Handsfree Pedal Operated Cigar Cutter and Lighter Station

Abstract

A hands-free cigar station includes foot pedals for lighter and a cigar cutter activation. The station may include springs configured to hold the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal in an up position. The station includes a lighter trigger assembly including two trigger arms connected with a cross bar. When the foot pedal corresponding to the lighter is depressed, the trigger arms are pulled downwardly and the lighter is activated. The station includes a rotary element connected to a cigar cutter. The rotary element rotates in response to the force of depression of the corresponding foot pedal. The rotation activates the cigar cutter to cut a cigar positioned in the cutter.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for lighting and clipping cigars. A stand that has a foot pedal operated lighter and clippers for use in a cigar bar or lounge as well as in a home for clipping and lighting cigars.

2. Description of the Related Art

Over the years, various types of cigar lighters and cutters have been in use. Lighters and cutters may be pocket size and of a larger tabletop size. However, conventional lighters and cutters are operated using cigar smokers' hands.

A problem encountered in cigar bars or lounges is that the lighters and cutters, which are supplied by the bar or lounge, are often stolen, or lost by patrons. Also, the lighters run out of fluid from frequent use. An additional problem is the sanitary issues surrounding the shared use of handheld tools by a number of patrons or guests.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved cigar lighter and cutting device that improves the sanitary conditions of sharing lighters and cutters and reduces the risk of theft at a cigar bar, lounge or other gathering of cigar smokers and reduce the sanitary, theft and reduces requirements to replace the fluid in the lighter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a device which is too large to steal or misplace, lighter fluid reservoir to feed the lighter, foot pedal operated to reduce spread of germs from hands, and simply provides ease of use for patrons with otherwise occupied hands.

The device of the invention provides both cutting and lighting functions in a stand which is too large to steal that the owner of the establishment need not worry about theft. Both functions can be used with foot pedals having return springs so that the customer can accomplish both tasks hands-free for sanitary use or when the patron's hands are holding other items.

In some aspects, the apparatus described herein relate to a foot pedal operated cigar lighter and cutter device including: a body including a top face; a lighter and a cigar cutter at the top face; a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal at a lower portion of the body, the first and second foot pedals longitudinally spaced apart from the top face; springs configured to hold the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal in an up position; the first foot pedal being connected to a first push rod control arm and the second foot pedal being connected to a second push rod control arm; the first push rod control arm and the second push rod control arm each being connected to a pivot at an end opposite of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal; and the pivot being configured to convert downward pedal movement of the first foot pedal to a pulling movement of a control arm for activation of the lighter, and the pivot being configured to convert downward pedal movement of the second foot pedal to a pulling movement of a longitudinally extending element for activation of the cigar cutter.

In some aspects, the apparatus described herein relate to a device, wherein the control arm extends above the top face and abuts an activator on the lighter.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, further including: a rotary element connected to the cigar cutter such that rotation of the rotary element activates the cigar cutter, wherein the longitudinally extending element, the cigar cutter, and the rotary element extend above the top face, the rotary element is rotationally connected to the cutter and the longitudinally extending element engages the rotary element.

In some aspects, the apparatus described herein relate to a device, wherein the longitudinally extending element is a link chain and the rotary element is a gear and the link chain is configured to engage the gear.

In some aspects, the apparatus described herein relate to a device, wherein the cigar cutter is configured for longitudinal insertion of a cigar.

In some aspects, the apparatus described herein relate to a device, further including a collection chamber for cigar cuttings, the collection chamber under the top face.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of using a cigar station to prepare a cigar for smoking, the method including: depressing a first foot pedal on the cigar station to activate a lighter; and depressing a second foot pedal on the cigar station to activate a cigar cutter.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein depressing the first and second foot pedals further include: using a human foot to depress the first and second foot pedals.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein depressing the first and second foot pedals further include: depressing the first and second foot pedals without using hands.

In some aspects, the apparatus described herein relates to a foot pedal operated cigar lighter and cutter device including a body including a top face and a floor base, the top base being above the floor base; a cigar cutting tool and lighter at the top face; a first pedal and a second pedal connected to the floor base, the first pedal connected to the cigar cutting tool and the second pedal connected to the lighter, wherein movement of the first pedal activates the cigar cutting tool and movement of the second pedal activates the lighter.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a hands-free foot pedal operated cigar lighter and cutter, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, which are diagrammatic, embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A shows the top view of a cigar station including a top face with torch lighter and cutting tool, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 1B shows the top view of the top face cigar station of FIG. 1A without the torch lighter;

FIG. 1C shows the lower view of the top face of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the cigar station of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the upper portion of the cigar station of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4A shows a rear view of the lower portion of the cigar station of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of a pedal spring assembly, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 5 show a front view of another embodiment of a cigar station according to this disclosure; and

FIG. 6 shows a front view, according to this disclosure, of the interior of cigar station of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. As used herein, the words “connected” or “coupled” are each intended to include integrally formed members, direct connections between two distinct members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring now to the figures in detail, where like numbers are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1A-4B a cigar stand or station 10 including a cigar cutting tool 505, torch lighter 510, cabinet or body 500, left or first pedal 550 and right or second pedal 560.

