MXPA98002381A - A gas lighter - Google Patents

Abstract

This lighter (I) of the type comprising a reservoir for containing liquefied petroleum gas, a valve (3) mounted on the reservoir and permitting the gas to leave the same, a valve opening mechanism (4, 5), as well as an ignition system comprising a flint (6) co-operating with a spark wheel (7) rotationally operated by at least one circular thumb wheel (10) mounted co-axially with the spark wheel. This lighter is characterised in that each thumb wheel (10) is independent of the spark wheel (7) and can pivot around its axis independently of the spark wheel, and in that rotational frictional engaging means are provided between the spark wheel and the at least one thumb wheel (10) when a force is exercised on the thumb wheel with a radial component having a value greater than a pre-determined value.

Description

GAS LIGHTER DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a gas lighter that includes a safety ignition system, also known as "childproof", that is, it can not be ignited by a child under five years of age. Gas lighters are generally composed of: a tank intended to contain a liquefied petroleum gas, a valve mounted on the gas tank that allows its exit, a system for opening and closing the flow of gas controlled by a lever, a gas flow regulation system and finally, it has an ignition system. As you know, the ignition system includes a pyrophoric spark stone that works in combination with a wheel known as the "ignition wheel" which is usually protected by a runda. Said ignition wheel is mounted on an axle between two wheels known as "thumb-operated wheels". The thumb-operated wheels are disk-shaped and have a slightly larger diameter than the ignition wheel which is cylindrical. When the ignition wheel, in contact with the pyrophoric stone, is rotated, when the user operates with the finger the thumb-operated wheels, a sparks beam is generated, which is caused by the pressure of the user's own finger on the gas opening lever, which results in the release of a certain amount of gas. Subsequently, the sparks produced ignite the gas and always and when this is of a certain amount and density, it generates a flame that forms in the sheath. It should be mentioned that if the ignition wheel moved very slowly or intermittently, the sparks necessary to ignite the gas that creates the flame would not be produced. REF: 26907 This system, therefore, requires a precise action on the part of the user to produce and maintain the flame, as well as two independent and consecutive movements, which are: the rotation of the ignition wheel and the action on the gas opening lever. However, it is desired to increase the difficulty in using these lighters, so that children under the age of five can not produce flames with them. At present there are already lighters to which they have added difficulty for their use, which has to be overcome for the lighter to work and produce a flame. For this reason, some of the patents or patent applications detailing said lighters are described below: patents numbers US 5 125 829 and US 5 002 482 and international patent applications numbers WO-93/17282 and WO-95/04247 . The lighters described by these documents have, in contrast to a standard cigarette lighter, an additional device that makes access to the thumb-operated wheels of the ignition wheel more difficult, or by blocking the movement of the opening lever of the ignition wheel. gas. For this reason, this type of lighters have a complex structure which generates a high manufacturing cost. In addition, the use of some of these lighters is complicated and requires a particular method of use. Even adults may have difficulty using such lighters and need preliminary instructions. It is also possible that the safety device is unusable so that the ßr system works like a standard cigarette lighter that is not child proof. Patent US 5 096 414 relates to a lighter that does not contain thumb-operated wheels fixed on the ignition wheel, but which has two flat discs with a larger diameter than the ignition wheel and which is freely mounted to rotate or turn on an axis corresponding to that of the ignition wheel.

In this case, the operation of the ignition wheel is obtained through direct friction with the skin of the user's finger after obtaining a deformation between the two loose discs. However, this lighter is difficult to operate even by an adult because the skin of the user's finger does not provide enough grip on the ignition wheel to move it against the stone and generate the required sparks. The skin of a finger varies from user to user and although there will be those who can operate it effectively, many users may have difficulties. Patent US 5104313 relates to a lighter in which the ignition wheel is mechanically engaged to the thumb-operated wheel when the user presses on the side of the wheel actuatable by the thumb against the action of a spring located between the wheel operable by the thumb and the ignition wheel. The disadvantage of this lighter is that the mechanical connection disengages only as long as the force of the spring keeps it unhooked. The small size of the spring, the small size of the toric elastomeric junction and the proximity of the flame to the heat will make it very difficult to ensure that the spring holds the igniter in a childproof condition throughout its life. It is possible for the spring-loaded parts to stop working, thereby enabling the corresponding engageable parts of the mechanical connection of the ignition wheel and thumb-actuated wheel to engage, thus making the lighter easily ignited by a child. It is also necessary to apply a lateral force to the lighter. This is far from the standard lighters' mode of use, which means that adult users need preliminary instructions when using the lighter for the first time. Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a lighter, in which the ignition of the gas does not depend on the skin of the user's finger to control and overcome the frictional resistance of the stone against the ignition wheel. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a lighter that is easily handled by an adult, but very difficult for a child, especially children under five years old and that is not very expensive to manufacture.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reliable security system that can not be disabled and is constantly in operation, without the user making any preliminary action to disable a separate locking mechanism.

