One-handed fire starter

Abstract

A novel mechanical spark generating device for one-handed operation. The novel mechanical spark generating device includes a case having a case body and a relatively moveable striker arm extended therefrom, the case body includes a channel having an opening thereinto. A pyrophoric rod assembly is moveably carried in the channel of the case body, the pyrophoric rod assembly having a support surface adjacent to one end thereof, and a pyrophoric rod carried therein. A striker bar is fixed to the striker arm in a position for interacting with the pyrophoric rod of the pyrophoric rod assembly when the pyrophoric rod assembly is in a deployed configuration extended from the case body and the striker arm is moved there toward.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority benefit of copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 191,064 filed in the names of the above captioned inventors, the common inventors hereof, on Sep. 4, 2008, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to spark generating devices having a shavable pyrophoric element, and in particular to manually operated mechanical spark generating devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Spark generating or “fire starter” devices are generally well-known. However, known spark generating devices tend to be complex devices having multiple components. For example, most known spark generating devices include at least two separate components that must be operated together for generating sparks. Furthermore, the multiple components of known spark generating devices require the use to two hands.[0004]Accordingly, known spark generating devices are limited i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]According to another aspect of the novel mechanical spark generating device, the novel mechanical spark generating device further includes a brake mechanism that is operable between the pyrophoric rod assembly and the case body for stopping progression of the pyrophoric rod assembly during travel toward the deployed configuration, and retaining the pyrophoric rod assembly partially within the case body when the pyrophoric rod assembly is in the deployed configuration.

Problems solved by technology

However, known spark generating devices tend to be complex devices having multiple components.

Furthermore, the multiple components of known spark generating devices require the use to two hands.

Accordingly, known spark generating devices are limited in their ability to provide ease of use in challenging circumstances.

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