CIGAR BALANCE

BACKGROUND

Cigar smokers can experience issues which affect the enjoyment and experience in smoking a cigar. For example, canoeing, tunneling, and coning can occur. Canoeing occurs when the cigar burns unevenly in an out of control manner and can also cause ashes to fall off in multiple directions. Tunneling occurs when the interior filler tobaccos burn faster than the wrapper and binder leaves. Coning is the opposite of tunneling. Coning occurs when the wrapper and binder leaves burn faster than the filler in the center. In this scenario, the end of the cigar begins to take on the shape of a cone with a pointy, pyramid-shaped ash. A common cause of these issues is incorrect lighting of the cigar and often these issues can be remedied by proper lighting and smoking of the cigar.

SUMMARY

The present system, device and method is for cigar smokers and cigar smoker hobbyists and is designed to enhance the experience of enjoying a cigar. Good cigars are quite expensive, and one of the challenges that many cigar smokers face is how to light a cigar properly and evenly to prevent burn issues. The present system, device and method enable a cigar enthusiast to properly and evenly light the cigar to minimize burn issues. The present system, device and method enable the entire circumference of the foot of the cigar to be burning at an even rate before completing the lighting of the cigar.

A device and method for providing balance to a cigar is disclosed. This includes an inside tube coupled to a wheel that may be activated to rotate the cigar, the inside tube connected to a cigar in use, and an outside tube that slides over the inside tube and is held in place by a locking ring, the outside tube held by a user smoking the cigar. The wheel is activated to cause the cigar to spin. The device may include a circular pressure ring and set screw, a gauge ring and morse taper, and/or a magnetic force to connect the inside tube to the cigar. The device may include adjustable spring metal fingers that apply pressure to the cigar when it is inserted into the inside tube to hold the cigar in place.

A device for providing balance to a cigar is disclosed. The device includes an inside tube coupled to a wheel, the inside tube configured to be connected to a cigar in use, and an outside tube that slides over the inside tube and is held in place by a locking mechanism, the outside tube being configured to be held by a user smoking the cigar. The wheel is activated to cause the cigar to spin. The locking mechanism may be a shoulder, ring or a circular lug machined directly into the tube or screwed in with threads, for example. The device may include a washer between the inside tube and outside tube to reduce friction during rotation. Additionally, or alternatively, washers may be installed between the outer sleeve and wheel, and between the locking ring and sleeve to reduce friction during rotation. The washer may be made from Teflon or another POM plastic, such as acetal, for example, to reduce friction between parts. Additionally, or alternatively, an entire sleeve made of plastic with low coefficient of friction may be used between the tubes, which come in direct contact with the locking lug at one end and the wheel at the other end, to significantly reduce friction across contact points. The device may include a POM coating to one or both of the tubes to reduce friction between parts. The wheel may include a pattern allowing for a user to create friction with a finger and may be constructed in a unified manner with the inner tube, or constructed separately from and attached to the inner tube. The device may include a circular pressure ring and set screw to connect the inside tube to the cigar. The device may include a gauge ring and morse taper to connect the inside tube to the cigar. The device may include a circular ring that is threaded, which engages 3 or 4 arms that are also threaded, and when the ring is turned, the 3 or 4 arms lower to connect the cigar to the inside tube. The device may include a magnetic force to connect the inside tube to the cigar. The device may include a motor and gear assembly configured to spin the inner tube and cigar when activated. The device may include a windup element configured to add potential energy that when released spin the inner tube and cigar when activated.

A method for providing balance and holding a cigar is disclosed. The method includes adhering a cigar to an inside tube using a connection, adding a washer and outer tube to the outer diameter of the inside tube, holding the outer tube and washer in place with a locking ring, and activating a wheel while holding the outer tube to turn the cigar. The method may include a connection selected from one of a ring and set screw, a gauge ring and morse taper, and a magnetic force. The connection may include spring arms made of memory steel or another similar material, which apply pressure to the sides of a cigar as it is inserted into the device. These fingers may be configured to secure circular cigars and square shaped box pressed cigars. The fingers may be adjustable, using set screws, for example, or by sliding circular discs of various thicknesses between the fingers and the inside tube to push the fingers out to secure smaller gauge cigars. The connection may include a clamping feature that works similar to a vise by turning set screws or a threaded collar to engage the clamp arms to descend into the inside tube to securely couple a cigar to the device. As described herein, the cigar may be held and activated during lighting, during smoking, and when resting. The activating may occur using a finger on a wheel portion of the outer tube, by a motor and gear assembly that rotates the outer tube relative to the inner tube, or by a wind-up mechanism that has stored potential energy where the wind-up mechanism releases the stored potential energy to rotate the outer tube relative to the inner tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more detailed understanding may be had from the following description, given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals in the figures indicate like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates the components of the cigar balance;