Another object of the invention is that the operation of the lighter is as close as possible to that of standard lighters, in which the unblocking action is carried out at the same time as the ignition action, in such a way that the user does not need to previous instructions or practice to operate the lighter. For this purpose, the referred lighter comprises a tank containing the liquefied petroleum gas; a valve mounted on the tank and allowing the gas to leave the tank; a mechanism to open the valve; as well as an ignition system, which comprises a spark stone that works with a ignition wheel operable in a rotating manner by at least one wheel operable by the thumb, which is mounted coaxially in relation to the ignition wheel. The referred lighter is characterized in that each wheel actuatable by the thumb is independent of the ignition wheel and can rotate on its own axis, independently of the ignition wheel, as well as because rotatable friction engaging means are disposed between the ignition wheel and / or its axis and at least one wheel operable by the thumb, which enables this same wheel actuatable by the thumb to engage the ignition wheel or its axis when a force is exerted, which has a radial component with a goes f greater than a predetermined one, on the wheel operable by the thumb. The ignition wheel can be constructed according to established procedures, such as a press-on metal press wheel or a spiral ignition wheel. This ignition wheel can rotate around its axis with the terminations located in the "ears" of the lighter structure in the known way.

Two thumb-operated wheels can be symmetrically arranged one on each side of the ignition wheel. Each wheel operable by the thumb comprises a toothed wheel with a hole in the center, in such a way as to allow it to rotate freely on its axis, which coincides with the axis of the ignition wheel.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the rotary frictable engaging means are arranged on the side of the thumb-operated wheel surface facing the ignition wheel and in front of the periphery of the ignition wheel or of an eyebrow solid of it. If a rotating force is exerted on the thumb-actuable wheel, without sufficient radial force, the frictionally engagable rotary means of the thumb-actuated wheel does not frictionally grip the ignition wheel and slip allowing a rotation of the wheel operable by the thumb independently of the ignition wheel, which remains fixed. The ignition wheel may move slowly, very little or intermittently or a combination of these forms, which are not enough to create the sparkle necessary to ignite the gas and create the flame. On the other hand, if a sufficient radial force is applied on the thumb-operated wheel, the ignition wheel is momentarily fixed rotatably to the thumb-actionable wheel via the frictionally engagable means, which allow the rotary operation of the wheel. the ignition wheel, thus allowing the ignition, if this rotary movement is proceeded by the rotation on its axis of the gas opening lever. The frictional force that allows the rotation of the ignition wheel with the thumb-operated wheel must be greater than the friction force that exists between the spark stone and the ignition wheel. According to the first possibility, the means engageable by friction between the ignition wheel and at least one thumb-actuable wheel may comprise at least one tongue extending axially from the thumb-actionable wheel of the ignition wheel side until beyond the periphery of the ignition wheel or the integral eyebrow thereof. Several tabs can be arranged in a circle, whose diameter is slightly larger than that of the ignition wheel or that of the integral eyebrow thereof.

The shape and placement of the tabs allows the ignition system to be more or less difficult to operate. According to a second possibility, the means engageable by friction between the ignition wheel and at least one of the thumb-actuable wheels may also comprise an integral edge of the side of this wheel opposite the side of the ignition wheel. Said edge constitutes an internal diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the ignition wheel or of the integral eyebrow thereof and is at least partially overlapped with this ignition wheel or its eyebrow. The operation of the ignition system is exactly the same as in the previous case. According to a second aspect of the invention, the frictionally engageable means between the ignition wheel and at least one thumb-actuable wheel are arranged on one side of the side of the wheel operable by the thumb facing the "ears" of the thumb. structure of the lighter, and in front of the periphery of an integral eyebrow of the rotating shaft of the ignition wheel. According to a first possibility, the friction-engagable means may comprise at least one tab extending axially from the thumb-actuated wheel that is opposite the ignition wheel side, beyond the periphery of the integral eyebrow , the tongues are arranged in a circle with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the eyebrow.

The friction-engagable means may also comprise, according to a second possibility, an integral edge with the side of the wheel operable by the thumb facing the "ear" of the structure of the lighter, this edge having an internal diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the eyebrow and overlapping partially to the eyebrow. Following the third implementation of the invention, the means engageable by friction between the ignition wheel and at least one wheel operable by the thumb, are arranged on the rotary axis of the ignition wheel and on the annular inner side of the wheel operable by the thumb, which formed by the hole and allows the gear of io the wheel actuatable by the thumb on this axis. According to a simple feature of the invention, there is provided at least one wheel operable by the thumb, which is mounted with a clearance in its axes of rotation and adapted to be rotatably engaged to the ignition wheel. According to a fourth implementation of the invention, the means engageable by The friction is obtained through a seat, in which the thumb-operated wheel is engaged, which can be displaced radially, likewise, its walls and / or those walls constituting the seat, are formed in such a way that make possible the displacement of this wheel (actuatable by the thumb) between an external radial position of the upper part of said wheel with respect to the upper part of the wheel of On ignition, in said displacement, the friction, between the thumb-actuable wheel and the ignition wheel, is insufficient to activate the rotating operation of the accioaafc wheel by the thumb, which would result in the rotary operation of the wheel of the thumb. encenßÜD. Furthermore, in order to obtain the frictionally engagable means, an internal radial position of the upper part of the wheel operable by the thumb with respect to the upper part of the ignition wheel, in which the friction is sufficient for the rotary operation of the thumb-actuatable wheel, which results in the rotating operation of the ignition wheel. The upper parts of the wheel operable by the thumb and the ignition wheel, respectively in this context, are those parts of the periphery that are at any time in the upper part of the lighter, which are accessible to the user who can operate them.

Thus, while an insufficient radial pressure is exerted on the thumb-operated wheel, especially by a child under the age of five, the thumb-operated wheel slips off the ignition wheel. On the other hand, if sufficient radial pressure is exerted, such as can be performed by an adult, a rotating connection is created between the thumb-actionable wheel and the ignition wheel, which makes ignition of the lighter possible.

The wall of the thumb-operated wheel, which engages in the seat, can have a thickness, which increases in the direction of the radial outer side of the wheel operable by the thumb. The seat in turn can comprise, in cross section, a width, which increases in the direction of the same side as the wheel actuatable by the thumb so that it corresponds to the increase in the thickness of the wheel operable by the thumb, obtaining , in such a way, a perfect coined gear of the surfaces in contact. Preferably, the seat formed in "V" in cross section and the whole of the wheel operable by the thumb, which engages in the seat, constitute surfaces that coincide in the same angles. The wheels can be operated by the thumb, alternatively or additionally. understand a circular peripheral wall, which extends on the side of the ignition wheel or an integral eyebrow that rotates or rotates with it. This circular peripheral wall of the thumb-operable wheel, comprising an internal diameter, such that its radial inner side is located at a distance from the peripheral wall of the ignition wheel or the eyebrow, in said external radial position of the wheel operable by the thumb, but in such a way that it acts in contact against this peripheral wall of the ignition wheel or of the eyebrow in the internal radial position of the wheel operable by the thumb. This contact allows the generation of either all the friction, which is required to allow the rotating operation of the ignition wheel or only a part of this friction, the other part is generated at the seat level, in the manner described above.

The thumb-actuable wheel may also comprise such peripheral circular wall that extends in front of the ignition wheel, the radial inner side thereof being the one that comes into contact, in said internal radial position of the thumb-actuable wheel, against an integral eyebrow on the rotating shaft of the ignition wheel.

The surfaces engageable by friction are composed by that wall of the wheel operable by the thumb which engages in the seat and / or by that wall forming the seat, as well as, if need be, by the radial inner side of the aforesaid peripheral circular wall of the wheel operable by the thumb and / or the corresponding eyebrow arranged on the shaft. These friction-engagable surfaces provide the desired frictional gearing force to obtain the effect required for the ignition system, for the purpose of making ignition very difficult for children, but achievable for adults. The friction-engagable surfaces can be provided by the selection of the material used by the interlocking parts, for example, by the thumb-operated wheel and the ignition wheel and / or its axle, when using combinations of materials such as: stainless steel; a zinc-aluminum alloy called Mazak: an alloy of beryllium and aluminum called Beric; aluminum or brass. Preferably, the ignition wheel and / or its axis and the thumb-actuable wheel are made of different materials. For the ignition wheel, which is of the type of a stamped metal wheel, the friction-engagable surfaces of said wheel are made of the material of the ignition wheel, preferably of a suitably hardened steel. All friction-engagable surfaces can be provided by processing the surfaces, for example, by using nickel, zinc, chromium or Teflon. Alternatively, the friction-engagable surfaces can also be provided by mechanical treatments, such as roughening the surface to provide a friction grip. At least one of these surfaces may also comprise a cover of material having a high coefficient of friction such as an elastomer. Additionally, combinations of these types of friction-engagable surfaces can be used in the same lighter. Thus, friction-engagable surfaces provide the required friction between those walls during or at the end of the displacement of the thumb-actuatable wheel. The seat described above can be constituted in the ignition wheel, or in the axis fixed thereto, allowing the rotation of this wheel. Said ignition wheel can comprise, at the level of its central part defining its orifice, radial grooves which constitute sections of the wall of certain flexibility and which deform at the time that the thumb-operated wheel exerts the force of engagement on the wheel. This ignition wheel or on the y-axis engages the seat when the wheel is actuated by the thumb in front of the seat. Also, the seat can be constituted together with the ignition wheel and likewise, by an eyebrow disposed in the axis that rotates in conjunction with said axis, aaf as well as by the assembly that is formed by the location of the wheel operable by the thumb against the ignition wheel and then the assembly of the ignition wheel on the shaft. Therefore, the assembly consisting of the ignition wheel, the thumb-operated wheel and the axle is particularly easy and quick to assemble.

