Magnetic lighter

Abstract

A magnetic lighter, whereby a lighter and at least one magnet material are combined so as to form a magnetic lighter capable of magnetically engaging objects having magnetic properties as well as various accessories.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to, and is continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 11 / 695,837 filed Apr. 3, 2007, currently pending, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.[0002]This invention relates to lighters and more particularly to magnetic lighters that are capable of magnetically engaging metal or magnetic objects and various connectors.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY[0003]Embodiments of the invention comprise a magnetic lighter. More specifically, one embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus whereby a cigarette lighter is combined with a connector, such as a key ring, hook, eyelet, or other such connector, so as to form a single device. Alternative embodiments of the invention combine a lighter and at least one magnet so as to form a magnetic lighter that is capable of magnetically engaging metal or magnetic objects and various connectors.[0004]It is well known that individuals commonl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The key ring portion of the device comprises a key ring attached to a male connector portion of a male-female connector, the male portion being capable of insertion into the cavity in the bottom of the lighter. The male connector may be comprised of a magnet or magnetic material so as to magnetically adhere to the walls of the cavity in the bottom of the lighter upon insertion therein. In this manner the lighter and key ring can be engaged so as to form a unitary device. Likewise, the lighter and key ring can be easily disengaged whenever it is necessary or desirable to do so.

[0013]In another embodiment a key ring is attached to a connector designed to receive a metal lighter, such as a Zippo® lighter. The connector functions as a female connector and incorporates a magnet or magnetic material so as to magnetically adhere to the outside walls of a metal lighter. The lighter is then inserted into the connector attached to the key ring. In this manner the lighter and key ring can be engaged so as to form a unitary device. Likewise, the lighter and key ring can be easily disengaged.

[0014]This embodiment of the invention facilitates both access to and utilization of a lighter and a key chain. This is desirable so as to save space in one's pocket or hand bag otherwise taken up by separate key chains and lighters and to prevent the accidental loss of either component. Additionally, considering that most people do not leave home without their keys, use of this embodiment of the invention ensures that one's lighter is always accessible for use.

[0015]Another embodiment of the invention comprises a lighter with a magnet or magnetic material, or multiple magnets, disposed therein. The magnet(s) or magnetic material is / are disposed within the lighter at any location(s) desired as long as the placement does not otherwise interfere with the functionality of the lighter. The magnetic properties of these embodiments will allow the lighter to be attached to objects having magnetic properties. This will allow for the convenient placement and storage of the lighter and will also help prevent the misplacement or loss of such lighter.

Problems solved by technology

Given the proportionally small size of lighters and the routine high frequency of use, users of lighters often lose them, misplace them, etc.

This of course is both undesirable and inconvenient.

Further, some lighters are expensive, valuable, and / or have sentimental value to the user, adding to the need to prevent loss thereof.

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