State of the technique Various embodiments of the type of ignition devices mentioned above are already well known and which differ according to the method of generating the phenomena which causes a gas or some other element, to ignite.

In the same way, electric ignition, i. e. spark, and flame lighters are equally well known.

Electric spark lighters can be : - single spark, when they house any percussion piezoelectric group capable of generating a single spark every time a mechanical force is applied ; - multi-spark, when they house any compression piezoelectric unit capable of generating a series of sparks at each command; - continuous spark when they house a battery fed electronic circuit.

In the case of flame lighters, this can be achieved: - using any rechargeable or disposable gas, flint or piezoelectric interchangeable lighter (for cigarettes) placed directly either in a special compartment in the body of the device or in a separate element to be inserted in the body, or - using a non interchangeable, rechargeable or disposable gas tank,

placed in the body of the device together with a flame striking group.

Each of said ignition devices usually has a key or control pushbutton, which, when pressed actuates, in the case of electric lighters (spark), the piezoelectric or electronic device, and the means for generating the flame in the case of flame lighters. In other words, each ignition device mentioned above functions using one method: only spark or only flame.

Well known also, indeed, are ignition devices equipped with a second key or pushbutton in addition to the usual key or control pushbutton. The second key or pushbutton is however provided only as a safety measure to prevent the accidental or involuntary use of the device when it is a flame lighter, as it is included to block the functioning of the device itself unless pressed before pressing the control key or pushbutton. Even though in this case it is equipped with two keys or pushbuttons, this type of lighter functions using one method only : the flame method.

Obiects and Summary of the Invention On the contrary, one of the objectives of this invention is to propose an ignition device equipped not for a single but for a double function method, in this way differing completely from the ignition devices using the known technique.

Consequently, another objective of the invention is to provide an ignition device which can be used both as an electric spark lighter and as a flame lighter, depending on the needs.

A further objective of the invention therefore is to provide an ignition device for domestic and industrial use which includes all the characteristics already present in the different and distinct igniters or lighters so as to be able

to satisfy all use requirements in one device only.

These objectives and the implicit advantages which drive from them are achieved, in conformity with this invention, with an ignition device housing at the same time a spark generator device and a flame generator device and means for selectively controlling said two devices.

Brief Description of the Drawings Further details-of the invention will become more evident in the continuation of this description made in reference to the enclosed, indicative and non-limiting, drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an ignition device with a piezoelectric spark generator and a flame generator device; Fig. 2 is a similar schematic view of an ignition device with an electronic spark generator and a flame generator device; and Fig. 3 is a prospective view of the main component of the device in Fig.

2.

Detailed Description of the Invention In the mode of realisation represented in Fig. 1, the ignition device includes a body or grip casing 11 which houses a piezoelectric spark generator 12 with a respective or control key or pushbutton 13 and a flame generator device 14 with a respective or control key or pushbutton 15.

The body or casing 11 can be of any shape, and made of a plastic material and equipped with a metal ferrule 16 forming an electrode (negative pole).

The piezoelectric spark generator 12 can be either the percussion type to generate single sparks, or the compression type to generate multi-sparks

when actuated by its key or pushbutton 13. An earth cable 18 extends from it and connects up to the metal ferrule 16 whereas another high tension cable 19 with a terminal end 19'is associated with a positive electrode 22 (positive pole) which in this case is a metal nozzle positioned in the centre of the ferrule 16.

The flame generator device 14 includes a gas tank 20 with a tube 21 which is connected to the metal nozzle acting as a positive electrode 22.

The gas tank 20 can be made up of the usual lighter or by another interchangeable and/or rechargeable container and has at least an opening/closing valve 20'actuated by its respective key or pushbutton 15 to control the flow of gas to the end nozzle 22, acting as a positive electrode.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the ignition device includes a body or casing 31 housing an electronic spark generator 32 having a respective control key or pushbutton 33 and a flame generator device 34 having a respective control key or pushbutton 35.

Also in this case, the body or casing 31 can be of any shape and ends in a metal ferrule 36 forming an electrode or negative pole 37.

The flame generator device 34 is identical to the one described in the first mode of realisation, therefore its main components are indicated using the same reference numbers as those in Fig. 1.

The electronic spark generator 32 is powered by a battery 32'and includes a circuit with a transformer 32"from which an earth cable 38 extends and connects up to the metal ferrule 36 and another high tension cable 39 with a terminal part 39'associated with a positive electrode 22 formed, as stated above, by the metal nozzle at the end of the gas tube 21.

In both embodiments, the ignition device is therefore equipped with two distinct and independent keys or pushbuttons 13,15 or respectively 33,35, which enable the choice of mode of use of the device, either functioning using only the electric discharge (spark) or flame, a possibility which above all allows safety regulations already existing in some countries, concerning the subject of ignition devices of the type in question, to be observed.

Practically, by pressing the control key or pushbutton 13 or 33 only the electric discharge generated by the piezoelectric device 12 or the electronic device 32 is achieved for use of the device in the spark mode.

By pressing the key or pushbutton 15 or 35, valve 20'opens to allow gas to flow from the gas tank 20 positioned in the device without generating a flame for the moment. Ignition of the flame is achieved only by pressing in any order or together both keys 13,15 or respectively 33,35. The flame is in this way ignited by the spark generated either by the piezoelectric 12 or electronic device 32 and can remain on simply by continuing to press only pushbutton 15,35 maintaining the gas tank 20 valve open.