Cigar Crown Cutter

Abstract

The device is a cigar cutter with four separate blades capable of cutting a cigar tip into four V-shape slices, all in one motion. The device comprises a housing, a cover, a left handle, a right handle, a top lifter, a bottom lifter, and four blades. The left-side and right-side blades are integrated into the left and right handles, respectively. The top and bottom blades are integrated into the top and bottom lifters, respectively. The four blades surround the cigar opening, positioned 90° apart from each other. The top and bottom blades are mechanically linked to the left handle, such that a lateral movement of the left handle corresponds with a vertical movement of the top and bottom blades. Thus, the user can activate all four blades in one motion with one hand.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cigar cutters. More specifically, the present invention is a cigar cutter capable of forming a single crown cut, all in one motion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Whether a person smokes cigars on special occasions or the person is a cigar aficionado, most would agree that there are few things more important than the cut. Cutting the cigar tip allows the user to smoke the cigar and enjoy all of its flavors. There are many ways to cut a cigar, each having its own benefits and drawbacks. The most common type of cut is known as the “guillotine cut.” The guillotine cut is easy to make using a typical cigar cutter. The user simply slides the cigar tip into the cigar cutter opening, and then slices the tip off in a straight cut. The drawback to the guillotine cut is that it can sometimes crush the cigar, which affects the flavor.

A more popular choice is the “V-cut.” The V-cut carves a V-shaped divot out of the head of the cigar. The resulting silhouette created by the V-cut is deeper than the cigar cap, allowing the cigar's draw to be pulled from a larger surface area. Compared to the guillotine cut, the V-cut provides a cleaner cut, which allows the user to draw on the cigar more easily and still preserve the cigar's flavors. The downside to the “V-cut” is that it can be difficult to make, even with a cigar cutter. Essentially, the user must position the cutter at an angle and slice off the cigar tip. Some cutters on the market today use a specially designed blade that eliminates all the guesswork. The user simply inserts the cigar tip in the cutter, and the cutter's blades automatically cut the tip at a predefined angle.

Although there are several cutters on the market today that can make V-cuts, none of these cutters are specifically designed to make “crown cuts.” A crown cut is essentially two V-cuts made on the cigar tip that intersect each other, forming the shape of an “X”. The crown cut allows the user to draw from an even greater amount of surface area than a single V-cut, while still preserving the corners of the cap. To make a crown cut, the user must perform two separate cuts. After making the first V-cut, the user must then rotate the cigar 90° and perform a second V-cut that intersects the center of the first cut. Thus, a need exists to develop a cigar cutter that is easy to use and capable of making a crown cut, all in one motion.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a solution to the aforementioned problem. More specifically, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a cigar cutter that uses four blades that come together at the same time to form a single crown cut. Each blade is specially designed to create a V-shaped cut. The overall design of the cutter incorporates a pair of handles that function similar to a typical cigar cutter. The main difference being that the two handles can operate all four blades that converge toward the center.

SUMMARY

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a cigar cutter with four separate blades capable of cutting a cigar tip into four V-shape slices, all in one motion. The present invention comprises a housing, a housing cover, a left handle, a right handle, a top lifter, a bottom lifter, and four blades. The left-side and right-side blades are integrated into the left and right handles, respectively. Similarly, the top and bottom blades are integrated into the top and bottom lifters, respectively. The four blades surround the cigar opening, positioned 90° apart from each other. The top and bottom blades are mechanically linked to the left handle, such that a sideways movement of the left handle corresponds with a vertical movement of the top and bottom blades. Thus, the user can activate all four blades in one motion with one hand. As the user squeezes the left and right handles together, all four blades converge towards the center of the cigar opening, thereby cutting V-shaped slices into the cigar tip.

The activation of the top and bottom blades is performed by a pair of cams and cam-followers. More specifically, a pair of wedge-cams are integrated into the left handle. Each of the wedge-cams are in contact with the top and bottom lifters. As the user slides the left handle inward into the housing, the left blade and the pair of wedge-cams also move inward. Each lifter rides along the slope of the wedge-cams, which in turn, causes the top and bottom blades to move inward as well. As a result, all four blades simultaneously move inward until reaching a fully closed position.