FIG. 2A-C illustrates the assembly of the cigar balance;

FIG. 3A-B illustrates the locking of the outer tube around the inner tube using the locking ring;

FIG. 4A illustrates a groove beneath the thumb wheel (not shown in FIG. 4) and the circular pressure ring that adheres to the cigar by pressuring the pressure ring to secure the cigar via a set screw;

FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate a gauge ring with a soft membrane inside;

FIG. 4D illustrates a body of the cigar balance including a ring nut that when activated adjusts a set of jaws to clamp on the cigar to hold the cigar in place within the cigar balance;

FIG. 4E illustrates a drill-like chuck arm activated by rotating an outer portion to clamp on the cigar to hold the cigar in place within the cigar balance;

FIG. 4F illustrates spring loaded fingers that may be employed in the cigar balance;

FIG. 5 depicts various bearings that may be employed in the cigar balance;

FIG. 6A-B illustrates an assembled cigar balance;

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of holding a cigar in the cigar balance;

FIG. 8 (collectively FIG. 8A-C) illustrates a gauge ring in greater detail, with FIG. 8A illustrating the cigar balance assembly depicted with the gauge ring unassembled, FIG. 8B illustrating the cigar balance assembly without the gauge ring installed so that the inner portion of the cigar balance assembly is visible, and FIG. 8C illustrating the gauge ring inserted into the cigar balance assembly so that the gauge ring contacts with the inner portion;

FIG. 9 (collectively FIGS. 9A-C) illustrates in pictures the assembling of the cigar balance with the gauge ring and cigar, with FIG. 9A illustrating a gauge ring, cigar and cigar balance assembly unassembled, FIG. 9B, illustrating the gauge ring attached to the cigar, and FIG. 9C illustrating the gauge ring-cigar assembly of FIG. 9B inserted into the cigar balance assembly to create the assembled unit used during operation for smoking and lighting for example;

FIG. 10 illustrates a depiction of a motor assembly and gear mechanism used to drive the rotation of the cigar within the cigar balance;

FIG. 11 (collectively FIGS. 11A-D) illustrates an exemplary mechanism for holding the cigar in the cigar balance;

FIG. 12 illustrates an inner tube with a locking ring in a unitary construction;

FIG. 13 illustrates a sleeve that may be employed in the present design;

FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration for coupling the cigar assembly to a cigar; and

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the cigar balance configuration of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present system, device and method is for cigar smokers and cigar smoker hobbyists and is designed to enhance the experience of enjoying a cigar. Good cigars are quite expensive, and one of the challenges that many cigar smokers face is how to light a cigar properly and evenly to prevent burn issues. The present system, device and method enable a cigar enthusiast to properly and evenly light the cigar while spinning it to minimize burn issues. The present system, device and method enable the entire circumference of the foot of the cigar to be burning at an even rate before completing the lighting of the cigar.

FIG. 1 illustrates the components of a cigar balance 100. Cigar balance 100 includes a construction and design comprising an outside tube 110, an inside tube 120, a wheel 140, a washer 130, a channel (not shown in FIG. 1), a locking ring 150, a groove (not shown in FIG. 1), a circular pressure ring (not shown in FIG. 1) and a set screw (not shown in FIG. 1). The cigar balance 100 is tubular in design and constructed of two separate tubes 110, 120 that seat one inside the other with a locking ring 150 configured to hold the components together. Outside tube 110 may be constructed from stainless steel, heat resistant plastics like Delrin, aluminum, or any number of alloys or woods. Inside tube 120 may be constructed from stainless steel, heat resistant plastics like Delrin, aluminum, or any number of alloys. Wheel 140 may include a pattern allowing for a user to create friction with a finger when rotating wheel 140. Wheel 140 may be constructed in a unified manner with inner tube 120, or may be constructed separately and attached thereto. Washer 130 may be made from Teflon, a Teflon coated material, or radial, needle roller, or axial bearings. Locking ring 150 may be made from stainless steel, heat resistant plastics like Delrin, aluminum, or any number of alloys.

