Insulated burner system for gas-fueled lighters

Abstract

A burner assembly for gas-fueled lighters includes a metallic burn chamber rigidly connected to a fuel metering valve. The burner and fuel valve are rigidly connected through an insulated coupling component. This provides a more reliable structure and reduces heat transfer from the burner to the fuel source, reducing vapor lock conditions.

1 . A combustible fuel burner assembly comprising:
 a source of fuel;   a gas passageway in fluid connection with said source of fuel;   at least one air intake port in fluid communication with said gas passageway;   a burn chamber assembly in fluid connection with said gas passageway; and   a rigid, insulating coupler linking said burn chamber assembly to said source of fuel through which the gas passageway is directed.   
     
     
         2 . The burner assembly of  claim 1  wherein the coupler comprises a high temperature resistant thermoplastic. 
     
     
         3 . The burner assembly of  claim 2  wherein the high temperature resistant plastic is selected from the group consisting of phenolics and polyetherimides. 
     
     
         4 . The burner assembly of  claim 1  wherein the burn chamber assembly comprises a metal. 
     
     
         5 . The burner assembly of  claim 4  wherein the burn chamber assembly is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel and tungsten. 
     
     
         6 . The burner assembly of  claim 1  wherein the fuel comprises one or more hydrocarbons. 
     
     
         7 . The burner assembly of  claim 6  wherein the fuel comprises butane. 
     
     
         8 . The burner assembly of  claim 1  wherein ambient air enters the gas passageway through the air intake port and mixes with the fuel. 
     
     
         9 . The burner assembly of  claim 8  wherein the ambient air mixes with the fuel prior to entering the burn chamber assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The burner assembly of  claim 1  wherein sparks from the igniter are directed to an outlet of the burner assembly. 
     
     
         11 . The burner assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a fuel metering valve disposed in fluid connection with said gas passageway between said source of fuel and said coupler. 
     
     
         12 . The burner assembly of  claim 11  wherein said fuel metering valve is affixed to said coupler by one of threads and press fit. 
     
     
         13 . The burner assembly of  claim 1  wherein said coupler is affixed to said burn chamber assembly by one of threads and press fit. 
     
     
         14 . The burner assembly of  claim 1  wherein said coupler further comprises a gas orifice therein for metering the flow of gas therethrough. 
     
     
         15 . The burner assembly of  claim 14  wherein said coupler gas orifice is disposed centrally within said coupler and provides a fluid connection between said source of fuel and said burn chamber assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The burner assembly of  claim 14  wherein said orifice is conic in section. 
     
     
         17 . A combustible fuel burner assembly comprising:
 a source of fuel;   a gas passageway in fluid connection with said source of fuel;   at least one air intake port in fluid communication with said gas passageway;   a burn chamber assembly in fluid connection with said gas passageway; and   a rigid, insulating coupler linking said burn chamber assembly to said source of fuel through which the gas passageway is directed and regulates the flow of gas through the burner assembly.