ELECTRONIC LIGHTER WHEN ATTACHED TO A SMARTPHONE GENERATES HEAT FOR LIGHTING A CIGARETTE/CIGAR

Abstract

Electronic lighter apparatus that attached to an electronic mobile device and generates heat for the purpose of igniting a cigarette and/or cigar is disclosed. The claimed electronic lighter apparatus not only generates heat for the user to ignite a cigarette and/or cigar, but also connects with and uses power from their most used device which is their electronic mobile device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a cigarette or cigar lighter. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a compact, lightweight, electronic lighter apparatus that connects to the data port of a mobile electronic device and is powered by the mobile electronic device.

2. Description of Related Art

The existing art provides several devices to ignite cigarettes or cigars. Typically, many people use lighters or matches to ignite cigarettes or cigars. However, many smokers frequently and repetitively lose their lighters and/or matches. The result is that a user who has lost his/her lighter or matches must purchase a replacement to ignite a cigarette or cigar.

Further, lighters typically use a fluid that must be periodically replaced or refilled. Once the lighter runs out of fluid, the lighter becomes inoperable until the fluid can be sourced and deposited into the lighter. In many cases, the lighter is disposable in which case the lighter would be thrown away which adds to the volume of landfills.

Another issue with open flame lighters is that these devices burn a flammable liquid or gas to sustain a flame in order to light a cigarette or cigar. These devices create a sustained, open flame to set fire to the cigarette or cigar. The uncontrolled flame and heat of these devices create a fire hazard if they are not handled properly. Additionally, handling flammable liquids or gases can result in injury as the liquid or gas could come in contact with a user and be ignited by the lighter.

Other devices avoid hazards associated with open flame by using an electric heating mechanism. Many of these devices must be plugged into an electric outlet to operate, thus rendering the device non-portable. Other devices use an internal battery, which must be recharged regularly and dramatically add to the size of the device.

One such device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Application No. 2014/0021190 (hereinafter “Sardar”). This device contains an internal battery, which must be charged by the integrated USB port. The need for an internal battery drastically increases the physical size of the device. If the battery is drained, the device becomes inoperable until the device can be connected to and charged by a USB charger. Finally, this device can be misplaced just as easily as a traditional lighter.

Another such device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Application No. 2014/0335462 (hereinafter “Cebulski”). This device also contains an internal battery, which must be charged by the integrated USB port. The need for an internal battery also increases the physical size of the device, and if the battery is drained, the device becomes inoperable until recharged. This device is shaped to partially enclose the end of a smartphone, and an adapter connects the smartphone to the control circuit of the lighter device. However, this adapter does not supply power to the lighter device. Thus, having this device connected to a smartphone does not improve or enhance the functionality of the device.

During the course of days, weeks, and months, the average cigarette smoker misplaces and loses his/her cigarette lighter repetitively. Cigarette lighters are one of the five most lost items in America. Existing electric cigarette lighters must be connected to a stationary power source which negates their mobility. Also, existing electric cigarette or cigar lighters contain an internal battery which much must be recharged prior to use.

Existing devices do not address the aforementioned issues which are widely common to cigarette and cigar smokers. Therefore, what is needed is a mobile, compact, flameless cigarette or cigar igniting device that does not have to be charged prior to use that uses power from a mobile and reliable source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a mobile, electronic lighter apparatus that is flameless, compact, lightweight, and powered solely by a mobile electronic device.

The electronic lighter apparatus of the present invention not only generates heat for a user to ignite a cigarette or cigar, but also connects with a smartphone. Existing electric lighter/lighters cannot prevent or minimize the problem of the lighter being misplaced or lost by users. In an embodiment, the present invention solves this problem by being an accessory to one of the most commonly used devices—a mobile electronic device.

In another embodiment, the electronic lighter apparatus of the present invention herein allows the user to have a constant, reliable source of heat when attached to his/her smartphone. In an embodiment, the present invention is charged by the user's electronic mobile device.