The locking created with locking ring 150 may be made possible because outside tube 110 is larger in diameter than inside tube 120, which allows the smaller inside tube 120 to slide inside the larger outside tube 110. On one end of cigar balance 100 (the rear of cigar balance 100, for example), inside tube 120 extends beyond the length of outside tube 110 and contains a raised knurled wheel 140 that is configured to be engaged with a user's thumb or other finger. When a downward stroke is applied to wheel 140, inside tube 120 rotates independently of outside tube 110. Generally, outside tube 110 remains static in a user's hand, such as between the first and middle fingers (the traditional way to hold a cigar), for example, while inside tube 120 rotates. At the point at which wheel 140 meets outside tube 110, a washer 130 may be used to reduce the coefficient of friction allowing inside tube 120 to spin with respect to outside tube 110 in an easier fashion. At the front of cigar balance 100, outside tube 110 and inside tube 120 may be flush. A channel (not visible in FIG. 1) maybe machined at the tip of outside tube 110 to create space to accommodate locking ring 150. Locking ring 150 may prevent tubes 110, 120 from separating. Locking ring 150 may be fixed to inside tube 120 being located inside the channel of outside tube 110, effectively locking tubes 110, 120 together so that their tubular location is fixed while outside tube 110 remains static in a user's hand while inside tube 120 rotates.

Wheel 140 may include knurling to provide a good grip for the user. Wheel 140 may provide an edge of approximately 90 degrees. A softer beveled edge may be provided for wheel 140 to provide better ergonomics and comfort for a user.

FIG. 2A-C illustrates the assembly of cigar balance 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2A there is inner tube 120 and wheel 140. In the assembly of cigar balance 100 depicted in FIG. 2A, inner tube 120 and wheel 140 are formed from a unitary assembly. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, washer 130 is added to inner tube 120 and positioned on a shoulder adjacent to wheel 140. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, outer tube 110 is added to the assembly of FIG. 2B surrounding inner tube 120 as described above. Outer tube 110 may be slid onto inner tube 120 until the end is adjacent to washer 130 capturing washer 130 between the end of outer tube 110 and the shoulder of wheel 140 of inner tube 110.

FIG. 3A-B illustrates the locking of outer tube 110 around inner tube 120 using locking ring 150 where locking ring 150 sits in the channel (not visible in FIG. 3A-B). As illustrated in FIG. 3A, outer tube 110 is placed circumferentially around inner tube 120 up against washer 130, while capturing washer 130 between outer tube 110 and the shoulder of wheel 140 of inner tube 110. Locking ring 150 is added to the assembly in FIG. 3A.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, outer tube 110 is placed circumferentially around inner tube 120 up against washer 130, while capturing washer 130 between outer tube 110 and the shoulder of wheel 140 of inner tube 110. Locking ring 150 is placed holding outer tube 110 in position with respect to inner tube 120.

FIG. 4A illustrates a groove 410 beneath the thumb wheel (not shown in FIG. 4) and a circular pressure ring 420 that couples to the cigar by pressuring pressure ring 420 to secure the cigar via a set screw. To secure a cigar to the cigar balance, groove 410 that is located beneath the thumb wheel has been machined into the unit and runs the full diameter of the inside tube.

Alternatively, groove 410 may be partially set inside the diameter. Circular pressure ring 420 with a small portion removed so that it does not form a solid 360-degree circle is seated inside of groove 410. A set screw (such as a grub screw, for example) is machined into the thumb wheel and when turned it applies pressure to circular pressure ring 420 that lies inside groove 410. This pressure forces a portion of circular pressure ring 420 to protrude outside of groove 410 to press against the cigar to hold the cigar in place. With the cigar fixed to the cigar balance, pressure can be applied to the thumb wheel to spin the inside tube which then rotates the cigar in the desired pattern to light the cigar evenly and to spin the cigar throughout the smoking process to prevent burn issues.

FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate a gauge ring 430 with a soft membrane 440 inside. Gauge rings 430 may be utilized to accommodate the popular cigar sizes (diameters). A morse taper of just a degree or so on gauge ring 430 may be utilized. A temporary bond may be configured between gauge ring 430 and the inside diameter of the cigar balance tube to create a pressure fit. Gauge ring 430 may be thin walled and may be configured with a soft and durable membrane 440 along the inside diameter. This membrane 440 may be made of silicon or fire resistant felt, for example. Soft membrane 440 may be designed to cover the majority of the inner portion of gauge ring 430, or as illustrated, soft membrane 440 may be configured as pads or strips, for example. Soft membrane 440 using the compression allows for creation of pressure against the outer wrapper of a cigar when inserted into gauge ring 430, effectively providing the ability to hold cigars of various sizes in place. The cigar with attached gauge ring 430 is then inserted as a unit into the cigar balance, which locks into place via the morse taper. As described above, when the inside tube is activated and spun, the cigar that is inside of pressure fitted gauge ring 430 spins as well.

In place of a morse taper, a magnetic force can be used to affix the gauge ring to the inside tube of the cigar balance. In this example, a circular magnet can be installed along the tube's diameter, and the gauge ring may be magnetized with the opposite polarity to create a strong bond when the two come together.

To temporarily stow a cigar, a magnetic ring may be installed along the outer tube or thumb wheel to secure the unit to metal objects. For example, the unit can be magnetically fixed to a golf cart for handsfree movement during game play.

Alternatively, or additionally, a locking mechanism may be included. This locking mechanism can quickly and securely hold onto cigars of various gauges without damaging their delicate organic wrappers. A bladder ring may be used. For example, the bladder ring may be approximately a half inch in width and is fixed to the center of the inner tube, which creates a pressure fit between the cigar and the inner tube. This bladder ring may be compressible and when a cigar is pushed through the cigar balance, the cigar remains held in position by the light pressure caused by the bladder. This design can accommodate a variety of cigar gauges.

Alternatively, or additionally, a ring nut and jaw mechanism may be used. As illustrated in FIG. 4D, a body 470 of cigar balance may include a ring nut 450 that when activated adjusts a set of jaws 460, such as two, three, four or more jaws, to clamp on the cigar to hold the cigar in place within the cigar balance. The pressure of jaws 460 on the cigar may be controlled by ring nut 450. The ring nut and jaw mechanism may be inserted into the inner portion of the cigar balance. Alternatively, the inner portion may be defined by the mechanism and ring nut 450 may be the outer portion of the cigar balance.

Alternatively, or additionally, a drill-like chuck where a plurality of arms, such as three or four arms, for example, screw or drop down into position to secure a cigar inside of the cigar balance may be used. As illustrated in FIG. 4E, a plurality of drill-like chuck arms 480 may be activated by rotating an outer portion 490 to clamp on the cigar to hold the cigar in place within the cigar balance. As illustrated in FIG. 4E(1), a clock-wise rotation of outer portion 490 may cause drill-like chuck arms 480 to capture the cigar. As illustrated in FIG. 4E(2), a counter clock-wise rotation of outer portion 490 may cause drill-like chuck arms 480 to release the cigar. The drill-like chuck assembly may then be inserted into the inner portion of the cigar balance. Alternatively, the inner portion may be defined by drill-like chuck arms 480 and outer portion 490 that rotates may be the outer portion of the cigar balance.

FIG. 4F illustrates spring loaded fingers that may be employed in the cigar balance. FIG. 4F(1) illustrates a plurality of finger-like spring loaded fingers 425. As illustrated, plurality of fingers 425 is depicted as four fingers. Plurality of fingers 425 may be spring loaded to provide the ability for the fingers 425 to grasp the cigar and hold it in place.

FIG. 5 depicts various bearings that may be employed in the cigar balance. The cigar balance 100 may be configured with both radial bearings 510 and axial bearings 520 such as those depicted in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates an angular contact 530 that may provide angular rotation of an inner ring as compared to an outer ring. Axial bearings 520 may be designed to reduce friction where washer 130 is located as illustrated in FIG. 2A-C, for example. Radial bearings 510 may be designed to reduce friction along the shaft, such as that of inner tube 120. Radial bearings 510 may be pressure fitted to aiding in locking outer tube 110 to inner tube 120 to hold the cigar balance together. This may reduce the need for locking ring 150.

