US20200205471A1

US20200205471A1 - Cigar cutter assembly

Info

Publication number: US20200205471A1
Application number: US16/731,307
Authority: US
Inventors: John M. Swemba; Mark Bowlus
Original assignee: Cigar Affair LLC
Current assignee: Jhonlin Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2018-12-31
Filing date: 2019-12-31
Publication date: 2020-07-02

Abstract

A cutter assembly for cutting a cigar or any other type of rolled or compacted smoking product. The cutter assembly includes a housing having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a motor and/or a cutter assembly therein. Drivingly connected to the motor is an output shaft. At least a portion of the cutter assembly is connected to or integrally formed as part of the output shaft. The cutter assembly is operably configured to cut and/or remove at least a portion of the cigar, the rolled smoking product, and/or the compacted smoking product as needed by the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/786,939 filed on Dec. 31, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a cutter assembly for use with a cigar and other smoking related products.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various cigar cutters are known in the art. However, the conventional cigar cutters known in the art are inefficient, cause an undesirable amount of damage portions of the cigar during cutting, and are dangerous to use. In particular, conventional cigar cutters expose the user's fingers to a number of sharp objects which tends to result in a number of cuts or lacerations to the user's figures during operation of the conventional cigar cutter. In more severe cases, the operation of the conventional cigar cutters can cause at least a portion of the user's figure to be unintentionally cut off. Additionally, conventional cigar cutter assemblies are unreliable and are unable to provide the user with a consistent cut from one use to another.
It would therefore be advantageous to develop a cutter assembly that can safely and efficiently cut a cigar. Additionally, it would be advantageous to develop a cutter assembly that is able to reliably and consistently cut a cigar the same way and in the same location every time it is used.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cigar cutter assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure where the cigar cutter assembly partially disassembled;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the cigar cutter assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 where the cigar cutter is assembled;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top-plan view of a portion of a housing of the cigar cutter assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top-plan view the portion of the housing of the cigar cutter assembly illustrated in FIG. 3 having one or more components of the cigar cutter assembly installed therein;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side-view a cutter assembly of the cigar cutter assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional side-view the cutter assembly of the cigar cutter assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side-view the cutter assembly of the cigar cutter assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the cutter assembly of the cigar cutter assembly according to still yet another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view a cleaning tool and one or more stopper members of the cutter assembly illustrated in FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the cutter assembly according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the disclosure when the cleaning tool and the one or more stopper members are in a first position;

FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the cutter assembly according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 of the disclosure when the cleaning tool and the one or more stopper members are in a second position;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side-view of a portion of the cutter assembly of the cigar cutter assembly according to still yet a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the cleaning tool and the one or more stopper members of the cutter assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic top-plan view of the cleaning tool and the one or more stopper members of the cutter assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the cigar cutter assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the cigar cutter assembly according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the cigar cutter assembly according to still yet another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the cigar cutter assembly according to still yet a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a schematic front-view the cigar cutter assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic side-view of the cigar cutter assembly illustrated in FIG. 18 of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific assemblies and devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. Also, although they may not be, like elements in various embodiments described herein may be commonly referred to with like reference numerals within this section of the application.
FIGS. 1-5 provide a schematic illustration of a cigar cutter assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The cigar cutter assembly 10 described and illustrated herein may be used with cigars of various shapes, sizes, and compositions. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the cigar (not shown) may have elongated generally cylindrical body with a head portion and a foot portion. According to an embodiment of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the head portion of the cigar (not shown) may have a substantially rounded shape, a substantially square shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or of another type of shape. Cigars also typically include a wrapper that is used to hold the rolled tobacco leaves in a tightly compact manner. The head portion of the wrapper has a closed end that gets cut and the foot portion of the wrapper has an open end that is lit with an ignition source. The cigar cutter assembly 10 may be used in order to cut the head portion of the cigar (not shown). While the cigar cutter assembly 10 is described as being used in connection with a cigar, this is for exemplary purposes only. In fact, it is within the scope of this disclosure that the cigar cutter assembly 10 may be used in connection with any type of rolled or compacted smokable products.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the cigar cutter assembly 10 may include a housing 12 having a size and shape to receive and/or retain one or more components of the cigar cutter assembly 10 therein. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the housing 12 may have a substantially rectangular prism shape. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the housing 12 of the cigar cutter assembly 10 may have one or more rounded and/or chamfered edges in order to make the housing 12 more comfortable to hold when being used.
As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the housing 12 may have a first housing member 14 and a second housing member 16. The housing 12 of the cigar cutter assembly 10 may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retain one or more components of the cigar cutter assembly 10 therein. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the first housing member 14 and the second housing member 16 may be selectively connectable and disconnectable to and from each other. When the first housing member 14 and the second housing member 16 of the housing 12 are disconnected from each other as illustrated in FIG. 1, the user (not shown) is able to access one or more components of the cigar cutter assembly 10 for repair and/or replacement. As a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the first housing member 14 may be attached or connected to at least a portion of the second housing member 16 by using one or more mechanical fasteners 18, one or more magnetic connections, one or more elastically deformable catch connections, one or more elastically deformable snap-fit connections, one or more locking connections, one or more latch connections, one or more press-fit connections, and/or one or more welds.
According to the embodiment where the first and second housing members 14 and 16 are connected or attached to each other using one or more mechanical fasteners 18, the one or more mechanical fasteners 18 may be inserted through one or more mechanical fastener apertures 20 extending from an inner surface 22 to an outer surface 24 of the first housing member 14. Once through the one or more mechanical fastener apertures 20 in the first housing member 14, at least a portion of the one or more mechanical fasteners 18 may be threadingly engaged with one or more mechanical fastener receiving portions 26 extending inward from an inner surface 32 of the second portion 16 of the housing 12. It is to be understood that the one or more mechanical fastener apertures 20 in the first housing member 14 are aligned with the one or more mechanical fastener receiving portions 26 in the second housing member 16 of the housing 12. As a non-limiting example that the one or more mechanical fasteners 18, and therefore the one or more mechanical fastener apertures 24 and the one or more mechanical fastener receiving portions 26, may be located in a first end portion 28 and/or a second end portion 30 of the housing 12.
While the above described relationship describes the one or more mechanical fasteners 18 threadingly engaging with at least a portion of the second housing member 16 of the housing 12, it is within the scope of this disclosure that the reverse connection may be true. It is therefore within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more mechanical fastener apertures 20 may be in the second housing member 16 of the housing 12 and the one or more mechanical fastener receiving portions 26 may be in the first housing member 14 of the housing 12. As a result, at least a portion of the one or more mechanical fasteners 18 may be threadingly engaged with at least a portion of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12.
The first housing member 14 of the housing 12 may include an outer wall portion 34 that extends outward from at least a portion of the inner surface 22 of the first portion 14 of the housing 12. As best seen in FIG. 3 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the outer wall portion 34 may extend along at least a portion of the outer periphery of the first housing member 14. When the first housing member 14 is assembled relative to the second housing member 16 of the housing 12, the outer wall portion 34 of the first housing member 14 may extend toward the second housing member 16 of the housing 12. The outer wall portion 34 of the first housing member 14 aids in defining one or more chambers within the first housing member 14 of the housing 12.
Extending from a first side 36 toward a second side 38 of the first end portion 28 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12, is one or more first ribs 40. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the one or more first ribs 40 may extend from at least a portion of the outer wall portion 34 of the first housing member 14. Additionally, the one or more first ribs 40 may provide a connection between the outer wall portion 34 on the first side 36 of the first housing member 14 and the outer wall portion 34 of the second side 38 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12. The one or more first ribs 40 may provide the first housing member 14 of the housing 12 with an amount of structural rigidity needed to increase the overall life and durability of the cigar cutter assembly 10. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more first ribs 40 may extend substantially parallel to each other.
As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more first ribs 40 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12 may include one or more receiving portions 42. The one or more receiving portions 42 in the one or more first ribs 40 may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a cutter assembly 44 therein. In particular, the one or more receiving portions 42 in the one or more first ribs 40 may be of a size and shape to received and/or retain at least a portion of a motor 46 and/or a gear assembly 48 of the cutter assembly 44 therein. The motor 46 may be an electric motor that upon receipt of an amount of electrical power converts the electrical power into an amount of rotational power that is used to drive the gear assembly 48, which in turn drives an output shaft 50. Upon receipt of an amount of rotational power from the gear assembly 48, the output shaft 50 is able to rotate relative to the housing 12 about a rotational axis R extending through the housing 12 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the motor may be a DC motor. Additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the rotational speed and torque of the output shaft 50 may be varied or controlled by the user by varying the amount of electrical power that is fed to the motor 46 when in operation.
The gear assembly 48 may include a plurality of gears that are operably configured to provide a desired gear ratio. The gear ratio of the gear assembly 48 aids in determining what will be the final rotational speed and torque of the output shaft 50 of the cutter assembly 44 which aids in providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 that is able to cut the cigar (not shown) in a controlled, clean, consistent, and efficient manner. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the gear ratio may be 5 to 1, may be between 5 to 1 and 100 to 1, may be between 25 to 1 and 75 to 1, and/or may be 50 to 1. Additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the gear assembly 48 may be a reduction gear set.
At least a portion of the output shaft 50 of the cutter assembly 44 may extend from within an interior 54 of the housing 12 outside the housing 12. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 and as a non-limiting example, the output shaft 50 may extent through an output shaft aperture 52 in the outer wall portion 34 of the first housing member 14. The output shaft aperture 52 may be located in a first end 54 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. Additionally, the output shaft aperture 52 may aid in providing the output shaft 50 with an amount of support needed to prevent the output shaft 50 from bending or breaking thereby aiding in improving the overall life and durability of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
While the output shaft 50 of the cutter assembly 44 illustrated in FIG. 4 extends outside the housing 12, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the entire cutter assembly 44 may be disposed within a first chamber 58 in the first end portion 28 of the first housing member 14. As a result, it is therefore to be understood that the cutting of the cigar (not shown) may occur internally within the housing 12 of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