In another embodiment, the heating device can be used to heat or ignite items that are not cigarettes or cigars in case of an emergency.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cost-effective and efficient means for igniting cigars and cigarettes because the need for recharging a battery of the lighter is eliminated. In another embodiment, the need for refueling the lighter and the dangers associated with open flames and flammable liquids or gases are eliminated because the present invention does not utilize an open flame. Further, the likelihood of misplacing the apparatus of the present invention is minimized because it is used in conjunction with a mobile electronic device and is small enough to be easily transported by a user.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a flameless device to ignite a cigarette or cigar, thereby eliminating the dangers of open flames and the requirement to source and refill lighter fluid.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a small and compact flameless cigarette or cigar igniting device that does not require a recharge prior to use.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a mobile cigarette or cigar lighting device that is not required to be connected to a stationary power source.

In another embodiment, the present invention allows a user to easily ignite a cigarette or cigar without using an open flame. In another embodiment, the present invention is much lighter and smaller than the existing devices, because it does not include an internal battery, thus the present invention. Because the present invention is powered by a mobile electronic device, a user will have ready access to a reliable power source to use the present invention. In another embodiment, the present invention mitigates the chance of being lost or misplaced because it is an accessory to an electronic mobile device.

The present disclosure provides an electronic apparatus for igniting a cigarette or cigar that is powered by an electronic mobile device. In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an electronic lighter comprising a circuit, a heating element, a controller, a connector and a housing, wherein said connector is configured to connect to an electronic mobile device, wherein said circuit provides power to and regulates said heating element, wherein said circuit is supplied power directly from said electronic mobile device to heat said heating element to a temperature sufficient to ignite a cigarette or cigar, wherein said controller allows a user to operate said electronic lighter, wherein said housing comprises an internal cavity, wherein said housing does not encapsulate an electronic mobile device, and wherein said circuit and said heating element are disposed within said internal cavity.

In another exemplary embodiment, the housing comprises an opening providing said user access to said heating element.

In another exemplary embodiment, the connector is configured to connect to said electronic mobile device comprising USB, mini USB, micro USB, Apple iOS, Apple Lightning, Apple 30-Pin Dock Connector, or a combination thereof.

In another exemplary embodiment, the housing comprises rigid, semi-rigid, pliable, or woven materials including polymers, plastics, silicon, fiber-reinforced polymers, metals, or a combination thereof.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure further comprises a heat guard, wherein said heat guard resists undesired effects from said heating element including deformation and comprising rigid, semi-rigid, pliable, or woven materials including polymers, plastics, silicon, fiber-reinforced polymers, metals, or a combination thereof, and wherein said heat guard prevents excessive heat from said heating element from affecting other components of said electronic lighter.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure further comprises a grip ring, wherein said grip ring further comprises a port protector, and wherein said grip ring comprises rigid, semi-rigid, pliable, or woven materials including polymers, plastics, silicon, fiber-reinforced polymers, metals, or a combination thereof.

In another exemplary embodiment, the housing further comprises a key ring loop.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure further comprises one or more indicator lights.

In another exemplary embodiment, the controller is operated manually by a button, knob, lever, trigger, dial, toggle, wheel, switch, or a combination thereof.

In another exemplary embodiment, the controller is operated by an application or program installed on said mobile electronic device.

In another exemplary embodiment, the circuit continuously receives power directly from said electronic mobile device.

In another exemplary embodiment, the circuit lowers the voltage of power received directly from the mobile device before delivering power to the heating element.

In another exemplary embodiment, the circuit stores the power for about thirty seconds.

In another exemplary embodiment, the controller allows the user to configure the amount of current delivered to the heating element.

In another exemplary embodiment, the controller allows the user to configure the duration of time the current is sent to the heating element.

The foregoing, and other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention, will be apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, detailed description of the drawings, descriptions of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fully assembled electronic lighter apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an orthographic front view of another exemplary embodiment of a fully assembled electronic lighter apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an orthographic back view of another exemplary embodiment of a fully assembled electronic lighter apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an orthographic right side view of another exemplary embodiment of a fully assembled electronic lighter apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of an electronic lighter apparatus.

