Importance

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Abstract

The lighter of the present invention comprises an igniter having a flint and striker wheel which rotates about an axis in response to force applied to the wheel by a user's thumb (or any other finger or hand part). The striker wheel of the present invention differs from the striker wheels of the prior art in that stoppers extend out from at least one side of the striker wheel. The mounting frame in which the striker wheel is disposed is configured such that at least one of the stoppers engages with the mounting frame when the striker wheel is rotated, thereby limiting the distance that the striker wheel can be rotated, unless the striker wheel is depressed relative to the mounting frame when rotation is attempted. When the striker wheel is depressed, the stoppers avoid engagement with the mounting frame and the striker wheel may be rotated a sufficient distance at a sufficient speed to create sparks against the flint. The amount of force required to depress the striker wheel relative to the mounting frame is within the range of forces capable of being administered by an adult, but beyond the range of forces capable of being administered by a child.

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First Claim