lighter wind protector 10, 10a.
Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein
can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and
are not intended to be limited to the specific combination
described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be
limited by the illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *