FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lighters in general, and more particularly to an automatic delayed-ignition lighter.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

According to Jewish law, lighting a fire is prohibited on holidays, yet it is permissible to transfer fire from an existing source of fire. For example, a fire may be transferred from a burning candle which is lit from the eve of the holiday by means of a toothpick which may then be used to light a gas stove, grill, cigarette, etc. It is very difficult for a user to move a burning candle from place to place without it being extinguished by the movement or by the wind, or by the toothpick touching the wick of the candle extinguishing it, among other causes.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to the abovementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention relates to an automatic lighter comprising an ignition element configured to ignite a flame without requiring a user to initiate the ignition. The lighter may include a gas cylinder providing fuel for a flame, a gas valve to regulate gas flow from the gas cylinder, and an activation mechanism which opens and closes the gas valve and which activates an ignition element in the lighter which ignites a flame when there is gas flow. The lighter may additionally include a calibration mechanism to regulate an amount of time that the gas valve remains open. Additionally, the lighter may include a controller which is programmed with a holiday schedule that includes the dates and times of the holidays and automatically activates the ignition element.

In some embodiments, the ignition element may include a spark generator or an electrical heating element that may be repeatedly activated beginning with a one-time pressing of an electric switch (in the activation mechanism) or by the controller. Gas flowing out of a gas tank is ignited as it passes the ignition element, and a flame continues until the gas flow ceases. Gas flow from the gas cylinder is responsive to a user pressing a mechanical gas switch (in the activation mechanism) which opens the gas valve for a predetermined amount of time, for example about 10 seconds.

In some embodiments, the user presses the gas switch only once and the gas valve remains open for a predetermined amount of time. Optionally, a calibration mechanism is used to set the predetermined amount of time the gas valve is opened (and the flame is ignited). Optionally, the user may set this time before the holiday starts. The adjustment may be made by changing the pressure of an internal spring in the calibration mechanism or by adjusting an air passage hole of a plunger in the calibration mechanism.

In some embodiments, the lighter may include a timer that generates a spark according to a predetermined schedule, for example every 1 second, and pressing the gas switch will open the gas valve allowing the spark to ignite the gas and generate the flame. The duration of the flame may be according to a predetermined amount of time which may be set by the user.

In some embodiments, the controller may be programmed with the calendar of Jewish holidays relevant to the Jewish religious tradition, which are four holidays:

1. Rosh Hashanah-two days;

2. Sukkot-in Israel, one day; outside Israel, two days;

3. Sukkot-in Israel, one day; outside Israel, two days; and

3. First day of Passover-in Israel, one day; outside Israel, two days;

4. Seventh day of Passover-in Israel, one day; outside Israel, two days.

The controller in the lighter automatically turns the igniter (a sparker or heating element) on and off according to the holiday season allowing the user to light the lighter by pressing the gas switch. If any day coincides with the weekly Sabbath, the controller does not turn the igniter on and off. In an exemplary embodiment, an automated delayed-ignition lighter comprises a. a controller; b. an igniter; c. a gas tank; d. a gas-release activator, configured for a user to depress; e. a valve spring, configured to be under tension when the gas-release activator is depressed; f. a valve, configured to be opened when the valve spring is under tension, thereby enabling gas to be released from the gas tank; wherein the controller is configured to periodically activate the igniter, thereby igniting a flame, the flame lasting until the valve spring restores to its relaxed condition.

In some embodiments, the lighter further comprises a damping mechanism for slowing the restoration of the valve spring, thereby prolonging the duration of the flame to a predetermined gas-release time.

In some embodiments, the lighter further comprises a rack and pinion, the rack in rigid connection with the gas-release activator, thereby translating together when the gas-release activator is depressed, and the pinion rotatable on the damping mechanism.

In some embodiments, the lighter further comprises an opposing spring, under tension to oppose the valve restoration, thereby further slowing and stabilizing the valve-spring restoration.

In some embodiments, the gas-release time is in a range between about 5 seconds and about 8 seconds.

In some embodiments, the gas-release activator is configured to be released after the depressing.

In some embodiments, the lighter further comprises a cover, wherein the controller optionally continues the periodic igniter activation whether the cover is open or closed.

In some embodiments, the igniter is selected from a group consisting of a sparker, a heating element, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the period of the igniter activation is about 60 seconds. In some embodiments, each the activation of the igniter lasts for about 3 seconds.

In some embodiments, the further comprises a pre-ignition indicator, activated for a predetermined notification time interval before each the igniter activation.

In some embodiments, the notification interval is about 2.5 seconds.

In some embodiments, the lighter is further configured to be switched to a single -ignition mode, wherein the controller disables the periodic igniter activation and the activates the igniter once when the gas-release activator is depressed.

In some embodiments, the lighter is further configured for the user to switch the lighter to a sleep mode, wherein upon switching to the sleep mode, after a sleep-delay time the controller discontinues the periodic igniter activation for a sleep duration time.

In some embodiments, the sleep-delay time is adjustable to either about 5 or about 29 hours.

In some embodiments, the sleep duration is about 8 hours.

In some embodiments, the lighter further comprises a sleep-mode indicator, configured to be activated when the lighter is in the sleep mode.

In some embodiments, the lighter is operable continuously for 48 hours from a single battery or battery charge.

In some embodiments, the lighter is further configured for the user to switch the lighter to a postponed-activation mode, wherein the controller discontinues igniter activation until a postponed-activation time interval from the switching to postponed-activation mode.

In some embodiments, the postponed-activation interval is about 24 hours.

In some embodiments, the lighter further comprises a postponed-activation indicator, configured to be activated during the postponed-activation interval.

In some embodiments, the lighter further comprises an adjustment for bias tension on said valve spring, thereby enabling adjustment of the gas-release time. In some embodiments, the lighter further comprises a shield to protect the flame against being extinguished by wind.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for operating an automated delayed-ignition lighter comprises steps of a. obtaining an automated delayed-ignition lighter, comprising i. a controller; ii. an igniter; iii. a gas tank; iv. a gas-release activator, configured for a user to depress; v. a valve spring, configured to be under tension when the gas-release activator is depressed; vi. a valve, configured to be opened when the valve spring is under tension, thereby enabling gas to be released from the gas tank; b. a user depressing the gas-release activator; c. responsive to the depressing of the gas-release activator, a valve of the gas tank opening a gas being released from the gas tank; d. upon the next igniter activation after the gas release, the igniter igniting a flame fueled by the released gas; wherein the method further comprises a step of the controller periodically activating the igniter, thereby igniting a flame, the flame lasting until the valve spring restores to its relaxed condition.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of a damping mechanism slowing the restoration of the valve spring, thereby prolonging the duration of the flame to a predetermined gas-release time.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises steps of a rack being in rigid connection with the gas-release activator, thereby translating together when the gas-release activator is depressed, and a pinion rotating on the damping mechanism, thereby slowing the motion of the pinion rolling on the rack. In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of an opposing spring opposing the valve restoration, thereby further slowing and stabilizing the valve-spring restoration.

In some embodiments, the gas-release time is in a range between about 5 seconds and about 8 seconds.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of releasing the gas-release activator after the depressing.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of continuing the periodic igniter activation whether a cover of the lighter is open or closed

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of selecting the igniter from a group consisting of a sparker, a heating element, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the period of the igniter activation is about 60 seconds.

In some embodiments, each the activation of the igniter lasts for about 3 seconds.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of activating a pre -ignition indicator for a predetermined notification time interval before each the igniter activation.

In some embodiments, the notification interval is about 2.5 seconds.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises steps of a user switching the lighter to a single -ignition mode, followed by the controller disabling the periodic igniter activation and activating the igniter once when the gas-release activator is depressed.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises steps of the user switching the lighter to a sleep mode, then after a sleep-delay time the controller discontinuing the periodic igniter activation for a sleep duration time.

In some embodiments, the sleep-delay time is adjustable to either about 5 or about 29 hours.

In some embodiments, the sleep duration is about 8 hours. In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of activating a sleep-mode indicator when the lighter is in the sleep mode.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of operating the lighter continuously for 48 hours from a single battery or battery charge.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises steps of the user switching the lighter to a postponed-activation mode, then the controller discontinuing igniter activation until a postponed-activation time interval from the switching to postponed-activation mode.

In some embodiments, the postponed-activation interval is about 24 hours.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of activating a postponed- activation indicator during the postponed-activation interval.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of adjusting bias tension on said valve spring, thereby enabling adjustment of the gas-release time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in figures 1 to 2. These figures are for illustration purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the below description or the figures shown in any form.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The embodiments presented herein are non-limiting and given as examples only. Based on the teachings in this disclosure, a skilled person would be able to practice the invention in other ways. It is furthermore understood that while multiple features of each embodiment are presented, subsets of these features also fall within the scope of the invention.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, an external view of an automated delayed-ignition lighter 100, from two different perspectives, according to some embodiments of the invention. The lighter 100 comprises a cover 105, a gas-release slider 110, a delayed-mode selector button 115, a single-ignition mode selection button 120, a pre-fire indicating LED 125, a recharging port 130, a power switch 135, and a cover-release button 140. Reference is now also made to Fig. 2, an internal view of the automated delayed-ignition lighter 100, from two different perspectives, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lighter 100 further comprises a rack 150 in rigid connection with the gas-release slider 110, a pinion 145 rotatable on a damping mechanism 170, a valve spring 155 (in this embodiment, e.g., a bow spring), an opposing spring 160, a compartment 165 containing a controller board and gas tank inside, a valve 175, a gas outlet 180 (obscured by the cover 105), and an igniter 185 (e.g. a sparker or a heating element).

Before the holiday, a user activates the lighter with the power switch 135. When the lighter is powered on, the controller (not shown) periodically activates the igniter 185 (e.g. every 60 seconds) for an igniting time interval (e.g. 3 seconds for 1-3 sparks). (In some embodiments, the controller continues to periodically activate the igniter 185 even when the cover 105 is closed.) Periodic igniter activation continues indefinitely until the user turns off the lighter.

When the user needs a flame, they depress the cover-release button 140, enabling the cover 105 to flip open. The user waits for the pre-fire indicator 125 to light, notifying them that the next ignition is about to be activated (e.g. within 2.5 seconds from the indicator 125 first comes on). The user slides the gas-release slider 110 downwards, causing the rack 150 to translate. As the slider 110 translates, tension is applied to the valve spring 155. When sufficient tension is reached, the valve 175 opens and gas is released from the gas tank (not shown). Upon the next ignition, a flame is ignited and lasts until the valve spring 155 relaxes and the valve 175 is closed.

In this embodiment, the gas-release slider 110 is depresses and released. Upon release, relaxation of the spring valve 155 causes the slider 110 to rise back up. The damping mechanism 170 slows the rotation of the pinion 145 and translation of the rack 150 and slider 110. Relaxation of the valve spring 155 is slowed and closing of the valve 175. The flame duration is thereby prolonged to about 5-8 seconds. In some embodiments, a calibration adjustment (not shown) controls the bias tension on the valve spring 155, enabling the user to pre-adjust (before the holiday) the flame duration.

Upon pressing of the single-ignition mode button 120, the lighter 100 enters a singleignition mode, wherein the controller discontinues the periodic activation of the igniter 185 and is responsive to pressing of the gas-release activator 110 with a single igniter activation. In some embodiments, the lighter 100 has a sleep mode, wherein the user presses a button (the same button 120 repeatedly or a separate one) and the controller discontinues periodic igniter activation for a sleep-mode duration (e.g. 8 hours) beginning after a sleep-delay time (e.g. 5 hours or 29 hours from activating the sleep mode). The igniter will thereby not be activated overnight when not needed. Optionally, sleep-mode indicator (e.g. a red LED) turns on during the sleep mode duration.