Extending from the first side 36 to the second side 38 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12 is one or more second ribs 56. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the one or more second ribs 56 may extend from at least a portion of the outer wall portion 34 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12. Additionally, the one or more second ribs 56 may provide a connection between the outer wall portion 34 on the first side 36 of the first housing member 14 and the outer wall portion 34 of the second side 38 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12. The one or more second ribs 56 may provide the first housing member 14 of the housing 12 with an amount of structural rigidity needed to increase the overall life and durability of the cigar cutter assembly 10. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more second ribs 56 may extend substantially parallel to the one or more first ribs 40 of the first housing member 14.
The one or more second ribs 56, in combination with the outer wall portion 34 of the first housing member 14, may define the first chamber 58 within the first end portion 28 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12. As best seen in FIG. 4 and as a non-limiting example, the first chamber 58 may be of a size and shape to received and/or retain at least a portion of the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and/or the output shaft 50 of the cutter assembly 44 therein. Additionally, as best seen in FIG. 4 and as a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the motor 46 of the cutter assembly 44 may be interposed between the one or more second ribs 56 and the gear assembly 48 of the cutter assembly 44.
The one or more second ribs 56 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12 may include one or more motor mounting portions 60. The one or more motor mounting portions 60 may be of a size and shape needed to aid in securely retaining the motor 46 within the first chamber 58 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12. Additionally, the one or more motor mounting portions 60 may be of a size and shape needed to ensure that the motor 46 and the gear assembly 48 are retained in their ideal operating position within the housing 12 once the cigar cutter assembly 10 has been assembled. As a result, at least a portion of the one or more motor mounting portions 60 may be in direct contact with and connected to at least a portion of the motor 46 of the cutter assembly 44 of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more motor mounting portions 60 may extend outward from at least a portion of the one or more second ribs 56 toward the motor 46 of the cutter assembly 44 and toward the one or more first ribs 40 of the first portion 14 of the housing 12. As a result, it is therefore within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more motor mounting portions 60 may be an area of increased material thickness on the one or more second ribs 56 of the first housing member 14. At least a portion of the one or more motor mounting portions 60 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12 may be received and/or retained within at least a portion of the motor 46 in order to aid in securing the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and/or the output shaft 50 within the first chamber 58.
The second end portion 30 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12 may include one or more third ribs 62 extending from the first side 36 to the second side 38 of the first housing member 14. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more third ribs 62 may extend from at least a portion of the outer wall portion 34 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12. Additionally, the one or more third ribs 62 may provide a connection between the outer wall portion 34 on the first side 36 of the first housing member 14 and the outer wall portion 34 of the second side 38 of the first housing member 14. The one or more third ribs 62 may provide the first housing member 14 with an amount of structural rigidity needed to increase the overall life and durability of the cigar cutter assembly 10. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more third ribs 62 may extend substantially parallel to the one or more first ribs 40 and/or the one or more second ribs 56 of the first housing member 14.
As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the outer wall portion 34, the one or more second ribs 56, and the one or more third ribs 62 define a second chamber 64 within the first housing member 14 of the housing 12. The second chamber 64 in the first housing member 14 may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of one or more power sources 66 and/or a charging circuit 68 therein. The one or more power sources 66 may be in electrical communication with the motor 46 and may provide the electrical power needed to drive the motor 46 and therefore the cutter assembly 44. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more power sources 66 may be one or more electric batteries, one or more batteries, one or more electro-chemical cells, one or more secondary cells, one or more rechargeable batteries, and/or one or more non-rechargeable batteries.
As best seen in FIG. 2 and as a non-limiting example, the cigar cutter assembly 10 may include an on/off switch 67. The on/off switch 67 may be used to selectively allow a constant or a variable amount of electrical power to be transmitted from the one or more power sources 66 to the motor 46. Additionally, the on/off switch 67 may be used in order to prevent an amount of electrical power from being transmitted from the one or more power sources 66 to the motor 46 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. It is therefore within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the on/or switch 67 may be used to selectively control the rotational speed of the output shaft 50.
In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure (not shown), the one or more power sources 66 may include one or more solar cells (not shown) or photovoltaic cells (not shown) that are connected to an outer surface 70 of the housing 12. The one or more solar cells (not shown) or photovoltaic cells (not shown) may be operably configured to convert an amount of solar energy into an amount of electrical energy that may be stored within one or more batteries disposed within the second chamber 64 of the first housing member 14 of the housing 12. The energy stored within the one or more batteries of the one or more power sources 66 may be selectively used to drive the motor 46 and the cutter assembly 44 of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
The second end portion 30 of the first housing member 14 may include a third chamber 72. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the third chamber 72 may be defined by the outer wall portion 34 and the one or more third ribs 62 of the first housing member 14. As a result, it is therefore to be understood that the first and third chambers 58 and 72 in the first housing member 14 may be disposed on opposing ends of the second chamber 64 in the first housing member 14.
In accordance with the embodiment where the one or more power sources 66 is one or more rechargeable batteries, the cigar cutter assembly 10 may include a charging member 74 that is in electrical communication with at least a portion of the one or more power sources 66 and/or the charging circuit 68. As best seen in FIG. 4 and as a non-limiting example, the third receiving portion 72 may be of a size and shape to received and/or retain at least a portion of the charging member 74 therein. The one or more third ribs 62 may include one or more apertures 76 allowing for communication between the second and third chambers 64 and 72 and providing the space needed for the electrical connections between the charging member 74, the charging circuit 68 and/or the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
The outer wall portion 34 of the second end 78 of the first housing member 34 may include one or more charging apertures 80 therein. As best seen in FIG. 4 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more charging apertures 80 in the outer wall portion 34 of the second end 78 of the first housing member 14 may be of a size and shape needed to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a charging connector (not shown) therein. It is therefore to be understood that the charging connector (not shown) and the charging member 74 are operably configured in order to transmit an amount of electrical power from a source of electrical power external from the cigar cutter assembly 10 to the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. As a non-limiting example that the charging connector (not shown) may be a USB charging cable, a DC charging cable, or any other type of connector or cable that is capable of transmitting an amount of electrical power from one source to another.
The charging circuit 68 of the cigar cutter assembly 10 may be used in order to aid in preventing damage to the one or more power sources 66. Additionally, the charging circuit 68 may be used in order to ensure and enable the safe transfer and storage of an amount of electric power to the cigar cutter assembly 10. When provided, the charging circuit 68 may be in electrical communication with the charging member 74 and the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. The charging circuit 68 may be of the printed circuit board (PCP) variety. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the charging circuit 68 may be operably configured to prevent the one or more power sources 66 from being over charged and/or to prevent the one or more power sources 66 from being over-discharged which aids in increasing the overall life and durability of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
As best seen in FIG. 5 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the cutter assembly 44 may include a cutter 76 that is rotatable relative to the housing 12 along the rotational axis R. The cutter 76 may be operably configured to cut and/or remove an amount of material from the cigar (not shown). At least a portion of the cutter 76 may be integrally connected to or integrally formed as part of an end of the output shaft 50 opposite the gear assembly 48. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example, that the cutter 76 may be connected to at least a portion of the output shaft 50 by using one or more welds, one or more mechanical fasteners, one or more adhesives, one or more press-fit connections, one or more snap-fit connections, and/or a threaded connection.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the cutter 76 may include a body portion 78 having a first end 80, a second end 82, a first end portion 84, a second end portion 86, an intermediate portion 88, an inner surface 90, and an outer surface 92. Extending inward into the body portion 78 of the cutter 76 of the cutter assembly 44 is an output shaft receiving portion 94. The output shaft receiving portion 94 of the cutter 76 may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the output shaft 50 therein. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the shape of the output shaft 50 and/or the shape of the output shaft receiving portion 94 of the cutter 76 may have a complementary shape needed to aid in providing a driving connection between the output shaft 50 and the cutter 76.