Preferably in this case, the ignition wheel comprises two lateral wheels operable by the thumb and the axis of this ignition wheel, formed by two elements that can be fixed to the ignition wheel or to themselves, enclosing the workable wheels between them. by the thumb and the ignition wheel. A further characteristic that emphasizes the invention consists in placing a ring in the seat between the engagable surfaces of the wheel operable by the thumb and the ignition wheel. The foregoing provides an additional means that controls the frictional engagement of the two surfaces. You can make the rubber ring or a suitable plastic containing rubber. The ring can be rectangular or round in cross section. The hoop can be deformed to extend to the sides of the seat between the side walls thereof and the side sides of the lower section of the thumb-actuable wheel. The invention is described in more detail below with non-limiting examples of the lighter. Said examples are related to the following drawings. Drawing No. 1 is a perspective view of the lighter. Drawing No. 2 is a large-scale cross-sectional view of the upper part of the lighter, along line II-II of drawing No. 1. Drawing No. 3 is a cross-sectional view throughout of line III-III of drawing No. 2. The views of drawings 4 to 7 are similar to that of drawing No. 2. REPRESENTED respectively four more implementations of the lighter. Drawing No. 8 represents a large-scale cross-sectional view of another implementation of the ignition wheel and the top of this lighter. showing the elements that form the axes that it comprises for its rotating assembly in the lighter and the two wheels actuatable by the thumb.

The drawings from 9 to 12 are views similar to drawing No. 8, but from different implementations of the invention. The drawings from 13 to 21 are simplified schematic views in longitudinal section, according to another implementation of the invention, one of the extremities of the ignition wheel, the element forming the axis described above and the wheel operable by the thumb. To facilitate the understanding of this document, the same reference numerals will be given to the lighter elements, which are described in one or more drawings corresponding to an implementation of the invention and which, in turn, can be found in another implementation shown in another. drawing. The lighter shown in the drawings from 1 to 3 comprises a structure that forms a reservoir intended to contain liquefied petroleum gas. The upper part of the tank contains a valve (3) that is usually kept closed and can be opened with the lever (4). This lever (4) is normally kept closed by the action of the spring (5). The lighter ignition system comprises a pyrophoric stone that can produce sparks when it is rubbed by the ignition wheel (7). Said wheel is positioned in such a way that it can be operated in a rotary manner by means of two wheels operable by the thumb (10).

On each side of the ignition wheel (7), there are two thumb-operated wheels (10), which comprise two circular discs with a central hole (12) necessary for mounting on the shaft (8). This assembly is arranged with a clearance to allow a radial movement of each wheel operable by the thumb with respect to the shaft (8). Each wheel operable by the thumb is independent of the ignition wheel (7) and consists of a ring (13) on the opposite side of the ignition wheel (7). This ring comprises an internal diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the ignition wheel (7) and partially overlaps said wheel (7). Likewise, it has an internal gear surface with a desired coefficient of friction, which is provided by being made of a material having the desired coefficient of friction, as well as having a layer of the same material or by treating the surface with some mechanical method. The clearance between the shaft (8) and the thumb-operated wheels (10) is greater than the clearance allowed between the ring (13) and the corresponding surface of the ignition wheel (7). If a rotating force is exerted on the thumb-operated wheels (10), without having a significant radial force, the engagable surface of the ring (13) slips from the notch of the ignition wheel (7), which allows the rotation of the wheel operable by the thumb independently of the ignition wheel, which is held fixed by its parts or does not move fast or sufficiently to generate the density of sparks required. On the other hand, if the rotational movement of the thumb-operated wheels is accompanied by a sufficiently high radial force, the ring (13) comes into firm contact with the surface of the ignition wheel or with the surface of a lateral eyebrow that is part of the wheel. Thus, this force produces a rotating coupling of the thumb-operated wheels and the ignition wheel, resulting in the rotating operation of the ignition wheel and then by its friction action against the pyrophoric stone produces the beam of sparks required.

Drawings 4 through 7 show variations of this lighter. In the implementation shown in drawing No. 4, the ignition wheel is fastened to two circular eyebrows (14), placed one on each side of the wheel. Each of these eyebrows comprises an external surface that is engageable with the thumb-operated wheels and has the desired coefficient of friction. On the other hand. each wheel operable by the thumb (10) is provided with one of its faces in front of the ignition wheel, with a certain number of tongues (16), angularly and uniformly spaced, as well as extending parallel to the rotary axis (8). These tabs (16) are disposed beyond the periphery of the eyebrows (14), proceeding to a circle with a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the eyebrows. The tabs have internal surfaces engageable by friction which achieve the desirable coefficient of friction with the corresponding surfaces of the eyebrows (14). The clearance between the shaft (8) and the thumb-operated wheels (10) is greater than the clearance between the tabs and the lateral surface of the eyebrows (14). In practice, the thumb-operated wheels can be rotated or rotated independently on the ignition wheel, even if the radial force exerted on them is low. In fact, in such a case, the tongues (16) slide on the gear surface by friction of the eyebrows (14), without being able to operate them or at least not enough. On the contrary, if the rotary operation of the thumb-operated wheels (10) is done with sufficient radial force, the tongues (16) mesh with the eyebrows (14) and consequently with the ignition wheel (7), which rotates enough to generate the sparkle necessary to ignite the gas. In the implementation shown in drawing No. 5, each of the thumb-actuable wheels (10) comprises, on its surface opposite the "ear" of the structure (2), the tabs (16) arranged in the shape of coaxial circle around the axis (8), while the axis (8) comprises an integral eyebrow that is aligned with these tabs (16).