FIG. 1A shows cigar station 10 from a top view where the cutting tool 505 and lighter 510 are visible. A user has access to a cigar cutting tool 505 for clipping a cigar as well as a torch lighter 510 for lighting a cigar. A further top face 502 may be provided as part of body 500 such that the top face 502 covers the internal workings of the station 10 including the trigger arms, gears, and chains, etc. so that only the portions of the cutting tool 505 and lighter 510 that are required to be exposed for use are visible.

As shown in FIG. 1B, top face 502 includes a lighter opening 571 and adapter 573 which extends into the opening 571 and above top face 502. Lighter 510 may be provided separate from the stand. Adapter 573 holds lighter 510 in place. Also, shown in the upper portion of the lighter trigger assembly which includes two trigger arms 570 connected by trigger cross bar 574. Trigger cross bar 574 abuts the activation button or mechanism on lighter 510. Therefore, when trigger arms 570 are depressed so is the trigger cross bar 574 which then presses on the activation mechanism on lighter 510.

Lighter 510 is a torch lighter and may be easily replaced or maintained as needed. Other forms of suitable lighters may also be used.

Sleeves 576 extend through top face 502 with trigger arms 570 inserted therein and allow arms 570 to maintain a parallel position relative to each other as well as reducing friction and possible wear of the top face 502.

The lower surface of top face 502 is shown in FIG. 1C. Sleeves 576 and adapter 573 may extend from above top face 502, through top face 502 and below top face 502. Also shown is one embodiment of chamber 700 for collecting cut cigar tips.

In FIG. 2, a front view of station 10 is shown with front face 460. In this preferred embodiment, the stand body is 50″ in height and 9″ in depth. Station 10 may be at a height that easy for humans to use the foot pedals while simultaneously lighting or cutting a cigar. Also, foot pedals 550, 560 are longitudinally or vertically spaced apart from the cutting tool 505 and lighter 510. In further embodiments, the stand measures 8″×15″×50″ (L×W×H); however, each measured side can vary by +/−50%. The cutting tool 505 and lighter 510 extend beyond the top face 502 of the station 10; however, the cutting tool 505 and lighter 510 can be flush with the top face 502 or extend further beyond it. There are two foot pedals 550, 560. The left pedal 550 activates the cutting tool 505, and the right pedal 560 activates the lighter 510. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the pedals 550, 560 can be arranged so that the right pedal 560 activates the cutting tool 505, and the left pedal 560 activates the lighter 510.

FIGS. 3 and 4A show a rear view of the upper side of station 10 and FIG. 4A shows a rear view of the lower side of station 10; in both, the internal workings are shown. In a preferred embodiment, the two foot pedals 550, 560 are mounted to a floor base 503 with expansion springs 557, 558, 559 forcing pedals 550, 560 in the up position. Expansion spring 557 maintains the up position of pedal 550, which operates cutting tool 505. Expansion springs 558, 559, as shown in FIG. 4B, maintain the position of pedal 560. Expansion springs 557, 558, 559 as shown are helically, cylindrically formed springs, but other types of springs may be used such as constant force extension springs.

The floor base 503 is configured for resting on or abutting the floor or ground.

Each pedal 550, 560 may be connected to a corresponding push rod control arm 555, 565, and each push rod control arm 555, 565 is attached to a center mounted pivot point 610. The left push rod control arm 555 connects the left pedal 550 to pivot point 610. The right push rod control arm 565 connects the right pedal 560 to pivot point 610. Vertically extending pivot arms 590, 620 are connected to pivot point 610. Pivot arm 590 is connected to torch trigger arms 570 and right pedal 560. Pivot arm 620 is connected to both the left pedal 550 and rotary driven cutting tool 505.

The cutting tool 505 includes a rotary element 580 such as a gear (as shown) or other rotary device such as a wheel. Pivot arm 620 is connected to longitudinally extending element 582 which engages the rotary element 580. Element 582 may be any device suitable for causing rotation or other suitable movement of rotary element 580. For example, element 582 may be a link chain, as shown, a cable or belt, etc.