In a preferred configuration, the cigar cutter also comprises a plurality of springs. When not in use, the plurality of springs help secure the handles in the closed position. As the user pulls the left and right handles outward, a pair of return springs keep the top and bottom lifters in constant contact with the upper and lower wedge-cams, respectively. As a result, all four blades simultaneously retract outward until reaching a fully open position. Once fully opened, the user can then insert the cigar tip into the cigar opening and begin the crown cut.

With regard to the blades themselves, each blade has a triangular profile with a chamfered tip, thereby forming a V-shape. When all four blades come together, the end result is a single crown cut formed on the cigar tip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention, shown without the cover.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the present invention, shown in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the present invention, shown in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the first blade handle of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the second blade handle of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the top lifter of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the bottom lifter of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the term “lifter” can be any elongated body that functions as the follower in a cam-follower arrangement. The term “wedge-cam” can be any wedge-shaped body that slides along a fixed path and engages with the follower.

In reference to FIGS. 1-8, the present invention is a crown 4-way cigar cutter 1 (cigar cutter, hereafter). More specifically, the present invention is a cigar cutter with four separate blades capable of cutting a cigar tip into four V-shape slices, all in one motion. Each of the four blades are disposed within the housing 2. The four blades surround the cigar opening 26, positioned 90° apart from each other. The first and second blades 31, 41 are actuated by first and second handles, 32, 42 respectively. The third and fourth blades 51, 61 are mechanically linked to the first handle 32, such that a lateral movement of the first blade 31 corresponds with a vertical movement of the third and fourth blades 51, 61. Thus, the user can activate all four blades in one motion with one hand. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, when the user squeezes the first and second handles together, all four blades converge towards the center of the cigar opening 26, thereby cutting V-shaped slices into the cigar tip.

In order to perform the functions described above, the cigar cutter 1 comprises a housing 2, a first blade handle 3, a second blade handle 4, a top lifter 5, and a bottom lifter 6. A third blade 51 is integrated into the top lifter 5. A fourth blade 61 is integrated into the bottom lifter 6. In a preferred embodiment, the cigar cutter 1 further comprises a cover 8. As seen in FIG. 1, the cover 8 is preferably in the form of a metal plate and is detachably mounted to the housing 2 via a plurality of fasteners. However, the means of securing the cover 8 to the housing 2 is not limited to fasteners. The cover 8 can be secured by any suitable means including but not limited to adhesive bonding and tab fittings.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the housing 2 functions as the primary structural component of the present invention, as the remaining components of the present invention are configured upon the housing 2. The housing 2 is preferably made from a durable, high-strength material including but not limited to stainless steel. Moreover, the housing 2 can take the form of any suitable shape based on design, user, and or manufacturing requirements. The housing 2 further comprises a base 21, a first side 22, a second side 23, a top lifter guide 24, a bottom lifter guide 25, and a center aperture 26. As best seen in FIG. 3, the base 21 extends laterally from the first side 22 to the second side 23. The cigar aperture 26 is centrally disposed on a base surface 27. The top lifter guide 24 and the bottom lifter guide 25 are vertically aligned, each being terminally connected to the base surface 27. The cigar aperture 26 is positioned in between the top lifter guide 24 and the bottom lifter guide 25. In this arrangement, the top and bottom lifter guides 24, 25 keep the third and fourth blades 51, 61 oriented perpendicular to the first and second blades 31, 41, thereby resembling a 4-way intersection. Stated differently, the top and bottom lifter guides 24, 25 restrict the range of motion of the third and fourth blades 51, 61 to vertical movement only, whereas the first and second blades 31, 41 are restricted to lateral movement only.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the first blade handle 3 is movably mounted partially within the housing 2 such that the first handle 32 extends out of the first side 22. The first blade handle 3 comprises a first blade 31, a first handle 32, an upper drive member 33, and a lower drive member 34. The first blade 31, the upper drive member 33, and the lower drive member 34 each extend outward and parallel with each other, opposite of the first handle 32. The first blade 31 is positioned in between the upper drive member 33 and the lower drive member 34. A plurality of first openings 28 are disposed on the first side 22 of the housing 2, extending laterally towards the second side 23. The first blade 31, the upper drive member 33, and the lower drive member 34 each slidably engage with the first openings 28. Thus, the sliding engagement of the upper drive member 33 and the lower drive member 34 with the housing 2 provide directional stability, thereby eliminating any play, wobble, or rotational movement of the first blade 31 during hard use.