In some embodiments, the lighter 100 has a postponed-activation mode, wherein periodic igniter activation is postponed (e.g. for 24 hours) after activating the postponed activation mode. Optionally, a postponed-activation indicator (e.g. a red LED) turns on during the time from when the postponed activation is activated until the postponed activation begins.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 illustrating an automated delayed-ignition lighter, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The lighter 12 includes a gas cylinder 14 with a gas valve 16 at the opening of the container, and a mechanical gas switch 18 which when pressed 26 opens the gas valve and also pushes a plunger 20 which presses on a spring 22. The spring 22 may be calibrated by a calibration screw 24 which may be used to adjust the amount of time the gas switch 18 is returned to the position where the gas valve 16 is closed. When the gas valve 16 is open, gas flows out from the gas cylinder 14 and passes through an electric heating element 3 which is lit by pressing an electric switch 36, causing the gas 30 to ignite and produce a flame 34. The gas cylinder 14 may be refilled through a gas refilling opening 28. The lighter 12 additionally includes a rechargeable battery 38 and a controller 40 in which is stored a holiday schedule including the dates and times of the holidays.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4, schematically illustrating a holiday schedule of an automated delayed-ignition lighter, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The holiday schedule 42 includes holiday dates 44, stored in the controller. On these dates, the controller activates the heating element and leaves it operating throughout the holiday.

Fig. 5 shows steps of a method 200 of operation for an automated delayed-ignition lighter, according to some embodiments of the invention. After the user obtaining the lighter 205, he method 200 comprises the following steps: a. In some embodiments, the user opening the lighter cover 207. b. A controller of the lighter activating of an igniter 210 (e.g. a sparker or heating element) autonomously and periodically (e.g. every 60 seconds), lasting for an igniting interval (e.g. 3 seconds, for ~l-3 sparks). In some embodiments, the igniter activation continues even when the lighter cover is closed. c. In some embodiments, for a predetermined notification time (e.g. 2.5 seconds) before each of the igniter activations, a pre-ignition indicator (e.g. a green LED) turning on 215, so the user will know when to activate gas release. d. The user depressing a gas-release activator 220 (preferably, single press and release, not continual). e. Responsive to the depressing of the gas-release activator, a valve opening and gas being released 225. f. Upon the next periodic igniter activation after the gas release, the igniter igniting a flame 230 fueled by the released gas. g. The pre-ignition indicator turning off 235 upon the next igniter activation following the pressing of the gas-release activator. h. The gas release discontinuing 240, automatically (without user action) by a mechanism such as a valve spring and damper (see Fig. 2) that closes the gas valve after a valve opening time (e.g. 5-8 seconds) following the pressing of the gasrelease activator. i. In some embodiments, the lighter working continuously for 48 hours on a single battery or battery charge 240. j . In some embodiments, the user activating a sleep mode 245, wherein the controller discontinues igniter activation for a sleep-mode duration (e.g. 8 hours) beginning after a sleep-delay time (e.g. 5 hours or 29 hours from activating the sleep mode). The igniter will thereby not be activated overnight when not needed. Optionally, sleep-mode indicator (e.g. a red LED) turns on during the sleep mode duration. k. In some embodiments, the user activating a single-ignition mode 250, wherein the controller discontinues the periodic igniter activation and is responsive to pressing of the gas-release activator with a single igniter activation. l. In some embodiments, the user activating a postponed-activation mode of the lighter (e.g. in 24 hours) 260 after activating the postponed activation mode. Optionally, a postponed-activation indicator (e.g. a red LED) turns on during the time from when the postponed activation is activated until the postponed activation begins.