Double sided lighter

Abstract

Two lighting devices for producing flames, and two fuel compartments for holding combustible liquid fuel such as butane comprises a double sided lighter. Each end of the lighter provides a lighting device, and each lighting device is connected to a fuel compartment. The fuel compartment supplies combustible fuel to the lighting device, which converts the fuel into a flame. The fuel compartments may be disposable or refillable.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to novelty items, and in particular to a double sided lighter. Small items which can be carried in the pocket or purse, have practical value, but are amusing or provide the starting point of an intelligent conversation, are very popular. Novelty keychains, tiny flashlights, and similar items provide both entertainment and functionality. A double sided lighter, which provides two fuel compartments with an aperture and flint at each end to produce an adjustable flame, would satisfy this demand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a double sided lighter. The lighter comprises two lighting devices for producing flames, and two fuel compartments for holding combustible liquid fuel such as butane. Each end of the lighter provides a lighting device, and each lighting device is connected to a fuel compartment. The fuel compartment supplies combustible fuel to the lighting device, which converts the fuel into a flame. The fuel compartments may be disposable or refillable.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side transparency view and a front transparency view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the lighter 10, the top lighting device 11A, the bottom lighting device 11B, the top fuel compartment 12A, the bottom fuel compartment 12B, the top button 13A, the bottom button 13B, the top wheel 14A, the bottom wheel 14B, the body 20, the top end 20A, and the bottom end 20B.

FIG. 2 is a side transparency view and a rear transparency view of the second exemplary embodiment, displaying the lighter 10, the top lighting device 11A, the bottom lighting device 11B, the top fuel compartment 12A, the bottom fuel compartment 12B, the top ignition button 15A, the bottom ignition button 15B, the body 20, the top end 20A, and the bottom end 20B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a double sided lighter 10.

The first exemplary embodiment provides a lighter 10 which comprises a body 20 having a top end 20A and a bottom end 20B. The lighter 10 having two lighting devices for producing flames, a top lighting device 11A and a bottom lighting device 11B. Each lighting device 11A and 11B is connected to a fuel compartment 12A and 12B for holding combustible, volatile liquid fuel such as butane. The fuel compartments 12A and 12B being located within the body 20 of the lighter. The top lighting device 11A is connected to the top fuel compartment 12A and the bottom lighting device 12B is connected to the bottom fuel compartment 12B. The top end 20A and the bottom end 20B each provide a lighting device, the top lighting device 11A being on the top end 20A and the bottom lighting device 11B being on the bottom end 20B. The lighting devices 11A and 11B provide a button 13A and 13 B respectively, which opens a valve to release the combustible fuel from within the fuel compartments 12A and 12B respectively. Alternatively, the two fuel compartments 12A and 12 B may be connected to allow for the exchange of combustible fuel. The lighting devices 11A and 11B further provide an ignition wheel 14A and 14B respectively. The ignition wheels 14A and 14B strike a concealed flint when turned to produce a spark.

In most respects, the first exemplary embodiment is similar in structure and function to a standard disposable lighter such as a Bic®. The fuel compartments 12A and 12B may be disposable or refillable. Each lighting device 11A and 11B may provide an adjustable valve for regulation of the height of the flame produced. The user may elect to set the valves to different settings for use with different smoking devices or for other purposes, such as a low setting on one lighting device 11A for use with cigarettes, and a higher setting on the other lighting device 11B for use with cigars or pipes, or for lighting the pilot light on a water heater.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user holds the lighter 10 in one hand with the tip of the thumb on the wheel 14A or 14B. The user then turns the wheel 14A or 14B with the thumb and immediately presses the respective button 13A or 13B with the thumb. This produces a flame which will burn as long as the user presses the button 13A or 13B. The flame may be used to light a cigarette or for other purposes.

The second exemplary embodiment is similar in most respects to the first exemplary embodiment, except that the buttons 13A and 13B and the wheels 14A and 14B are replaced by an ignition button 15A and 15B respectively. By pressing the ignition button 15A or 15B the lighting device both opens the concealed valve to release fuel as well as sparks a concealed ignitor to light the fuel. Each lighting device 11A and 11B and the connected fuel compartment 12A and 12B respectively are similar in structure and function to a Cricket® disposable lighter.