The cutter 76 may include a receiving portion 96. As best seen in FIG. 5 and as a non-limiting example, the receiving portion 96 may extending inward into the body portion 78 of the cutter 76 from the outer surface 92 of the second end portion 86 of the body portion 78 of the cutter 76. The receiving portion 96 may extend substantially transverse to the output shaft receiving portion 94 and may be in communication with at least a portion of the output shaft receiving portion 94. As a result, the receiving portion 96 may provide access to the output shaft 50 within the output shaft receiving portion 94. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the receiving portion 96 may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a locking member 98 therein which aids in securing the cutter 76 to the output shaft 50. As a non-limiting example, the locking member 98 may be a set screw, a mechanical fastener, a pin, and/or any other device that is capable of securing the cutter 76 relative to the output shaft 50. It is therefore to be understood that at least a portion of the locking member 98 may be placed in a locking and/or an abutting relationship relative to the output shaft 50 in order to lock or secure the cutter 76 relative to the output shaft 50. This allows the cutter 76 to be selectively removed and/or replaced as needed when the cutter 76 becomes damaged and/or worn.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the cutter 76 may be disposed outside the housing 12 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. As a result, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that at least a portion of the cutter 76 may extend from within the housing 12 through the output shaft aperture 52 in the housing 12.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the cutter 76 may be disposed within at least a portion of the housing 12 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. It is therefore within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that at least a portion of the cutter 76 may be disposed within at least a portion of the first chamber 58 in the first housing member 14 of the housing 12.
At least a portion of the first end portion 84 of the cutter 76 may include a cutter portion 100 that is operably configured to cut and/or remove an amount of the cigar (not shown). The cutter portion 100 of the cutter 76 may be of a size and shape needed in order to ensure that the cigar (not shown) is cut in a safely, reliable, repeatable, and efficient manner while preventing the wrapper (not shown) of the cigar (not shown) from becoming torn during the cutting process. The cutter portion 100 of the cutter 76 may be integrally connected to or integrally formed a part of the body portion 78 of the cutter 76 of the cutter assembly 44. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the cutter portion 100 and/or the body portion 78 of the cutter 76 may be made of a corrosion resistant material, such as but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, a ceramic material, or any other type of corrosion resistant material. Additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the cutter portion 100 of the cutter 76 may be substantially cylindrical in shape, may include a razor like edge, may include a beveled edge, may include a chamfered edge, and/or may include one or more serrations. The cutter portion 100 of the cutter 76 may be sharpenable in order to aid in extending the overall life of the cutter 76.
The cutter 76 may include a cigar receiving portion 102 having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the cigar (not shown) therein. As best seen in FIG. 5 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the cigar receiving portion 102 may extend inward into the body portion 78 of the cutter 76 toward the output shaft receiving portion 94. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the cigar receiving portion 102 may be substantially cylindrical in shape.
The cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 76 may have a diameter D1. The diameter D1 of the cigar receiving portion 102 aids in defining the diameter of the cut within the cigar (not shown) that is created by the cigar cutter assembly 10. As the cutter portion 100 of the cutter 76 engages or cuts the cigar (not shown), at least a portion of the cutter 76 will be transitioned into the body of the cigar (not shown) and at least a portion of the cigar (not shown) will be received within the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 76. Once within the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 76, the portion of the cigar (not shown) therein may be frictionally engaged with the inner surface 90 of the cutter 76. This frictional engagement between the cutter 76 and the cigar (not shown) aids in ensuring that at least a portion of the cigar (not shown) is retained within the cigar receiving portion 102 after the cutter 76 has completed the cutting operation. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the diameter D1, or the cut made by the cutter 76 of the cigar cutter assembly 10, may be 1.59 millimeters (mm) or approximately 12.7 mm to approximately 1.59 mm.
As best seen in FIG. 5 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the cutter 76 may include one or more stopper members 104 and/or a centering member 105. At least a portion of the one or more stopper members 104 may be of a size and shape to be received and/or retained within at least a portion of the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 76. The one or more stopper members 104 may be used in order to limit the overall depth of the cut made by the cutter 76 of the cigar cutter assembly 10 and may therefore aid in determining the amount of cigar (not shown) that is able to be received by the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 76. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more stopper members 104 may be substantially annular or cylindrical in shape. Additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more stopper members 104 may be integrally connected to or integrally formed as part of the body portion 78 of the cutter 76 of the cutter assembly 44.
As illustrated in FIG. 5 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more stopper members 104 may have a first surface 106 and a second surface 108. When in operation at least a portion of the cigar (not shown) cut and disposed within the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 76 may be in direct contact with at least a portion of a first surface 106 facing the cutter portion 100 of the cutter 76. This interaction between the first surface 106 of the one or more stopper members 104 and the cigar (not shown) aids in limiting the overall depth of the cut made by the cigar cutter assembly 10 into the cigar (not shown). It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the first surface 106 of the one or more stopper members 104 may be substantially flat, may have a contoured, or may have a profiled shape.
When assembled, at least a portion of the second surface 108 of the one or more stopper members 104 may be in direct contact with at least a portion of a bottom surface 110 of the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 76. Additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the second surface 108 of the one or more stopper members 104 may seal off or close off at least a portion of the output shaft receiving portion 94 in the body portion 78 of the cutter 76. As a result, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more stopper members 104 may provide a positive stop and may therefore limit the overall amount of the output shaft 50 that is received within the body portion 78 of the cutter 76. It is also within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more stopper members 104 may provide a connection between the output shaft 50 and the cutter 76 thereby aiding in fixing the cutter 76 relative to the output shaft 50. As a non-limiting example, when assembled, at least a portion of the output shaft 50 may be in direct contact with or integrally connected to at least a portion of the one or more stopper members 104. Additionally, as a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the output shaft 50 may be connected to at least a portion of the one or more stopper members 104 by using one or more welds, a threaded connection, a press-fit connection, a snap-fit connection, a pinned connection, and/or by using one or more adhesives.
In accordance with the embodiment where the cutter 76 includes a centering member 105, the centering member 105 may be disposed along the axis of rotation R of the cigar cutter assembly 10 and may extend concentric with the cutter 76. As illustrated in FIG. 5 and as a non-limiting example, the centering member 105 may extend from within the cigar receiving portion 102 to outside the cigar receiving portion 102 such that at least a portion of a first end portion 112 of the centering member 105 is disposed outward from the first end 80 of the body portion 78 of the cutter 76. The centering member 105 may be utilized in order to aid in ensuring that the cutter 76 cuts the cigar (not shown) in the desired location. The centering member 105 may also aid in preventing the cutter 76 from wobbling or swaying relative to the rotational axis R when the cutter assembly 10 is in operation. This aids in providing a cutter assembly 10 that is able to provide a clean, efficient, reliable, repeatable cut every time the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the centering member 105 of the cutter 76 may include the use of a protective cap 116. As illustrated in FIG. 5 and as a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the protective cap 116 may be selectively attachable and detachable to and from at least a portion of the first end portion 112 of the centering member 105, to at least a portion of the cutter portion 100 of the cutter 76, and/or to at least a portion of the first end portion 84 of the cutter 76. The protective cap 116 aids in preventing the centering member 105 and/or the cutter portion 100 of the cutter 76 from inadvertently cutting the user (not shown) of the cigar cutter assembly 10. When the cigar cutter assembly 10 is in use, the protective cap 116 may be detached from the cigar cutter assembly 10 and when the cigar cutter assembly 10 is not in use the protective cap 116 may be attached to at least a portion of the cutter 76.
At least a portion of the second end portion 114 of the centering member 105 may be connected to or integrally formed as part of the one or more stopper members 104 or the body portion 78 of the cutter 76. This aids in ensuring that the centering member 105 is retained relative to the cutter 76. As illustrated in FIG. 5 and as a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the second end portion 114 of the centering member 105 may be imbedded or disposed within at least a portion of the one or more stopper members 104. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the second end portion 114 may be connected to at least a portion of the body portion 78 of the cutter 76 or the one or more stopper members 104 by using a threaded connection, one or more welds, a press-fit connection, a snap-fit connection, a pinned connection, and/or one or more adhesives.
By providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to safely and efficiently cut a cigar (not shown). Additionally, by providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to create a more reliable and is able to more consistently cut a cigar (not shown) in the same location and in the same way each time that the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used.
FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional side-view of a cutter 200 of the cutter assembly 44 of the cigar cutter assembly 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The cutter 200 illustrated in FIG. 6 is the same as the cutter 76 illustrated in FIG. 5, except where specifically noted below. The cutter 200 may be used in order to cut at least a portion of a cigar (not shown).
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and as a non-limiting example, the body portion 78 of the cutter 200 may include one or more slots 202 therein. The one or more slots 202 may extend from the first end 80 of the body portion 78 of the cutter 200 into the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 200 toward the output shaft receiving portion 94. The one or more slots 202 in the cutter 200 may be of a size and shape to receive at least a portion of a cleaning tool (not shown) or the user's finger (not shown) therein. This provides the user (not shown) with an amount of access needed to clean or clear the amount of cigar (not shown) cut therefrom from within the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 200. As a non-limiting example, the cleaning tool (not shown) may be an elongated pick type member, an elongated member with a hook portion, an elongated member with a digger portion, or any other type of member capable of removing an amount of cigar (not shown) cut from the cigar (not shown) from within the cigar receiving portion 102. It is therefore to be understood that the one or more slots 202 in the cutter 200 aid in providing a cigar cutter 10 that is able to reliably and consistently cut the cigar (not shown) in the same way and in the same location each time the cigar cutter 10 is used.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side-view of a cutter 300 of the cutter assembly 44 of the cigar cutter assembly 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The cutter 300 illustrated in FIG. 7 is the same as the cutter 76 and 200 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, except where specifically noted below. The cutter 300 may be used in order to cut at least a portion of a cigar (not shown).
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 and as a non-limiting example, the body portion 78 of the cutter 300 may include one or more slots 302 therein. The one or more slots 302 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the cigar receiving portion 102 in the body portion 78 of the cutter 300. The one or more slots 302 in the cutter 300 may be of a size and shape to receive at least a portion of a cleaning tool (not shown) or the user's finger (not shown) therein. This provides the user (not shown) with an amount of access needed to clean or clear the amount of cigar (not shown) cut therefrom from within the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 300. It is therefore to be understood that the one or more slots 302 in the cutter 300 aid in providing a cigar cutter 10 that is able to reliably and consistently cut the cigar (not shown) in the same way and in the same location each time the cigar cutter 10 is used.
As illustrated in FIG. 7 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more slots 302 in the cutter 300 may not extend to the first end 80 or through the cutter portion 100 of the cutter 300. This aids in providing a substantially continuous cutting surface for the cutter 300. It is therefore to be understood that the one or more slots 302 in the cutter 300 aid in providing a cigar cutter 10 that is able to reliably and consistently cut the cigar (not shown) in the same way and in the same location each time the cigar cutter 10 is used.
FIGS. 8-10A provide a schematic illustration of a cutter 400 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The cutter 400 illustrated in FIGS. 8-10A is the same as the cutter 76, 200, and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, except where specifically noted below. The cutter 400 may be used in order to cut at least a portion of a cigar (not shown).
As best seen in FIGS. 8, 10, and 10A and as a non-limiting example, the cutter 400 may include one or more stopper members 402, a cleaning tool 404, and/or the one or more slots 302 in the body portion 78 of the cutter 400. In accordance with this embodiment of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the cleaning tool 404 may be a substantially cylindrical member that is disposed concentric with the cutter 400 along the rotational axis R. The cleaning tool 404 may include a substantially hollow interior portion 406 having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the cutter 400 therein. Additionally, at least a portion of the cleaning tool 404 may be disposed outboard form the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 400.
At least a portion of the one or more stopper members 402 may be integrally connected to or integrally formed as part of the cleaning tool 404 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. As best seen in FIGS. 9-10A and as a non-limiting example, the one or more stopper members 402 may extend from one side of the cleaning tool 404 through the substantially hollow interior portion 406 to the opposite side of the cleaning tool 404. The one or more stopper members 404 may be used in order to limit the overall depth of the cut made by the cutter 400 of the cigar cutter assembly 10 and may therefore aid in determining the amount of cigar (not shown) that is able to be received by the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 400. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more stopper members 402 may have a substantially cylindrical shape, substantially bar-like shape, substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, a substantially square cross-sectional shape, and/or a substantially polygonal shape.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 10A and as a non-limiting example, the one or more slots 302 in the cutter 400 may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the one or more stopper members 402 therein. When the cleaning tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 are disposed proximate to a first end portion 412 of the one or more slots 302, the cleaning tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 are in the first cutting position 408. Additionally, when the cleaning tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 are disposed proximate to a second end portion 414 of the one or more slots 302, the cleaning tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 are in the second cleaning position 410. As a result, it is therefore to be understood that the overall length L and location of the one or more slots 302 in the cutter 400 may aid in defining the overall depth of the cut made by the cutter 400. Additionally, it is therefore to be understood that the overall length L of the one or more slots 302 may aid in determining the ease, effectiveness, and ability of the cleaning tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 to clean out the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 400.
According to this embodiment of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, when the one or more stopper members 402 and/or the one or more cleaning tools 404 are in the first position 408 illustrated in FIG. 10, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is ready the cigar cutting position. When in the first position 408, the cutter 400 may be rotated by the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and output shaft 50 thereby cutting the cigar (not shown) until at least portion of the cigar (not shown) contacts at least a portion of the one or more stopper members 402. Once the cigar (not shown) has contacted the one or more stopper members 402, the motor 46 may be turned off by the on/off switch 67 thereby stopping the cutter 400 from rotating and cutting the cigar (not shown). At this point, the cutting process has been completed and the cigar cutter assembly 10 may be removed from within the cigar (not shown). In order to remove the amount of the cigar (not shown) cut and removed, the cleaning tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 may be transitioned from the first position 408 illustrated in FIG. 10 to the second position 410 illustrated in FIG. 10 A. As the cleaning tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 are transitioned from the first position 408 to the second position 410, at least a portion of the portion of the cigar (not shown) cut and removed from the cigar (not shown) may be transitioned out of the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 400.
By providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cutter 400 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to safely and efficiently cut a cigar (not shown). Additionally, by providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cutter 400 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to create a more reliable and is able to more consistently cut a cigar (not shown) in the same location and in the same way each time that the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used. Furthermore, by providing the cigar cutter assembly 10 with the cutter 400 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar receiving portion 102 is able to be quickly and easily cleaned by the user (not shown).
FIG. 11 provide a schematic illustration of a cutter 500 according to still yet another embodiment of the disclosure. The cutter 500 illustrated in FIG. 11 is the same as the cutter 76, 200, 300, and 400 illustrated in FIGS. 5-10A, except where specifically noted below. The cutter 500 may be used in order to cut at least a portion of a cigar (not shown).
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 and as a non-limiting example, the cutter 500 may include one or more biasing members 502. The one or more biasing members 502 may be used in order to aid in selectively transitioning the cutter 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 from the second position 410 back to the second position 408. As illustrated in FIG. 11 and as a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the first end portion 504 of the one or more biasing members 502 may be integrally connected to at least a portion of the body portion 78 of the cutter 500 at or near a bottom portion 506 of the cigar receiving portion 102 of the cutter 500. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 11 and as a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the second end portion 506 of the one or more biasing members 502 may be integrally connected to at least a portion of the one or more stopper members 402 and/or the cleaning tool 404 of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