The internal coalados of the various tabs (16) define a circle with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the eyebrow (20) and these tabs extend axially of the wheels operable by the thumb (10) beyond the periphery of the eyebrow (twenty). In the example shown in the same drawing, the inner sides of the tabs (16) and the peripheral sides of the eyebrows (20) have been mechanically roughened in such a way as to facilitate a frictional engagement between both sides mentioned. The tongues (16) can be replaced by a ring (13) as described above. In the implementation shown in drawing No. 6, the axle is mechanically processed to provide a rough surface under each wheel operable by the thumb (10), a roughened surface may also be provided to the wheel wall operable by the thumb (10), which defines the hole (12). The radial pressure on the thumb-operated wheels (10) results in the friction grip of the wheels that can be activated by the thumb (10) and the axle (8). The implementation shown in drawing No. 7 is quite similar to that shown in drawing (6), except that the shaft comprises surfaces that have not been mechanically processed for the purpose of providing a rough surface, but comprising elastomeric sheaths (21). ) fixed in them. The walls of the wheels actuable by the thumb (10) define holes (12) which are smooth, that is to say they are adapted by the choice of material or coating for the friction grip of the covers (21) and thus the axis ( 8). In the implementation shown in drawing No. 8, the ignition wheel is hollow on the inside and the axis that allows its rotational assembly is formed by two elements (8). Each of the elements (8) comprises several coaxial cylindrical parts, which are the following: A part (8a) comprising a diameter slightly larger than that of the cavity (31) of the ignition wheel (7), thus providing a fit with tighten there inside. An intermediate part (8b) comprising a diameter slightly larger than that of the cavity (31) of the ignition wheel (7).