Needle roller bearings may also be used. Needle roller bearings are ideal for their compactness, they're used when space is limited. Needle roller bearings may be configured to allow the cigar to spin more quickly, to increase spin radius (small movement with the thumb creates considerable spin at the tip of the cigar), to firmly cinch down onto cigars of various gauges without damaging their delicate organic wrappers, to insert a magnetic ring on the cigar balance so that the user can attach it to another structure to stow it. Example: somewhere on golf cart so as not to lose or misplace cigar.

FIG. 6A-B illustrates an assembled cigar balance. FIG. 6A illustrates a cigar balance 600 assembled and described herein and configured largely from an aluminum material. FIG. 6B illustrates a cigar balance 650 assembled as described and configured largely from wood.

The cigar balance may enable the even lighting of the cigar. As described, when a cigar is not lit properly, it creates all sorts of challenges that interfere with the experience and draw of a good cigar. The cigar balance is cylindrical in design and made to accommodate cigars of various gauges. It is held in the fingers in the same traditional manner that cigars are held while being smoked, except it allows the user to spin the cigar in a controlled manner while lighting it to prevent an uneven or lopsided burn that will cause unwanted issues like canoeing (cigar burns faster along one side causing draw and taste issues), tunneling (filler leaves in the center of the cigar burn faster than the outer portions called the binder and wrapper, and this negatively affects flavor), and coning (the outer wrapper burns faster than the inner binder and filler tobacco, which negatively affects flavor and draw). The cigar balance remedies these issues by providing the enthusiast with a tool by which they can evenly lite their cigars with precision.

The cigar balance may enable even airflow around a cigar. The cigar balance can easily be removed from the cigar after lighting the cigar, or the cigar balance can be left on the cigar allowing the cigar to be slowly spun between puffs to prevent other issues that are caused when a cigar is held in one position for too long, especially while smoking outdoors. A gentle breeze can cause issues by predominately hitting a cigar on one side and providing more oxygen to that area, but lightly spinning a cigar may allow the cigar to burn more evenly and prevent canoeing. Occasionally spinning the cigar also prevents the cigar from overheating. It is imperative to keep a cigar “cool” while smoking it to prevent it from developing an acrid flavor. This is achieved by spacing out your puffs so that you draw from your cigar every 30-45 seconds while occasionally spinning the cigar between puffs.

The cigar balance may enable consumption of more of the cigar product. A complaint by many cigar smokers is that a cigar can only be smoked to a certain point before the cigar becomes too uncomfortable between the fingers due to the intense heat derived from the tip of the cigar that is burning. This often means that a cigar may be thrown away before the cigar can be fully smoked. Hand rolled luxury cigars, which according to statistics is what most enthusiasts smoke in North and South America, are quite expensive. So, enthusiasts want to get the most out of their cigars. The cigar balance provides a solution to this issue by allowing the enthusiast to smoke a stick past the point of which they normally could by insulating their fingers from the heat of the cigar. The cigar balance may be constructed of materials that can withstand high temperatures, therefore, allowing the enthusiast to enjoy a cigar longer.

The cigar balance may enable protection of the cigar wrapper. The cigar balance may protect fragile wrappers of cigars from damage that is caused by various factors. Most cigar enthusiasts have experienced the negative effects of a damaged wrapper, which makes smoking difficult. As heat radiates through a cigar, it weakens the plant-based glue that holds it together. This can cause it to unravel and crack. The cigar balance delicately suspends cigars inside of an inner chamber to protect its sensitive wrapper from the pressure and friction caused by the fingers, and if the glue happens to fail the cigar balance will hold the finely constructed cigar together.

(I added this additional feature on 12-11-23) The cigar balance may prevent smoke, oils, and tar from contaminating the hands. Though the cigar balance may provide a feel as if a smoker is holding a cigar directly between their fingers, the cigar balance may shield the skin from smoke and tobacco leaves. While on the go, cigar smokers may not always be in a situation where they can easily wash their hands, but with the cigar balance they can always walk away from an enjoyable session with clean hands.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 of providing balance to and holding a cigar in the cigar balance according to an aspect. Method 700, at 710, includes adhering, coupling, or affixing the cigar to the inside tube using a connection. The connection may include a circular pressure ring and set screw, for example, a gauge ring and morse taper, and/or a magnetic force. The connection may include spring arms made of memory steel or another similar material, which apply pressure to the sides of a cigar as it is inserted into the device. These fingers may be configured to secure circular cigars and square shaped box pressed cigars. The fingers may be adjustable, using set screws, for example, or by sliding circular discs of various thicknesses between the fingers and the inside tube to push the fingers out to secure smaller gauge cigars. The connection may include a clamping feature that works similar to a vise by turning set screws or a threaded collar to engage the clamp arms to descend into the inside tube to securely couple a cigar to the device.