To use the second exemplary embodiment, the user holds the lighter 10 in one hand with the tip of the thumb on the button 15A or 15B. The user then presses the button 15A or 15B with the thumb. This produces a flame which will burn as long as the user presses the button 15A or 15B. The flame may be used to light a cigarette or for other purposes.

The lighting devices 11, the buttons 13A and 13B, the wheels 14A and 14B, and the ignition buttons 15A and 15B are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials, such as steel, aluminum, and plastic. The body 20 and the fuel compartments 12A and 12B are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material which may be transparent or translucent, such as plastic. Components, component sizes and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A double sided lighter comprising: (a) a body having a top end and a bottom end;(b) said top end having a top lighting device;(c) said top lighting device comprising a top button, a top ignition wheel, a top concealed flint, and a top concealed valve.(d) said top button being mechanically connected to said top concealed valve;(e) said top concealed valve being opened by pressing said top button;(f) said top ignition wheel being rotatably mounted;(g) said top ignition wheel being in physical contact with said top concealed flint such that when said top ignition wheel is rotated a spark is produced by said top concealed flint;(h) a first fuel compartment being filled with a combustible fuel;(i) said first fuel compartment being mechanically attached to said top concealed valve such that when said top concealed valve is open said combustible fuel is released;(j) said bottom end having a bottom lighting device;(k) said bottom lighting device comprising a bottom button, a bottom ignition wheel, a bottom concealed flint, and a bottom concealed valve.(l) said bottom button being mechanically connected to said bottom concealed valve;(m) said bottom concealed valve being opened by pressing said bottom button;(n) said bottom ignition wheel being rotatably mounted;(o) said bottom ignition wheel being in physical contact with said bottom concealed flint such that when said bottom ignition wheel is rotated a spark is produced by said bottom concealed flint;(p) a second fuel compartment being filled with a combustible fuel; and(q) said second fuel compartment being mechanically attached to said bottom concealed valve such that when said bottom concealed valve is open said combustible fuel is released.

2. The double sided lighter of claim 1 wherein said top fuel compartment and said bottom fuel compartment are refillable.

3. The double sided lighter of claim 1 wherein said top concealed valve is adjustable such that different amounts of said combustible fuel is released.

4. The double sided lighter of claim 1 wherein said bottom concealed valve is adjustable such that different amounts of said combustible fuel is released.

5. The double sided lighter of claim 1 wherein said first fuel compartment and said second fuel compartment are connected such that said combustible fuel is exchangeable between said first fuel compartment and said second fuel compartment.

6. A double sided lighter comprising: (a) a body having a top end and a bottom end;(b) said top end having a top lighting device;(c) said top lighting device comprising a top ignition button, a top concealed ignitor, and a top concealed valve.(d) said top ignition button being mechanically connected to said top concealed valve;(e) said top concealed valve being opened by pressing said top ignition button;(f) said top ignition button being mechanically connected to said top concealed ignitor;(g) a first fuel compartment being filled with a combustible fuel;(h) said first fuel compartment being mechanically attached to said top concealed valve such that when said top concealed valve is open said combustible fuel is released;(i) said bottom end having a bottom lighting device;(j) said bottom lighting device comprising a bottom ignition button, a bottom concealed ignitor, and a bottom concealed valve.(k) said bottom ignition button being mechanically connected to said bottom concealed valve;(l) said bottom concealed valve being opened by pressing said bottom ignition button;(m) said bottom ignition button being mechanically connected to said bottom concealed ignitor;(n) a second fuel compartment being filled with a combustible fuel; and(o) said second fuel compartment being mechanically attached to said bottom concealed valve such that when said bottom concealed valve is open said combustible fuel is released.

7. The double sided lighter of claim 6 wherein said first fuel compartment and said second fuel compartment are refillable.

8. The double sided lighter of claim 6 wherein said top concealed valve is adjustable such that different amounts of said combustible fuel is released.

9. The double sided lighter of claim 6 wherein said bottom concealed valve is adjustable such that different amounts of said combustible fuel is released.

10. The double sided lighter of claim 6 wherein said first fuel compartment and said second fuel compartment are connected such that said combustible fuel is exchangeable between said first fuel compartment and said second fuel compartment.