A part (8c) having a diameter greater than the part (8b) that forms an eyebrow, and finally: A part (8d) that forms an axis arranged in such a way so as to mesh in a correspondingly provided hole in a of the two parallel ears, which are provided in the upper part of the lighter structure, to hold the ignition wheel (7) and the thumb-operated wheels (10). Each wheel operable by the thumb (10) comprises a central hole having a larger diameter than said part (8b), but less than said part (8c). The internal radial area (10a) of the thumb-actuable wheel (10) comprises a thickness slightly smaller than the thickness of the part (8b) and is connected to the radial outer area (10b) of the thumb-actuable wheel ( 10) by an intermediate tapered side (10c). As shown in drawing No. 8, the two thumb-actuated wheels (10) are arranged to be mounted on the ignition wheel (7) when surrounded by the elements (8) and the ignition wheel (7) . The elements (8) are fixed to the ignition wheel by a tightening adjustment or by other adjustment means, such as by an adhesive, of the parts (8a) of the elements (8) of the cavity (31) of the ignition wheel (7), ensuring the wheels actuatable by the thumb between the ignition wheel (7) and the already defined parts (8c) of the elements (8) and forming a seat (32) between the outer surface of the part (8b) and the inner surface of the wheel area operable by the thumb (10a). Thanks to the dimensions of the central hole of the wheel operable by the thumb (10), described above, as well as also to the dimensions of the area (10a) and the parts (8b) and (8c), the wheels are operable by the thumb (10) can be radially displaced with respect to the ignition wheel (7) and the elements (8), between an external radial position of the upper part of the wheel operable by the thumb (10) with respect to the upper part of the wheel. the ignition wheel (7), shown in drawing No. 8 and a respective internal radial position, in which the thumb-operated wheels (10) receive thumb pressure. It is evident that the internal diameter of the area (10a) of each mea able to be operated by the thumb (10) is smaller than the external diameter of the part (8c) that extends beyond the part (8b). These diameters as well as the position of the conical side (10c) of the mecha actuable by the thumb (10) can be such that when a radial pressure is exerted on the wheels actuatable by the thumb (10), the conical side (10c) meets the part (8c) before the inner engagable surface of the mecha actuatable by the thumb (10a) comes into contact with the outer engageable surface of the part (8b), resulting in a significant axial force of the actionable medal. by the thumb (10) against the side of the igniter. Thus, additional friction-engagable surfaces are provided between the thumb-actuatable medal and the ignition medal, that is, on the outer side (7a) of the ignition medal, as well as on the corresponding lateral inner surface (lOf) of the medallable by the thumb. The materials of the corresponding parts forming these surfaces are selected in order to provide the desired coefficient of friction for controlling the frictional engagement of the mecha and the firing medal. In said external radial position, the friction between the mecharable action by the thumb (10) and the ignition medal (7) is insufficient for the rotary operation of the mecha actuable by the thumb to result in the required rotary operation of the ignition wheel. Thus, when insufficient radial pressure is exerted on the wheel driven by the thumb, this lever slides at least partially in the ignition medal, as well as the element (8) without engaging it enough and making the lighter ignition not may be possible. The material comprising element 8, especially a plastic material or Mazak, aluminum, steel, Beric or brass, contains some elasticity, providing some elastic deformity of the part (8c). The foregoing, combined with an adequate declination of the wall (10c), of 45 °, allows the return of the mecharable action by the thumb (10) to the external radial position, due to the elasticity of this material, when the pressure exerted in the medallable action by the thumb ceases. The radial outer surface of the part (8c) may also be conical to act in conjunction with the conical side (10c) and provide an additional frictional engagement surface therebetween. In addition, the circular walls of the thumb-actuated fingers (10) extend axially. These walls provide an essential contact surface for the thumb. The wall (10d) of each thumb-actuable medal may comprise an internal radial engagable surface located at a distance from the peripheral surface exterior of the ignition medal (7) at said external radial position of the thumb-operable medal. (10), which comes into contact with this outer peripheral surface of the ignition medal (7) or with an integral lateral eyebrow thereof, in said radial internal position of the medal actuatable by the thumb. This contact allows the production of all or part of the friction that allows the rotating operation of the ignition medal. Also, the materials of these surfaces will provide the desired coefficient of friction. Thus, the combined total friction effect of all the engagable surfaces will be designed so that it can produce the frictional engagement required in the ignition medal for a predetermined radial force of the mecha actuable by the thumb. The seat or cavity (32) constituted by this conical surface and the lateral side (7a) cnV the ignition wheel (7) comprises a section whose width decreases progressively towards the axis of rotation. The part (10a) of the mecha actuable by the thumb (10) comprises a conical side (10c) with an inclination corresponding to the conical side of the clamp (8e), in such a way that the mecha actuable by the thumb is progressively engaged with the seat (32) during its movement towards its internal radial position. The surfaces of the medal actuatable by the thumb (10) coming into contact. the side face (7a) and the part (8c) are made of materials, coatings or surfaces processed to provide the desired coefficient of friction between them, which will provide the desired friction gear, in this position, to establish a rotating gear of the medallable action by the thumb (10) and the ignition medal (7).

In addition, the circular walls (10d) of the thumb-operated edes (10) are oriented in the opposite direction to that shown in drawing No. 8, to cover the element (8). An important feature of the implementation shown in drawing No. 9 is the acute angle formed by the face of the clamp (8e) and the side face (7a). thus defining a space in the form of a wedge or seat (32). These surfaces mesh with the corresponding surfaces of the (lOe) and (lOf) of the mecha actuable by the thumb respectively. It has been found that greater control of the friction gear between the two engagable surfaces can be obtained with this angled contact. An angle can be chosen that provides the desired friction properties since the precise angle will determine the frictionally engageable surface area, which has a significant effect on the force required to operate the lighter. The larger the contact area, the greater the friction and the lower the force required on the thumb-operable medal to effectively operate the ignition medal. The implementation shown in drawing No. 10 is similar to that shown in drawing No. 9, except that the eyebrows (35) are provided to the element (8). These will preferably be formed as an integral part of the element (8), such as a component molded with this shape, for example, made of Mazak, stamped in aluminum or cast in steel. It can also be fixed by an adhesive or other appropriate mode. By means of the eyebrow (35), another pair of friction-engagable surfaces can be created between the outer side of the medal actuatable by the thumb and the inner side of the eyebrow (35). This implementation has the advantage that, compared to previous implementations, the angle can be changed without varying the potential lateral clearance of the thumb-actuatable medas.

Drawing No. 11 exhibits an implementation in which the lateral surface of the ignition medal is conical, the element (8) comprises a clamp (8e) and the mecha actuable by the thumb (10) comprises a part (10a) that It has two complementary conical surfaces. Here, the outer face (7a) of the ignition medal (7) is tilted, which allows a direct radial force to be applied to its surface. Likewise, the contact surfaces are of materials selected especially because they have friction properties or are preferably rough. The implementation shown in drawing No. 12 is similar to that of drawing No. 11, except that the eyebrows (35) are located as described with reference to the drawing No. 10. In the implementation shown in drawing No. 13, the element (8) comprises a conical clamp (8f) and an elongated shaft (8d) receiving the eyebrow (35), this clamp (8f) and this eyebrow (35) define said seat (32). In the implementation shown in drawing No. 14, the lateral surface of the ignition medal is conical and the element (8) comprises a bracket (8g) that constüBfß the seat (32) with its conical surface. Drawing No. 15 exhibits an implementation similar to that shown in drawing No. 9. except that the two elements (8) do not form a rotary axis of the ignition medal (/), but are simply arranged on a rod (36). ), which includes an axis. The rod (36) is fixed to the element (8).