Method 700, at 720, includes adding a washer and outer tube around the inside tube, and at 730, includes holding the outer tube in place around the inside tube by a locking ring.

Method 700, at 740, includes activating the wheel while holding the outer tube to turn the cigar. The turning of the cigar may occur during lighting, smoking or idle period of the cigar. This activation may occur by a user with their finger or hand, may be by motor using an activation switch and/or may be by windup element and activation mechanism.

FIG. 8 illustrates gauge ring 430 in greater detail. In FIG. 8A a cigar balance assembly 850 is depicted with a gauge ring 810 unassembled. As would be understood and as described, gauge ring 810 may be placed onto a cigar and then the cigar-gauge ring assembly may be inserted into cigar balance assembly 850.

FIG. 8B illustrates cigar balance assembly 850 without a gauge ring installed so that inner portion 820 of the cigar balance assembly is visible to illustrate how a morse taper may be configured. In FIG. 8C, gauge ring 810 is inserted into the cigar balance assembly 850 so that gauge ring 810 contacts inner portion 820. This contact allows gauge ring 810 to be held in place within cigar assembly 850. As illustrated in FIG. 8C, felt pads 830 are used as the membrane described above to make contact and hold the cigar in place within gauge ring 810.

FIG. 9 (collectively FIGS. 9A-C) illustrates in pictures the assembling of the cigar balance with the gauge ring and cigar. FIG. 9A illustrates a gauge ring 910, a cigar 920 and a cigar balance assembly 930. As depicted in FIG. 9A, these elements (gauge ring 910, cigar 920 and cigar balance assembly 930) are unassembled.

In FIG. 9B, gauge ring 910 is placed upon cigar 920. As described, a membrane within gauge ring 910 may be used to contact and hold cigar 920. In FIG. 9B, cigar balance assembly 930 is still unassembled with respect to cigar 920.

In FIG. 9C, gauge ring 910-cigar 920 assembly of FIG. 9B is inserted into cigar balance assembly 930 to create the assembled unit used during operation for smoking and lighting for example.

The described cigar balance may be motorized. FIG. 10 illustrates a depiction of the cigar balance 1000 including a motor 1010 assembly and gear 1020 mechanism used to drive the rotation of the cigar within the cigar balance. The motorized version of the cigar balance may be designed to include a miniature DC motor 1010 and gears 1020 to drive the spinning action of the device. The gear teeth of hears 1020 may be matched to the motor's 101 shaft. Motor 1010 may be activated during the lighting of the cigar to cause the rotation of the cigar (described above as performed by a finger or hand) to aid in lighting a cigar evenly. The activation may occur based on the application of heat, for example. Motor 1010 may be designed to activate continuously during use, or alternatively, may be designed to trigger on periodically, such as one minute every five minutes or other periodicity, for example. This activation as described above may be designed to preventing other issues like canoeing and tunneling.

Motor 1010 may be powered by a rechargeable battery 1060. This battery may be charge externally, for example. When activated, motor 1010 may initiate a gear 1020 that interacts with teeth or grooves 1050 that are cut into inner tube 1030 of cigar balance 1000. Upon activation, grooves 1050 of inner tube 1030 are engaged by gears 1020 to rotate inner tube 1030 (and therefore the held cigar) with respect to outer housing 1040 of the cigar balance 1000. As outer housing 1040 is held in place by a user, the cigar rotates. Specifically, when activated, motor 1010 spins gear 1020 to engage grooves 1050 (or teeth) to activate the motion of inner tube 1030 with respect to outer tube 1040.

Motor 1010 can be activated by applying light pressure to a switch or through a touch-sensitive sensor that activates the motor. For example, when the side of the thumb contacts the switch, motor 1010 begins spinning and remains spinning until the finger breaks contact with the touch sensor.