The second blade handle 4 is movably mounted partially within the housing 2 such that second handle 42 extends out of the second side 23. The second blade handle 4 comprises a second blade 41, a second handle 42, an upper arm 43, and a lower arm 44. The second blade 41, the upper arm 43, and the lower arm 44 each extend outward and parallel with each other, opposite of the second handle 42. The second blade 41 is positioned in between the upper arm 43 and the lower arm 44. A plurality of second openings 29 are disposed on the second side 23 of the housing 2, extending laterally towards the first side 22. The second blade 41, the upper arm 43, and the lower arm 44 each slidably engage with the second openings 29. Thus, the sliding engagement of the upper arm 43 and the lower arm 44 with the housing 2 provide directional stability, thereby eliminating any play, wobble, or rotational movement of the second blade 41 during hard use.

The top lifter 5 is slidably engaged with the top lifter guide 24 of the housing 2. The top lifter 5 comprises a third blade 51 and an upper follower 52. The third blade 51 extends outward and opposite of the upper follower 52. Preferably, the upper follower 52 is in the form of a lobe 52′. However, the upper follower 52 is not limited in shape and can take the form of any suitable shape based on design, user, and/or manufacturing requirements.

The bottom lifter 6 is slidably engaged with the bottom lifter guide 25 of the housing 2. The bottom lifter 6 comprises a fourth blade 61 and a lower follower 62. The fourth blade 61 extends outward and opposite of the lower follower 62. Preferably, the lower follower 62 is in the form of a lobe 62′. However, the lower follower 62 is not limited in shape and can take the form of any suitable shape based on design, user, and/or manufacturing requirements.

As best seen in FIGS. 3-4, the first blade handle 3 is operably connected to the top lifter 5 and the bottom lifter 6. More specifically, the upper drive member 33 is operably coupled to the upper follower 52, and the lower drive member 34 is operably coupled to the lower follower 62. Preferably, both the upper drive member 33 and the lower drive member 34 are in the form of upper and lower wedge cams 33′, 34′ respectively. When the user slides the first blade 31 inward, the upper wedge cam 33′ engages with the lobe 52′ of the top lifter 5, which in turn, moves the third blade 51 downward in the direction of the fourth blade 61. Similarly, the lower wedge cam 34′ engages with the lobe 62′ of the bottom lifter 6, which in turn, moves the fourth blade 61 upward in the direction of the third blade 51. In this arrangement, an inward lateral movement of the first blade 31 corresponds with an inward vertical movement of the third and fourth blades 51, 61. Stated another way, squeezing the first and second handles 32, 42 together causes all four blades 31, 41, 51, 61 to slide inward into the cigar aperture 26, thereby forming a crown cut on the cigar tip.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a plurality of springs 7. When not in use, as seen in FIG. 4, the plurality of springs 7 help secure the handles in a closed position, such that all four blades remain fully extended into the cigar aperture 26. When in-use, as seen in FIG. 3, as the user pulls the first and second handles outward, a pair of return springs keep the top and bottom lifters 5, 6 in constant contact with the upper and lower drive members, 33, 34 respectively. As a result, all four blades simultaneously retract outward until reaching a fully open position. Once fully opened, the user can insert the cigar tip into the cigar aperture 26 and begin the crown cut.

To perform the above function, the plurality of springs 7 comprises a first pair of springs 71, a second pair of springs 72, a top spring 73, and a bottom spring 74. A first end of each spring 71a, 72a, 73a, 74a connects to one of a plurality of mounting elements 20 disposed within the housing 2. The mounting elements 20 include but are not limited to integrated loops and spring retainers. A second end of each spring 71b, 72b, 73b, 74b connects to a moving component (e.g., top lifter) of the cigar cutter 1. Each of the plurality of mounting elements 20 is positioned away from the moving component by a predefined distance and is aligned with the direction of travel of said moving component. This arrangement provides sufficient space for each spring to extend and retract properly.