FIG. 6 is an orthographic front view of an exemplary embodiment of a circuit.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of other exemplary embodiments of a front housing.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of other exemplary embodiments of a back housing.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment depicting the operation of a circuit receiving power from an electronic mobile device through use of a superconductor.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary embodiment depicting the operation of a circuit receiving power from an electronic mobile device without use of a superconductor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is directed to certain exemplary embodiments. However, the present disclosure can also be further embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and equivalents thereof. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-9. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like reference numerals throughout.

As used in the description herein and throughout this disclosure, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “into” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary embodiment of a fully-assembled electronic lighter apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 1, electronic lighter apparatus 100 provides microheater 101, surrounded by heat shield 102. Microheater 101 is activated by controller 502 (not shown). In another embodiment, controller 502 (not shown) is operated by a user actuating controller cover 103 which, in turn, actuates controller connector 505 (not shown).

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, electronic lighter apparatus 100 is powered through connector 104. For the purpose of illustration, a micro-USB connector is shown but connector 104 may comprise other configurations comprising, but not limited to, USB, mini USB, micro USB, Apple iOS, Apple Lightning, Apple 30-Pin Dock Connector, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the internal components of electronic lighter apparatus 100 are protected by housing 106. In another embodiment, housing 106 is made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, rigid, semi-rigid, pliable, or woven materials including polymers, plastics, silicon, fiber-reinforced polymers, metals, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the front of housing 106 comprises opening 107, through which microheater 101 and heat shield 102 are accessible. In another embodiment, the front of housing 106 has a substantially concave shape to protect microheater 101 and help guide a cigarette or cigar to microheater 101 during use. In another embodiment, housing 106 also provides key ring loop 108 to allow electronic lighter apparatus 100 to be attached to a key ring, clasp, lanyard, or string for easy and secure transportation.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, grip ring 109 surrounds the edges of housing 106. In another embodiment, grip ring 109 can be made from a rigid, semi-rigid, pliable, or woven material including polymers, plastics, silicon, fiber-reinforced polymers, metals, or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, grip ring 109 provides dust cover plug 105 which may be inserted into connecter 104 when electronic lighter apparatus 100 is not in use. In another embodiment, dust cover plug 105 can be made from a rigid, semi-rigid, pliable, or woven material including polymers, plastics, silicon, fiber-reinforced polymers, metals, or a combination thereof.

To use the electronic lighter apparatus 100 as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, a user connects electronic lighter apparatus 100 to an electronic mobile device using connector 104. In another embodiment, upon connection, the electronic mobile device 1000 (not shown) provides power to electronic lighter apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the user then actuates controller cover 103, which actuates controller connector 505 (not shown) which actuates controller 502 (not shown), activating microheater 101. Once microheater 101 has reached a temperature sufficient to ignite a cigarette or cigar, the user places the end of a cigarette or cigar on or near microheater 101 to ignite the cigarette or cigar.

In another exemplary embodiment, the electronic lighter apparatus 100 is controlled using an application or program installed on an electronic mobile device 1000 (not shown).

FIG. 2 illustrates an orthographic front view of another exemplary embodiment of a fully-assembled electronic lighter apparatus 100. In another embodiment, electronic lighter apparatus 100 provides microheater 101 surrounded by heat shield 102. In another embodiment, electronic lighter apparatus 100 is activated by a user actuating controller cover 103. In another embodiment, microheater 101 and heat shield 102 are accessible through opening 107. In another embodiment, microheater 101 is powered through connector 104. In another embodiment, the internal components of electronic lighter apparatus 100 are enclosed by housing 106. In another exemplary embodiment, the edges of housing 106 are covered by grip ring 109, which provides dust cover plug 105. In another exemplary embodiment, housing 106 features key ring loop 108 which protrudes through grip ring cutout 507 in grip ring 109.