A speed selector switch may be included to control the speed at which the cigar spins. For example, a faster speed is selected for lighting a cigar evenly, and a slower speed may be selected to maintain even air distribution around the cherry of the cigar to prevent burn issues.

Alternatively, or additionally, a windup element may be incorporated into the cigar balance. A coil spring may be included to store the energy needed to activate the spinning action of the cigar balance. The coil spring may be wound to store energy within in allowing it to release once initiated. With the touch of a pressure sensitive button, the coil spring releases its energy in a controlled manner to cause the interior tube to spin, which effectively causes the cigar inside the tube to also spin. A rocker switch or other mechanism may be included to activate the on/off function for the spinning cycle.

FIG. 11 (collectively FIG. 11A-D) illustrates an exemplary mechanism for holding the cigar in the cigar balance. In FIG. 11A an assembled (but empty) cigar balance is illustrated employing the mechanism of FIG. 11 for holding the cigar. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, two outer components include a first outer component 1100 and a second outer component 1150.

FIG. 11B illustrates a view of the exemplary mechanism when the two outer components 1100, 1150 are pulled apart to illustrates the components hidden from view when the outer components 1100, 1150 are in place (FIG. 11A). As shown, an inner tube 1130 is provided. This inner tube 1130 includes a plurality of crescent stabilizers 1110 that each includes a raised knuckle 1120. As illustrated, as the first outer tube 1100 is placed in position around inner tube 1130 by moving the first outer tube 1100 adjacent to second outer tube 1150, first outer tube 1100 places pressure on the raised knuckles 1120 of the plurality of crescent stabilizers 1110 to hold a cigar within the inner tube 1130.

FIG. 11C illustrates additional detail regarding one of the plurality of crescent stabilizers 1110 illustrating the raised knuckle 1120. As provided the stabilizer 1110 may be approximately % of an inch long with the raised knuckle 1120 positioned in the middle thereof.

FIG. 11D illustrates an axial view of the inner tube 1130 illustrating the plurality of crescent stabilizers 1110 each with the raised knuckle 1120. As shown in FIG. 11D, four such crescent stabilizers 1110 may be utilized with each stabilizer 1110 including a raised knuckle 1120. Other numbers of stabilizers 1110 may be used including 2, 3, 5, 6, for example. Additionally, each stabilizer 1110 may include a knuckle 1120, or there may be some stabilizers 1110 that include no knuckles 1120, while other stabilizers 1110 may include multiple knuckles 1120. Other combinations of stabilizers 1110 and knuckles 1120 may also be included.

In operation, a spring loaded (or threaded) rear collet, first outer component 1100, is pulled back to release pressure on raised knuckles 1120, which are connected to crescent shaped stabilizers 1110. This action raises the crescent stabilizers 1110, which are under spring tension, to cause them to hug the wall of inner tube 1130 so as to move out of the way so that a cigar can be inserted into the cigar balance. When rear collet, first outer component 1100, is released, it moves forward and applies downward pressure to the raised knuckles 1120, causing them to recede into inner tube 1130. This action forces the attached crescent stabilizers 1110 to drop into position. As set forth, three or four crescent stabilizers 1110 are evenly distributed along inner tube 1130 and when the rear collet, first outer component 1100, applies pressure to their raised knuckles 1120, crescent stabilizers 1110 collapse around an inserted cigar to delicately but firmly secure it in place. While the description operates using first outer component 1100 being spring loaded, second outer component 1150 may be spring loaded instead acting on the remaining elements as described. Alternatively, both first outer component 1100 and second outer component 1150 may be spring loaded to move to each other to create the force on the crescent stabilizers 1110 as described.

As would be understood inner tube 1130 may be of the form described above related to tube 120. The first/second outer components 1100, 1150 may be of the form of outer tube 110 and/or hand wheel 140.

FIG. 12 illustrates an inner tube 1200 with a locking ring 1210 in a unitary construction. As would be understood multiple different pieces may be used to replace the unitary construction, in that inner tube 1200 and locking ring 1210 may be separate pieces that screw together. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the unitary construction may be used to aid with assembly and cost.