When a pedal 550, 560 is pressed, the corresponding push rod control arm 555, 565 moves upward and places force on the center mounted pivot point 610. At the pivot point 610, vertical pivot arms 590, 620 convert pedal movement to pulling motion with one arm 590 for lighter 510 activation and another arm 620 for the cutting tool 505 activation. longitudinally extending element 582, which in this embodiment is shown as a link chain, to a rotary element 580 which in this embodiment is shown as a gear for cutting tool 505 movement. Pivot arm 590 pulls on the lighter trigger control arm 595 controls the lighter by pulling an attached lighter trigger assembly to ignite the lighter 510. The second pivot arm 620 connects to and controls the longitudinally extending element 582 with a pull motion to turn the rotary element 580 mounted on the cigar cutting tool 505 to cut a longitudinally inserted cigar.

Shown in FIG. 3 is chamber 700 for the collection of cigar tips. The chamber 700 extends downwardly from the cutting tool 505 and may include a longitudinally extending tube 705 with removable cap 710 to collect cut cigar tips. In further embodiments, the tube can be any functionally equivalent receptacle to collect cut cigar tips i.e., a basket, box, bowl, bag, chute to external receptacle.

FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment of a cigar station 20, according to this disclosure, including additional features such as a cover 750 for element 580 and 582. Further, station 20 includes a front face 760 with a back lit space 770 for art design or advertising, etc.

FIG. 6 depicts the inner workings of station 20 as shown with the front face 760 removed. In this embodiment, the inner workings do not include the cross controls created by the use of the pivot point 610 in station 10. Rather, each pedal 780, 790 operates the lighter 510 or cigar cutting tool 505 positioned on the same side of station 20 or directly above each pedal 780, 790. That is, pedal 780 operates the lighter 510, and pedal 790 operates the cutting tool 505.

Stations 10 and 20 are configured for use without the need to handle lighting and cutting tools, preventing the spread of germs.

A user of either stations 10, 20 may prepare a cigar for smoking using the following method. First, the user may longitudinally insert their cigar into the cigar cutting tool 505. Next the user may depress a pedal corresponding to a cigar cutting tool 505 to cut the cigar. As discussed above, the force of the user's foot on the pedal activates the cigar cutting tool 505 to cut the cigar. Next, the user may step on the other pedal to ignite lighter 510. Finally, the user may light their cut cigar in the torch flame. This entire method does not require the use of the user's hands on station 10, 20 or any other lighter or cutter that would be shared with others. As a result, this method of preparing a cigar for smoking is preventing the spread of germs.

Claims

1. A foot pedal operated cigar lighter and cutter device comprising: a body including a top face;a lighter and a cigar cutter at the top face;a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal at a lower portion of the body, the first and second foot pedals longitudinally spaced apart from the top face;springs configured to hold the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal in an up position;the first foot pedal being connected to a first push rod control arm and the second foot pedal being connected to a second push rod control arm;the first push rod control arm and the second push rod control arm each being connected to a pivot at an end opposite of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal; andthe pivot being configured to convert downward pedal movement of the first foot pedal to a pulling movement of a control arm for activation of the lighter, and the pivot being configured to convert downward pedal movement of the second foot pedal to a pulling movement of a longitudinally extending element for activation of the cigar cutter.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the control arm extends above the top face and abuts an activator on the lighter.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a rotary element connected to the cigar cutter such that rotation of the rotary element activates the cigar cutter,wherein the longitudinally extending element, the cigar cutter, and the rotary element extend above the top face, the rotary element is rotationally connected to the cutter and the longitudinally extending element engages the rotary element.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the longitudinally extending element is a link chain and the rotary element is a gear and the link chain is configured to engage the gear.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the cigar cutter is configured for longitudinal insertion of a cigar.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a collection chamber for cigar cuttings, the collection chamber under the top face.

7. A method of using a cigar station to prepare a cigar for smoking, the method comprising: depressing a first foot pedal on the cigar station to activate a lighter; anddepressing a second foot pedal on the cigar station to activate a cigar cutter.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein depressing the first and second foot pedals further comprise: using a human foot to depress the first and second foot pedals.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein depressing the first and second foot pedals further comprise: depressing the first and second foot pedals without using hands.

10. A foot pedal operated cigar lighter and cutter device comprising: a body including a top face and a floor base, the top base being above the floor base;a cigar cutting tool and lighter at the top face;a first pedal and a second pedal connected to the floor base, the first pedal connected to the cigar cutting tool and the second pedal connected to the lighter;wherein movement of the first pedal activates the cigar cutting tool and movement of the second pedal activates the lighter.