Drawing No. 16 shows an implementation similar to that shown in drawing No. 13, with the wall (10d) extending to the front of the ignition meda is enabled to cover the eyebrow (35) and with the element (8) comprising two parts, which are adhered by a suitable means such as a snap fit by an adhesive. In the different implementations shown in the drawings from 13 to 16, the wall (10d) can also allow direct operation of the ignition medal (7) or the eyebrow (35), in the same way as described above with reference to the drawing No 8. Drawing No. 17 exhibits an implementation similar to that shown in drawing No. 11, except that the lateral surface of the ignition medal (7) is not conical and the element (8 >; it comprises a clamp (8i) that has two conical surfaces with opposite inclinations, which result in the formation of the seat (32). The drawings Nos. 18 and 19 show an ignition medal (7) in which an integral seat (32) is provided. The mecha actible by the thumb (10) is placed in the seat (32) during its manufacture, using appropriate mechanical pressure means so that the thumb-operable medal snaps into place in the seat (32) and can not be moved during normal use of the lighter. The mecha actuable by the thumb preferably comprises radial grooves, which provide the required flexibility for the mechanical pressure of the ignition medal. The respective friction-engagable surfaces of the mecha actuatable by the thumb (10) > that of the ignition medal (7) are provided by the base defining the seat (32) and by the corresponding inner diameter of the innermost part of the thumb-actuatable wheels. These surfaces comprise materials, coatings or processed surfaces, which create the desired coefficient of friction to provide the required friction gear properties. Referring now to drawings Nos. 20 and 21, a further implementation is shown in which the ring (41) is located in the seat (32) between the engageable surfaces of the mecha and the firing medal. The foregoing provides an additional means to control the frictional engagement of the two surfaces. The ring (41) can be made of rubber or a suitable plastic containing rubber. This hoop may be rectangular as shown in drawing No. 20, round as shown in drawing No. 21 or in any suitable manner. The ring can be deformed to extend to the sides of the seat (23) between the side of the seat walls (23) and the sides of the lower part of the mecha actuable by the thumb (10). Thus, the rubber provides the frictionally engageable surface between the mecha and the firing medal and makes the required frictional force forceful. The rubber is deformed when an additional radial force is applied to it, thus increasing the area of the contact surface between the mecha and the firing medal. The above increases the elastic area of the frictionable surface with an increase in radial force applied by the user and thus has the effect of producing the required friction gear with a lower force applied by the user. As shown above, the invention represents a great improvement of the techniques already existing in the industry, because it provides a lighter with a safety ignition system that requires a simple construction, allows ignition of the lighter in a single familiar movement, while which prevents its ignition by small children, by providing them with sufficient difficulty to obtain the rotating coupling between the ignition medal and the meda actuables by the lff. The invention also allows the supply of an ignition system, which can be assembled before the lighter. It is also emphasized in the foregoing description that several possibilities have been studied and provided to generate the required friction-engaging force between the ignition medal and / or its axis and one or both mecha actuables by the thumb: said force can be obtained at through a friction that acts only at the level of the axes, that is to say, between the medal actuatable by the thumb and the wall of the axle or by a friction acting laterally, that is to say, between the medal actuatable by the thumb and a face of the elements (8), of an eyebrow (35) and / or of the ignition medal (7) or through a friction that operates only peripherally, between the wall (10d) of the medal actuatable by the thumb and the medal of ignition or an eyebrow disposed on the shaft or by a combination of axial frictions, lateral or peripheral. In addition, all these surfaces that come in contact can be made of different materials that provide the desired coefficient of friction, for example. Mazak, Beric, steel, aluminum or plastic. Likewise, the surfaces can be coated or processed with nickel, zinc or a chromium plating or a Teflon coating as well as the surface can be mechanically processed by polishing or by wear. It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the implementations described above, but that include all possible implementations. The ignition medal (7) can be wire or spiral fixedly fastened to a hollow cross-member of the power medal as shown in the drawings. Another type of ignition medallion can be equally convenient if it is made of wire, for example a press-on medallion of pressed metal of hollow cross-section.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the request to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (16)

1. - Gas lighter comprising a safety ignition system, of the type consisting of a tank intended to contain a liquefied petroleum gas; a valve mounted on the gas tank that allows its exit; a mechanism to open the valve; as well as an ignition system that includes a pyrophoric stone, which works in combination with an ignition medal, which is operated in a rotating manner by at least one thumb operable medal, which is mounted coaxially with the ignition medal; characterized in that each mecha actuatable by the thumb is independent of the ignition medal and can rotate about its own axis independently of the ignition medal, as well as because the means of rotary friction engagement is provided between the ignition medal and so less one of the meda actuables by the thumb, said means enables the medal actuatable by the thumb to be meshed to the ignition medal when the force exerted on the medal actuatable by the thumb has a radial component with a value greater than one default value.

