Talking cigarette lighter

Abstract

The present invention provides a butane lighter that is equipped with a sound generating integrated circuit. This IC has a programmed memory or ROM that contains the greeting, and which is played when the user contacts a switch. There is a small battery or power source and an audio transducer (i.e., speaker), that are all incorporated into the body of the lighter. In one embodiment, the switch is associated with the lighter's thumb lever, so that the greeting plays whenever the user lights the flame. In other possible embodiments, the switch can be on the body of the lighter, so that it can play the greeting when the lighter is picked up, without having to actually light the flame. In one version of this, the switch can be a capacitive or similar proximity switch.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A lighter, comprising: 
 a. a casing having an interior;    b. a sound generation integrated circuit mounted within said casing;    C. a transducer electrically connected to said integrated circuit;    d. a power supply electrically connected to said integrated circuit;    e. a storage mechanism electrically connected to said integrated circuit; and    f. means for triggering said integrated circuit.    
     
     
         2 . The lighter of    claim 1   , wherein said triggering means is a lever mounted to said casing and electrically connected to said integrated circuit.  
     
     
         3 . The lighter of    claim 1   , wherein said triggering means is a proximity switch electrically connected to a proximity electrode that is mounted to said casing and electrically connected to said integrated circuit.  
     
     
         4 . The lighter of    claim 1   , wherein said lighter is refillable.  
     
     
         5 . The lighter of    claim 1   , wherein said lighter is disposable.  
     
     
         6 . The lighter of    claim 1   , wherein said storage mechanism is a ROM.