As the cutting tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 are selectively transitioned from the first position 408 to the second position 410 by the user (not shown), the one or more biasing members 502 are loaded with an amount of energy. Once the cleaning operation has been completed, the cleaning tool 404 and/or the one or more stopper members 402 may be released by the user (not shown) allowing the energy stored within the one or more biasing members 502 to be released. As the energy within the one or more biasing members 502 is released, the cleaning tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 402 are transitioned back to the first position 408 by the one or more biasing members 502.
By providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cutter 500 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to safely and efficiently cut a cigar (not shown). Additionally, by providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cutter 500 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to create a more reliable and is able to more consistently cut a cigar (not shown) in the same location and in the same way each time that the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used. Furthermore, by providing the cigar cutter assembly 10 with the cutter 500 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar receiving portion 102 is able to be quickly and easily cleaned by the user (not shown) making the cigar cutter assembly 10 more user friendly.
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the cleaning tool 404 having one or more stopper members 602 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The cleaning tool 404 and the one or more stopper members 602 illustrated in FIG. 12 are the same as the cleaning tool and the one or more stopper members described and illustrated in relation to FIGS. 1-11, except where specifically noted below. As illustrated in FIG. 12 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the one or more stopper members 602 may extend inward from at least a portion of an inner surface 606 of the cleaning tool 404. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more stopper members 602 may have a substantially cylindrical shape, substantially bar-like shape, substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, a substantially square cross-sectional shape, and/or a substantially polygonal shape.
In accordance with this embodiment of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the one or more stopper members 602 do not extend all of the way through the interior portion 406 of the cleaning tool 404. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more stopper members 602 may be integrally connected to or integrally formed as part of the cleaning tool 404 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. As a non-limiting example, the one or more stopper members 602 may be connected to at least a portion of the cleaning tool 404 by using one or more welds, one or more adhesives, a threaded connection, a press-fit connection, a snap-fit connection, and/or a pinned connection.
The one or more stopper members 602 may be of a size and shape to be received and/or retained within at least a portion of the one or more slots 302. During the assembly process, at least a portion of the one or more stopper members 602, the cleaning tool 404, and/or the cutter 300, 400, or 500 may be elastically deformed until the one or more stopper members 602 are aligned with the one or more slots 302. Once the one or more stopper members 602 are aligned with the one or more slots 302, the one or more stopper members 602 will extend into the one or more slots thereby aiding in fixing the cleaning tool 404 relative to the cutter 300, 400, or 500.
By providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cleaning tool 404 and one or more stopper members 602 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to safely and efficiently cut a cigar (not shown). Additionally, by providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cleaning tool 404 and one or more stopper members 602 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to create a more reliable and is able to more consistently cut a cigar (not shown) in the same location and in the same way each time that the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used. Furthermore, by providing the cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cleaning tool 404 and one or more stopper members 602 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar receiving portion 102 is able to be quickly and easily cleaned by the user (not shown) making the cigar cutter assembly 10 more user friendly.
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a cleaning tool 704 and one or more stopper members 702 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The cleaning tool 704 and the one or more stopper members 702 illustrated in FIG. 13 are the same as the cleaning tool and the one or more stopper members described and illustrated in relation to FIGS. 1-12, except where specifically noted below. As illustrated in FIG. 13 and as a non-limiting example, one or more support members 706 may extend from one side of the cleaning tool 404, through the hollow interior portion 406 of the cleaning tool 404, to the opposite side of the cleaning tool 404. The one or more slots 302 may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the one or more support members 706 therein. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more support members 706 may be connected to or integrally formed as part of the cleaning tool 404 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. As a non-limiting example, the one or more support members 706 may be connected to at least a portion of the cleaning tool 404 by using one or more welds, one or more adhesives, a threaded connection, a press-fit connection, a snap-fit connection, and/or a pinned connection.
The cigar cutter assembly 10 may further include the use of one or more stopper members 702 that are received and/or retained within at least a portion of the cigar receiving portion 102. As illustrated in FIG. 13 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example at least a portion of the one or more stopper members may be connected to or integrally formed as part of the one or more support members 706. As previously described herein, the one or more stopper members 702 may provide a positive stop of the cigar (not shown) within the cigar receiving portion 102 during the cutting process. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more stopper members 702 may be substantially disc-shaped.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more stopper members 702 may have a cross-sectional shape that is defined by a diameter D2. The diameter D2 of the one or more stopper members 702 may be substantially equal to or less than the diameter D1 of the cigar receiving portion 102. As a result, the one or more stopper members 702 may substantially seal off at least a portion of the cigar receiving portion 102. This aids in ensuring that as the one or more stopper members 702 and the cleaning tool 404 is transitioned from the first position 408 to the second position 410, all or substantially all of the cigar (not shown) cut and removed from the cigar (not shown) during the cutting process is removed from within the cigar receiving portion 102 after the cleaning process has been completed.
By providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cleaning tool 404 and one or more stopper members 702 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to safely and efficiently cut a cigar (not shown). Additionally, by providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cleaning tool 404 and one or more stopper members 702 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to create a more reliable and is able to more consistently cut a cigar (not shown) in the same location and in the same way each time that the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used. Furthermore, by providing the cigar cutter assembly 10 with a cleaning tool 404 and one or more stopper members 702 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar receiving portion 102 is able to be quickly and easily cleaned by the user (not shown) making the cigar cutter assembly 10 more user friendly.
FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the cigar cutter 10 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 14 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more power sources 66 may be disposed in or may extend in a parallel arrangement relative to each other. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 14 and as a non-limiting example, the charging member 74 may be disposed proximate to a first end 801 of the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. The plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may extend substantially parallel to, substantially co-axial with, or substantially transverse to the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. Additionally, the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may open in a direction that is substantially opposite the direction to which the output shaft 50 extends from the gear assembly 48. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may open in a direction that is substantially the same as, or transverse to, the direction to which the output shaft 50 extends from the gear assembly 48.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 and as a non-limiting example, the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and the output shaft 50 may be disposed proximate a second end 805 of the one or more sources of power 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. The rotational axis R of the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and the output shaft 50 may extend substantially parallel to, substantially co-axial with, or substantially transverse to the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
By providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to safely and efficiently cut a cigar (not shown). Additionally, by providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to create a more reliable and is able to more consistently cut a cigar (not shown) in the same location and in the same way each time that the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used. Furthermore, by providing the cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to obtain a more compact and ergonomic shape for the user (not shown).
FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the cigar cutter 10 according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 15 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more power sources 66 may be disposed in or may extend in a coaxial arrangement or an end-to-end arrangement relative to each other. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 15 and as a non-limiting example, the charging member 74 may be disposed proximate to the first end 801 of the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. The plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may extend substantially parallel to, substantially co-axial with, or substantially transverse to the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. Additionally, the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may extend substantially co-axial with the axis of rotation R. Furthermore, the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may open in a direction that is substantially opposite to, or is substantially transverse to, the direction to which the output shaft 50 extends from the gear assembly 48.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 and as a non-limiting example, the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and the output shaft 50 may be disposed proximate the second end 805 of the one or more sources of power 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. The rotational axis R of the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and the output shaft 50 may extend substantially parallel to, substantially co-axial with, or substantially transverse to the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
By providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to safely and efficiently cut a cigar (not shown). Additionally, by providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to create a more reliable and is able to more consistently cut a cigar (not shown) in the same location and in the same way each time that the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used. Furthermore, by providing the cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to obtain a more compact and ergonomic shape for the user (not shown).
FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the cigar cutter 10 according to still yet another embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 16 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more power sources 66 may be disposed in or may extend in a parallel arrangement relative to each other. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 16 and as a non-limiting example, the charging member 74 may be disposed proximate to and outboard from a body portion 808 of the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. The plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may extend substantially parallel to, or substantially transverse to, the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. Additionally, the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may extend substantially co-axial with the axis of rotation R. Furthermore, the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may open in a direction that is substantially opposite the direction to which the output shaft 50 extends from the gear assembly 48. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may open in a direction that is substantially transverse to the direction to which the output shaft 50 extends from the gear assembly 48.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 and as a non-limiting example, the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and the output shaft 50 may be disposed proximate and outboard from the body portion 808 of the one or more sources of power 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. The rotational axis R of the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and the output shaft 50 may extend substantially parallel to or substantially transverse to the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
By providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to safely and efficiently cut a cigar (not shown). Additionally, by providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to create a more reliable and is able to more consistently cut a cigar (not shown) in the same location and in the same way each time that the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used. Furthermore, by providing the cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to obtain a more compact and ergonomic shape for the user (not shown).
FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the cigar cutter 10 according to still yet a further embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 17 and as a non-limiting example, the one or more power sources 66 may be disposed in or may extend in a parallel arrangement relative to each other. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 17 and as a non-limiting example, the charging member 74 may be disposed proximate to the first end 801 of the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. The plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may extend substantially parallel to, or substantially transverse to, or substantially co-axial with the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. Additionally, the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may extend substantially co-axial with the axis of rotation R. Furthermore, the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may open in a direction that is substantially opposite the direction to which the output shaft 50 extends from the gear assembly 48. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the plug-in portion 803 of the charging member 74 may open in a direction that is substantially transverse to the direction to which the output shaft 50 extends from the gear assembly 48. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 and as a non-limiting example, the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and the output shaft 50 may be disposed proximate and outboard from the body portion 808 of the one or more sources of power 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10. The rotational axis R of the motor 46, the gear assembly 48, and the output shaft 50 may extend substantially parallel to, or substantially transverse to, the one or more power sources 66 of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
By providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to safely and efficiently cut a cigar (not shown). Additionally, by providing a cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to create a more reliable and is able to more consistently cut a cigar (not shown) in the same location and in the same way each time that the cigar cutter assembly 10 is used.
Furthermore, by providing the cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is able to obtain a more compact and ergonomic shape for the user (not shown).
FIGS. 18 and 19 provide a schematic perspective view of the cigar cutter assembly 10 having a housing 900 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The housing 900 illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 is the same as the housing 12 described and illustrated in relation to FIGS. 1-17, except where specifically noted below. As best seen in FIG. 18 and as a non-limiting example, the housing 900 of the cigar cutter assembly 10 may include one or more first receiving portions 902 in an outer surface 901 of the housing 900. The one or more first receiving portions 902 in the outer surface 901 of the housing 900 may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a cleaning tool 904 therein. The cleaning tool 904 may be of a size and shape needed to clean out an amount of the cigar cut and removed from the cigar (not shown) from within the cigar receiving portion 102 after the cutting process has been completed. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more first receiving portions 902 may extend substantially parallel to the rotational axis R of the cigar cutter assembly 10.
As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the cigar cutter assembly 10 may include one or more cleaning tool retention members 906. The one or more cleaning tool retention members 906 may be used in order to retain and secure the cleaning tool 904 relative to the housing 900 when the cleaning tool 904 is not in use by the user (not shown). As a result, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the cleaning tool 904 may be interposed between the one or more cleaning tool retention members 906 and the outer surface 901 of the housing 900. As a non-limiting example, the one or more cleaning tool retention members 906 may is disposed substantially parallel to each other and/or substantially transverse to the cleaning tool 904 and the one or more first receiving portions 902 when installed on the housing 900. Additionally, as a non-limiting example, the one or more cleaning tool retention members 906 may be one or more O-rings, one or more rubber bands, one or more elastomeric members, one or more rubber members, one or more polymeric members, or any other type of member that is able to secure the cleaning tool 904 relative to the housing 900.
In order to aid in securing the one or more cleaning tool retention members 906 relative to the housing 900 and the cleaning tool 904, the housing 900 may include one or more second receiving portions 908 circumferentially extending along the outer surface 901 of the housing 900. The one or more second receiving portions 908 may be of a size and shape needed to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the one or more cleaning tool retention members 906 therein. This aids in ensuring that the one or more cleaning tool retention members 906 and the cleaning tool 904 are secured relative to the housing 900. Additionally, this aids in ensuring that the one or more cleaning tool retention members 906 do not inadvertently and unintentionally become disengaged from the housing 900, As a result, it is therefore to be understood that the one or more cleaning tool retention members 906 aid in ensuring that the cleaning tool 904 is securedly retained relative to the housing 900 at all times when the cleaning tool 904 is not in use. It is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more second receiving portions 908 may be disposed parallel to each other. Additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure and as a non-limiting example that the one or more second receiving portions 908 may be disposed substantially transverse to the cleaning tool 904 and the one or more first receiving portions 902 in the outer surface 901 of the housing 900.
According to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure (not shown) and as a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the cleaning tool 904 may be securedly retained within at least a portion of the housing of the cigar cutter assembly 10. In accordance with this embodiment of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the cleaning tool 904 may be received and/or retained within a cleaning tool receiving portion (not shown) extending into the housing. As a result, when assembled, at least a portion of the cleaning tool 904 may be disposed within the housing 900 in a manner similar to a stylus.
By providing the cigar cutter assembly 10 as described and illustrated herein, the cigar cutter assembly 10 is a self contained integrated assembly that includes a way to store the cleaning tool 904. This aids in ensuring that the cleaning tool 904 is not lost and is quickly and easily assessable to the user (not shown) when the amount of cigar (not shown) cut and removed from the cigar (not shown) during the cutting process needs to be cleaned from within the cigar receiving portion 102.
It is to be understood that the various embodiments described in this specification and as illustrated in the attached drawings are simply exemplary embodiments illustrating the inventive concepts as defined in the claims. As a result, it is to be understood that the various embodiments described and illustrated may be combined to from the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described to represent what is considered to represent the preferred embodiments. However, it should be note that this invention can be practiced in other ways than those specifically illustrated and described without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A cigar cutter assembly, comprising:

a housing;

a motor disposed within at least a portion of said housing;

an output shaft drivingly connected to said motor; and

a cutter assembly in connected to or integrally formed as part of said output shaft.

2. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, wherein said cutter assembly is operably configured to cut and/or remove at least a portion of a cigar, a rolled smoking product, and/or a compacted smoking product.

3. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a gear assembly; and

wherein at least a portion of said gear assembly is drivingly connected to at least a portion of said motor and said output shaft.

4. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 3, wherein said gear assembly is a reduction gear set.

5. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, wherein said cutter assembly is disposed entirely within said housing, wherein at least a portion of said cutter assembly is disposed within said housing and at least a portion of said cutter assembly is disposed outside said housing, or wherein said cutter assembly is disposed entirely outside said housing.

6. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cleaning tool.

7. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more sources of power; and

wherein said one or more sources of power are in communication with said motor and is operably configured to supply an amount of power needed to allow said motor to drive said output shaft and said cutter assembly.

8. The cutter assembly of claim 7, further comprising a charging member; and

wherein said charging member is operably configured to transmit an amount of electrical power from an external power source to said one or more power sources.

9. The cutter assembly of claim 7, further comprising a charging circuit; and

wherein said charging circuit is operably configured to prevent damage to said one or more power sources and/or wherein said charging circuit is operably configured to ensure and enable a safe transfer and storage of an amount of electrical power.

10. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, wherein said motor is an electric motor; and

wherein said electric motor is operably configured to rotate said output shaft at a single constant speed or is operably configured to rotate said output shaft at a variable speed.

11. The cutter assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing has a first housing member that is connected to at least a portion of a second housing member;

wherein said first housing member has a first chamber having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of said motor, a gear assembly, and/or a cutter assembly therein;

wherein said first housing member has a second chamber having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of one or more power sources and/or a charging circuit therein; and

wherein said first housing member has a third chamber having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a charging member therein.

12. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, wherein said cutter assembly has a body portion with a first end, a second end, a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion interposed between said first and second end portions;

wherein an output shaft receiving portion extends inward into said body portion from said second end of said body portion; and

wherein said output shaft receiving portion in said body portion of said cutter assembly is of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of said output shaft therein.

13. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, wherein said cutter assembly has a body portion with a first end, a second end, a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion interposed between said first and second end portions; and

wherein a cigar receiving portion extends inward into said body portion of said cutter assembly from said first end of said body portion.

14. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, wherein said cutter assembly has a body portion with a first end, a second end, a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion interposed between said first and second end portions; and

wherein said first end portion of said body portion of said cutter assembly has a cutter portion.

15. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, wherein said cutter assembly has a body portion with a first end, a second end, a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion interposed between said first and second end portions;

wherein a cigar receiving portion extends inward into said body portion of said cutter assembly from said first end of said body portion;

wherein said first end portion of said body portion of said cutter assembly has a cutter portion;

wherein one or more slots extend from an inner surface to an outer surface of said body portion of said cutter assembly; and

wherein said one or more slots provide access to said interior of said cigar receiving portion from outside said body portion of said cutter assembly.

16. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 15, wherein said one or more slots do not extend through said cutter portion.

17. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 15, further comprising a centering member; and

wherein at least a portion of a first end portion of said centering member is disposed outboard from said first end of said body portion of said cutter assembly.

18. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 17, further comprising a protective cap connected to at least a portion of said body portion of said cutter assembly and/or connected to at least a portion of said centering member of said cutter assembly.

19. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 15, further comprising a cleaning tool and one or more stopper members;

wherein said one or more stopper members are of a size and shape to be received and/or retained within at least a portion of said one or more slots in said body portion of said cutter assembly;

wherein said cleaning tool has a substantially hollow interior portion having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of said body portion of said cutter assembly therein;

wherein at least a portion of said one or more stoppers are connected to or integrally formed as part of said cleaning tool; and

wherein said one or more stopper members and said cleaning tool are selectively movable between a first cutting position to a second cleaning position.

20. The cigar cutter assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing has one or more first receiving portions in said outer surface of said housing; and

wherein said one or more first receiving portions are of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a cleaning tool therein.