FIG. 13 (collectively FIGS. 13A-C) illustrates a sleeve 1320 that may be employed in the present design. Sleeve 1320 may be utilized with the other parts described herein, and may in certain circumstances, eliminate the need or usefulness of some of the other parts described herein. Sleeve 1320, constructed from Delrin or Teflon, for example, may be inserted into the inside diameter of finger sleeve 1310 to reduce the coefficient of friction between parts. The inner sleeve 1320 may protrude beyond the wooden finger-sleeve 1310, such as by 12-15 thousandths of an inch, for example. Such a protrusion may enable the finger-sleeve 1320 to be the only, or main contact, between the sidewall of the wheel and the finger-sleeve to prevent metal to metal rubbing, for example.

In FIG. 13A there is shown a configuration of sleeve 1320 within finger-sleeve 1310. Finger-sleeve 1310 may have a front end 1330 and a back end 1340. As illustrated in FIG. 13B sleeve 1320 may protrude beyond finger-sleeve 1310 slightly.

In FIG. 13C a depiction of the sleeve from another angle is provided illustrating the finger-sleeve 1310 and the sleeve 1320 configured together. FIG. 13C also depicts the front end 1330 and back end 1340 for reference. Sleeve 1320 is not flush with the leading edge of the finger-sleeve 1310 in one implementation. Sleeve 1320 may end back to accommodate the space needed for the shoulder that is connected to the inner tube, described above. This shoulder functions to lock the various pieces together as described.

FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration 1400 for coupling the cigar assembly to a cigar. Configuration 1400 may include a series of arms 1410, 1420 (illustrated as a first arm 1410 and a second arm 1420, although any number of arms may be used, such as 3, 4, 6, 8, for example). Pivotably attached to each arm 1410, 1420 is at least one hinge attaching a hinged foot 1430 for contacting the cigar. The relationship between the number of hinged feet 1430 in the design creates an inside diameter wall 1450. The inside diameter wall 1450 may be designed based on the circumference of a cigar desired to be held. A groove depth 1440 may be created from the base the knurled outer surface 1480 and the thickness 1490 of the knurled outer surface 1480. More detail in the groove depth is illustrated in FIG. 15. A set screw 1460, or other actuator may be used to activate the series of arms 1410, 1420. This activation may occur about a hinge between the plurality of arms 1410, 1420. The set screw 1460 may activate against a fixed bracket 1470, illustrated in FIG. 14 including two arms of brackets. The actuation of set screw 1460 may activate the series of arms 1410, 1420 against a spring 1495 designed to provide resistance to the series of arms 1410, 1420.

In operation, configuration 1400 operates by activation of set screw 1460 to draw the series of hinged arms 1410, 1420 into the cavity of the fixed bracket 1470 operating against spring 1495. The walls of the fixed bracket 1470 apply pressure to the series of arms 1410, 1420 that are coupled via a hinge. As the set screw 1460 is initiated the series of hinged arms 1410, 1420 are drawn inwardly and forced to collapse against spring 1495. This activation causes the hinged feet 1430 to protrude out of the groove of groove depth 1440 that is machined on the inside diameter of knurled thumb wheel 1480. The more the set screw 1460 is activated the further the hinged feet 1430 extend from the machined groove. The hinged feet 1430 are hinged to each of the series of arms 1410, 1420 to allow for alignment with a contour of a cigar.

By completely deactivating set screw 1460, the series of arms 1410, 1420 and hinged feet 1430 may be aligned within the groove within groove depth 1440 allowing the cigar balance to accommodate larger cigars without obstructions. Spring 1495 may maintain a tension on the series of arms 1410, 1420, to remain fully opened and controlled by activation of set screw 1460. Configuration 1400 enables securing of cylindrical cigars, box pressed cigars, which may have a rectangular shape, and figuado cigars, which may bulge in the center and taper at the ends.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment 1500 of the cigar balance configuration 1400 of FIG. 14. The knurled knob outer surface 1480 is illustrated as part of the assembly. Interior groove 1510 is illustrated as described above with respect to FIG. 14. Groove 1510 may be machined directly into the inside diameter of the finger wheel. In certain embodiments, the finger wheel may be the thickest portion of the cigar balance enabling a deep groove 1510 to be included. Groove 1510 may be deep and wide enough to accommodate configuration 1400 described in FIG. 14. In operation the configuration 1400 of FIG. 14 may be retracted into groove 1510 to remain at least flush with the inside diameter of the inner tube.

Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each feature or element can be used alone or in any combination with the other features and elements.

CIGAR BALANCE

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CPC

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)