FIG. 3 is an orthographic rear view of another exemplary embodiment of a fully-assembled electronic lighter apparatus 100. Electronic lighter apparatus 100 provides housing 106 with key ring loop 108 surrounded by grip ring 109. In another embodiment, electronic lighter apparatus 100 is activated by a user actuating controller cover 103. Electronic lighter apparatus 100 is powered by connector 104, which is protected by dust cover plug 105.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the side of housing 106 opposite opening 107 (not shown) has a substantially concave shape to minimize physical size and imitate the front of housing 106. In another embodiment, electronic lighter apparatus 100 has indicator light 301 that is connected to circuit board 501 (not shown) and is visible to the user through indicator light opening 302 in housing 106. In another embodiment, indicator light 301 illuminates to indicate microheater 101 (not shown) is heating and/or is available to ignite a cigarette or cigar.

FIG. 4 is an orthographic right side view of another exemplary embodiment of a fully-assembled electronic lighter apparatus 100. In another embodiment, when electronic lighter apparatus 100 is not in use, dust cover plug 105 is inserted into connector 104 to protect connector 104 from damage and protect the user and/or other objects from injury or damage. In another embodiment, when electronic lighter apparatus 100 is in use, dust cover plug 105 can be placed in dust cover alternate position 401.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of an electronic lighter apparatus 100. In another embodiment, microheater 101, connector 104, indicator light 506, and controller 502 are connected to and located on circuit board 501. For the purpose of illustration, controller 502 is portrayed as a button but controller 502 may comprise other configurations including, but not limited to, a button, knob, lever, trigger, dial, toggle, wheel, switch, or a combination thereof. Controller connector 505 connects controller cover 103 to controller 502. In another embodiment, heat shield 102 comprises a plurality of radially positioned heat shield openings 506.

For the purposes of illustration, as illustrated in FIG. 5, housing 106 (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3) is shown as comprising front housing 503 and back housing 504.

To assemble another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, controller connector 505 is placed on controller 502 and indicator light 301 is connected to circuit board 501. In another embodiment, heat shield openings 506 of heat shield 102 grip pegs 703 (not shown) of front housing 503. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the internal components of electronic lighter apparatus 100 are secured within housing 106 by inserting rods 802 through circuit board openings 601 of circuit board 501, and rods 802 are inserted into rod slots 702 (not shown) of front housing 503. In another embodiment, after assembly, the seam between front housing 503 and back housing 504 is then permanently joined to form housing 106 (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3). In another embodiment, front housing 503 and back housing 504 are permanently joined using ultrasonic welding to form housing 106 (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3). In another embodiment, grip ring 109 is then placed around the perimeter of housing 106, and dust cover plug 105 is inserted into connector 104.

FIG. 6 is an orthographic front view of another exemplary embodiment of circuit board 501. In another embodiment, microheater 101, connector 104, and controller 502 are connected to and located on circuit board 501. In another embodiment, circuit board 501 features circuit board openings 601 to secure circuit board 501 inside housing 106 (not shown).

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of other exemplary embodiments of front housing 503. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the exterior and interior of front housing 503, respectively. In another embodiment, the exterior of front housing 503 provides a substantially concave shape. In another embodiment, front housing 503 features key ring loop 108. In another embodiment, opening 107 allows access to microheater 101 (not shown). First cutout 701 surrounds controller connector 505 (not shown). In another embodiment, second cutout 705 surrounds connector 104 (not shown). In another embodiment, rod slots 702 receive rods 802 (not shown) of back housing 504 (not shown). In another embodiment, pegs 703 insert into heat shield openings 506 (not shown) of heat shield 102 (not shown). In another embodiment, rim 704 mates with channel 803 (not shown) of back housing 504 (not shown).

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of other exemplary embodiments of back housing 504. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the exterior and interior of back housing 504, respectively. In another embodiment, the exterior of back housing 504 provides a substantially concave shape to minimize size and imitate the shape of front housing 503 (not shown). In another embodiment, key ring cutout 801 surrounds key ring loop 108 (as illustrated in FIG. 1). Indicator light opening 302 allows indicator light 301 (as illustrated in FIG. 3) to be accessed through back housing 504. In another embodiment, rods 802 are inserted through circuit board openings 601 (as illustrated in FIG. 5) of circuit board 501 (as illustrated in FIG. 5) and are received by rod slots 702 (as illustrated in FIG. 7B) of front housing 503 as illustrated in FIG. 5). In another embodiment, channel 803 receives rim 704 (as illustrated in FIG. 7B) of front housing 503 (as illustrated in FIG. 5). In another embodiment, third cutout 804 surrounds controller connector 505 (as illustrated in FIG. 5). In another embodiment, fourth cutout 805 surrounds connector 104 (as illustrated in FIG. 5).

FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of circuit board 501 (not shown). In another embodiment, when connector 104 is connected to an electronic mobile device 1000 (not shown), capacitor 901 is powered through connector 104. In another embodiment, when a user activates controller 502, capacitor 901 provides power to microheater 101 and indicator light 301. In another embodiment, resistor 902 regulates the current through indicator light 301.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment of the operation of a circuit powering the microheater 101. In one embodiment, the electronic mobile device 1000 supplies power to a DC buck circuit 1001. The DC buck circuit 1001 converts the power to a lower voltage. The DC buck circuit 1001 supplies power to a superconductor 1002 continuously until the superconductor 1002 reaches a predetermined limit. After the superconductor reaches the predetermined limit, the superconductor 1002 provides power to a boost converter 1003. The boost converter, then provides power to the microheater 101 and discharges the superconductor.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary embodiment of the operation of a circuit powering the microheater 101. In one embodiment, the electronic mobile device 1000 supplies power to a DC buck circuit 1001. The DC buck circuit 1001 converts the power to a lower voltage. The DC buck circuit 1001 supplies power to the microheater 101.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. The disclosed subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referred elements, components, or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Furthermore, when a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.

Claims

1. An electronic lighter comprising a circuit, a heating element, a controller, a connector and a housing; wherein said connector is configured to connect to an electronic mobile device;wherein said circuit provides power to and regulates said heating element;wherein said circuit is supplied power directly from said electronic mobile device to heat said heating element to a temperature sufficient to ignite a cigarette or cigar;wherein said controller allows a user to operate said electronic lighter;wherein said housing comprises an internal cavity;wherein said housing does not encapsulate an electronic mobile device; andwherein said circuit and said heating element are disposed within said internal cavity.

2. The electronic lighter of claim 1, wherein said housing comprises an opening providing said user access to said heating element.

3. The electronic lighter of claim 1, wherein said connector is configured to connect to said electronic mobile device including USB, mini USB, micro USB, Apple iOS, Apple Lightning, Apple 30-Pin Dock Connector, or a combination thereof.

4. The electronic lighter of claim 1, wherein said housing comprises rigid, semi-rigid, pliable, or woven materials including polymers, plastics, silicon, fiber-reinforced polymers, metals, or a combination thereof.

5. The electronic lighter of claim 1, further comprising a heat guard; wherein said heat guard resists undesired effects from said heating element including deformation and comprising rigid, semi-rigid, pliable, or woven materials including polymers, plastics, silicon, fiber-reinforced polymers, metals, or a combination thereof; andwherein said heat guard prevents excessive heat from said heating element from affecting other components of said electronic lighter.

6. The electronic lighter of claim 1, further comprising a grip ring; wherein said grip ring further comprises a port protector; andwherein said grip ring comprises rigid, semi-rigid, pliable, or woven materials including polymers, plastics, silicon, fiber-reinforced polymers, metals, or a combination thereof.

7. The electronic lighter of claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises a key ring loop.

8. The electronic lighter of claim 1, further comprising one or more indicator lights.

9. The electronic lighter of claim 1, wherein said controller is operated manually by a button, knob, lever, trigger, dial, toggle, wheel, switch, or a combination thereof.

10. The electronic lighter of claim 1, wherein said controller is operated by an application or program installed on said mobile electronic device.

11. The electronic lighter of claim 1, wherein said circuit continuously receives power directly from said electronic mobile device.

12. The electronic lighter of claim 1, wherein said circuit lowers the voltage of power received directly from said mobile device before delivering power to said heating element.

13. The electronic lighter of claim 1, wherein said circuit stores said power for about 30 seconds.

14. The electronic lighter of claim 1 wherein said controller allows said user to configure the amount of current delivered to said heating element.

15. The electronic lighter of claim 1 wherein said controller allows said user to configure the duration of time the current is sent to said heating element.