The first pair of springs 71 connect the first blade handle 3 to the housing 2. More specifically, the second end 71b of each of the first pair of springs 71 is attached to a first pair of mounting posts 35, 36. As seen in FIG. 5, the first pair of mounting posts 35, 36 are disposed on the first blade handle 3, wherein one mounting post 35 is disposed on the upper drive member 33 and the other mounting post 36 is disposed on lower drive member 34. The second pair of springs 72 connect the second blade handle 4 to the housing 2. More specifically, the second end 72b of each of the second pair of springs 72 is attached to a second pair of mounting posts 45, 46. As seen in FIG. 6, the second pair of mounting posts 45, 46 are disposed on the second blade handle 4, wherein one mounting post 45 is disposed on the upper arm 43 and the other mounting post 46 is disposed on the lower arm 44. The top spring 73 connects the top lifter 5 to the housing 2. More specifically, the second end 73b of the top spring 73 is attached to a top mounting post 53. As seen in FIG. 7, the top mounting post 53 is disposed on the top lifter 5, positioned adjacent to the upper follower 52. The bottom spring 74 connects the bottom lifter 6 to the housing 2. More specifically, the second end 74b of the bottom spring 74 is attached to a bottom mounting post 63. As seen in FIG. 8, the bottom mounting post 63 is disposed on the bottom lifter 6, positioned adjacent to the lower follower 62.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the four blades 31, 41, 51, 61 have a triangular-shaped profile and a chamfered tip. This arrangement enables the cigar cutter to form V-shaped cuts on the cigar tip.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cigar cutter comprising: a housing;a first blade handle;a second blade handle;a top lifter;a bottom lifter;the housing comprising a base, a first side, a second side, a top lifter guide, a bottom lifter guide, and a cigar aperture;the base extending laterally from the first side to the second side;the first blade handle comprising a first blade, a first handle, an upper drive member, and a lower drive member;the second blade handle comprising a second blade and a second handle;the top lifter comprising a third blade and an upper follower;the bottom lifter comprising a fourth blade and a lower follower;the first blade handle being movably mounted partially within the housing such that the first handle extends out of the first side;the second blade handle being movably mounted partially within the housing such that the second handle extends out of the second side;the top lifter being slidably engaged with the top lifter guide;the bottom lifter being slidably engaged with the bottom lifter guide;the first blade handle being operably connected to the top lifter and the bottom lifter; andsqueezing the first handle and the second handle together causing all four blades to slide inward into the cigar aperture.

2. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the first blade extending outward and opposite of the first handle;the second blade extending outward and opposite of the second handle;the third blade extending outward and opposite of the upper follower;the fourth blade extending outward and opposite of the lower follower;the first blade positioned between the upper drive member and the lower drive member;the upper drive member being operably coupled to the upper follower; andthe lower drive member being operably coupled to the lower follower.

3. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 2 comprising: the upper drive member and the lower drive member each being in the form of a wedge cam; andthe upper follower and the lower follower each being in the form of a lobe.

4. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a plurality of springs;the plurality of springs comprising a top spring and a bottom spring;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of the top spring;the top lifter being adapted to receive a second end of the top spring;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of the bottom spring; andthe bottom lifter being adapted to receive a second end of the bottom spring.

5. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 4 comprising: the top lifter further comprising a top mounting post;the bottom lifter further comprising a bottom mounting post;the second end of the top spring being attached to the top mounting post; andthe second end of the bottom spring being attached to the bottom mounting post.

6. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 4 comprising: the plurality of springs further comprising a first pair of springs and a second pair of springs;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of each of the first pair of springs;the first blade handle being adapted to receive a second end of each of the first pair of springs;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of each of the second pair of springs; andthe second blade handle being adapted to receive a second end of each of the second pair of springs.

7. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 2 comprising: the first blade, the second blade, the third blade, and the fourth blade each having a triangular-shaped profile with a chamfered tip.

8. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a cover; andthe cover being detachably mounted to the housing.