2. Gas lighter according to claim 1, characterized in that the friction gear means are arranged on the side of the surface of the mecha actible by the thumb facing the ignition medal and in front of the periphery of the ignition medal or of a solid eyebrow of it.

3. Gas lighter according to claim 2, characterized in that the friction gear means between the ignition medal and at least one of the mecha actuably comprise at least one tongue, extending axially of the operable medal. by the thumb next to the glowing medal extending, beyond the periphery of the ignition medal of an integral eyebrow thereof, various tongues arranged in a circle shape slightly larger in diameter to the diameter of the ignition or the integral eyebrow of it.

4. - Gas lighter according to claim 2, characterized in that the friction gear means between the ignition medal and at least one mecha actuable by the thumb comprise an integral ring on the face of the mecha actuatable by the thumb in front of the side of the Ignite medal, this rim having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the ignition medal or that of the integral eyebrow thereof, and at least partially overlapping this meda or its eyebrow.

5. Gas lighter according to claim 2, characterized in that the means of friction gear, between the ignition medal and at least one medal operable by the thumb, are arranged on the side of the face of the operable by the thumb oriented towards the "ears" of the lighter structure and in front of the periphery of an integral eyebrow of the rotating shaft of the igniter.

6. Gas lighter according to claim 1, characterized in that the friction gear means, between the ignition medal and at least one mecha actuable by the thumb, are arranged on the rotating shaft of the ignition medal and on the face of the metric actuatable by the thumb formed by a hole that allows the gear of the medal actuatable by the thumb on its axis.

7. Gas lighter according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the friction gear means constitute contact surfaces made mechanically rough to provide the required frictional grip.

8. Gas lighter according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the friction gear means comprise the corresponding contact surfaces of the ignition medal, or its axis and the mecha actible by the thumb and because at least one of these surfaces comprises an adaptation thereof or a coating with a material such as nickel, zinc, chromium or Teflon.

9. Gas lighter according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one medal operable by the thumb and at least one frictable surface thereof is made of stainless steel; an alloy of zinc and aluminum; an alloy of beryllium and aluminum or other aluminum alloys; aluminum or brass.

10. Gas lighter according to claim 1, characterized in that the friction gear means comprise a seat, in which the mearable actionable by the thumb engages and can move radially; as well as because the walls of said mecha actuable by the thumb and / or those walls defining the seat are formed in such a way so that the displacement of this medal is possible between an external radial position of the upper part of the meda with respect to the upper part of the ignition medal, in which the friction between the mecharable action by the thumb and the ignition medal is not sufficient for the rotary operation of the mecha actuatable by the thumb, friction which is necessary for the adequate rotary operation of the power on; also characterized because it is necessary, for the proper rotary operation of the ignition medal, an internal radial position of the upper part of the medal actuatable by the thumb with respect to the upper part of the ignition medal, in which the friction it is sufficient for the rotary operation of the medal actuatable by the thumb.

11. Gas lighter according to claim 1, characterized in that the medanaeidae medallion and the thumb operable medal have at least one pair of matching contact surfaces, which are arranged at an acute angle to the axis of the medallion. switched on .

12. Gas lighter according to claim 11, characterized in that the seat comprises a "V" shaped cross section and the wall of the mecha actuable by the thumb engaging in the seat, comprises surfaces matching the same angles.

13. Gas lighter according to claim 1, characterized in that the mecha actuable by the thumb comprises a peripheral circular wall that extends to a 5 the side of the ignition medal or of the integral eyebrow that rotates with it, said peripheral circular wall comprising an internal diameter such that its radial inner face is located at a distance from the peripheral wall of the ignition medal or the eyebrow, in the aforementioned external radial position of the medal actuatable by the thumb. but which acts in contact with the peripheral wall of the ignition or eyebrow. i or in an internal radial position of the medal actuatable by the thumb.

14. Gas lighter according to claim 12, characterized in that the seat) is defined in conjunction with the ignition medal and by a clamp or an eyebrow arranged on the shaft that is integral with the shaft in a rotating manner.

15. Gas lighter according to claim 10, characterized in that the medal 15 of ignition comprises two medas actuatable by the lateral thumb and the axis of its medal of ignition is formed by two elements, which can be attached to the ignition medal or to themselves, enclosing between them the medas actuatable by the thumb and the lit medal.

16. Gas lighter according to any of the preceding claims. 20 characterized in that at least one thumb-operable medal is adapted to be frictionally engaged in a rotating manner to the ignition medal by intermediate deformable friction engaging means, such as an elastomeric or rubber ring.