9. A cigar cutter comprising: a housing;a first blade handle;a second blade handle;a top lifter;a bottom lifter;the housing comprising a base, a first side, a second side, a top lifter guide, a bottom lifter guide, and a cigar aperture;the base extending laterally from the first side to the second side;the first blade handle comprising a first blade, a first handle, an upper drive member, and a lower drive member;the first blade extending outward and opposite of the first handle;the first blade positioned between the upper drive member and the lower drive member;the second blade handle comprising a second blade and a second handle;the second blade extending outward and opposite of the second handle;the top lifter comprising a third blade and an upper follower;the third blade extending outward and opposite of the upper follower;the bottom lifter comprising a fourth blade and a lower follower;the fourth blade extending outward and opposite of the lower follower;the first blade handle being movably mounted partially within the housing such that the first handle extends out of the first side;the second blade handle being movably mounted partially within the housing such that the second handle extends out of the second side;the top lifter being slidably engaged with the top lifter guide;the bottom lifter being slidably engaged with the bottom lifter guide;the first blade handle being operably connected to the top lifter and the bottom lifter;the upper drive member being operably coupled to the upper follower;the lower drive member being operably coupled to the lower follower; andsqueezing the first handle and the second handle together causing all four blades to slide inward into the cigar aperture.

10. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 9 comprising: the upper drive member and the lower drive member each being in the form of a wedge cam; andthe upper follower and the lower follower each being in the form of a lobe.

11. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 9 comprising: a plurality of springs;the plurality of springs comprising a top spring and a bottom spring;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of the top spring;the top lifter being adapted to receive a second end of the top spring;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of the bottom spring; andthe bottom lifter being adapted to receive a second end of the bottom spring.

12. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 11 comprising: the top lifter further comprising a top mounting post;the bottom lifter further comprising a bottom mounting post;the second end of the top spring being attached to the top mounting post; andthe second end of the bottom spring being attached to the bottom mounting post.

13. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 11 comprising: the plurality of springs further comprising a first pair of springs and a second pair of springs;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of each of the first pair of springs;the first blade handle being adapted to receive a second end of each of the first pair of springs;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of each of the second pair of springs; andthe second blade handle being adapted to receive a second end of each of the second pair of springs.

14. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 9 comprising: the first blade, the second blade, the third blade, and the fourth blade each having a triangular-shaped profile with a chamfered tip.

15. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 9 comprising: a cover; andthe cover being detachably mounted to the housing.

16. A cigar cutter comprising: a housing;a first blade handle;a second blade handle;a top lifter;a bottom lifter;the housing comprising a base, a first side, a second side, a top lifter guide, a bottom lifter guide, and a cigar aperture;the base extending laterally from the first side to the second side;the first blade handle comprising a first blade, a first handle, an upper drive member, and a lower drive member;the first blade extending outward and opposite of the first handle;the first blade positioned between the upper drive member and the lower drive member;the second blade handle comprising a second blade and a second handle;the second blade extending outward and opposite of the second handle;the top lifter comprising a third blade and an upper follower;the third blade extending outward and opposite of the upper follower;the bottom lifter comprising a fourth blade and a lower follower;the fourth blade extending outward and opposite of the lower follower;the first blade handle being movably mounted partially within the housing such that the first handle extends out of the first side;the second blade handle being movably mounted partially within the housing such that the second handle extends out of the second side;the top lifter being slidably engaged with the top lifter guide;the bottom lifter being slidably engaged with the bottom lifter guide;the first blade handle being operably connected to the top lifter and the bottom lifter;the upper drive member being operably coupled to the upper follower;the lower drive member being operably coupled to the lower follower;the upper drive member and the lower drive member each being in the form of a wedge cam;the upper follower and the lower follower each being in the form of a lobe; andsqueezing the first handle and the second handle together causing all four blades to slide inward into the cigar aperture.

17. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 16 comprising: a plurality of springs;the plurality of springs comprising a top spring and a bottom spring;the top lifter further comprising a top mounting post;the bottom lifter further comprising a bottom mounting post;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of the top spring;the top lifter being adapted to receive a second end of the top spring;the second end of the top spring being attached to the top mounting post;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of the bottom spring;the bottom lifter being adapted to receive a second end of the bottom spring; andthe second end of the bottom spring being attached to the bottom mounting post.

18. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 17 comprising: the plurality of springs further comprising a first pair of springs and a second pair of springs;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of each of the first pair of springs;the first blade handle being adapted to receive a second end of each of the first pair of springs;the housing being adapted to receive a first end of each of the second pair of springs; andthe second blade handle being adapted to receive a second end of each of the second pair of springs.

19. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 16 comprising: the first blade, the second blade, the third blade, and the fourth blade each having a triangular-shaped profile with a chamfered tip.

20. The cigar cutter as claimed in claim 16 comprising: a cover; andthe cover being detachably mounted to the housing.