EP1677633A1

EP1677633A1 - Cigar cutter device

Info

Publication number: EP1677633A1
Application number: EP04805257A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Raphaël BELAUBRE
Original assignee: Credo SA
Current assignee: Credo SA
Priority date: 2003-10-24
Filing date: 2004-10-21
Publication date: 2006-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2024-10-21
Also published as: CN1870914B; US20070089299A1; FR2861262B1; FR2861262A1; WO2005046368A1; CN1870914A; ATE470365T1; EP1677633B1; DE602004027646D1

Abstract

The device has pinions (6) and toothed portions (18, 18) for mechanically coupling a pair of scissors (1,1) in rotation around their rotational axes permitting simultaneous and symmetrical relative displacement of cutting blades (2, 2) with respect to a median axis (XX). The blades present a semi-circular profile that is concave and symmetrical with respect to the median axis. An independent claim is also included for a process of cutting a cigar.

Description

CIGAR CUTTER DEVICE

The present invention relates to a cigar cutter device and a method of cutting cigars using such a device.

The technical sector of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of devices capable of cutting cigars of various sizes and diameters before tasting them, in particular the sector of the design and manufacture of cigar cutters. with scissors.

Various cigar cutter devices of this type are known in the state of the art. First, we can find devices in which two cleavers are joined, crossed and articulated to a pivot offset relative to their cutting blades in the manner of two branches of a pair of scissors and in which the line of the cutting edge of the two cutting blades is slightly curved to prevent the cigar from sliding between them during a cutting operation.

Alternatively, there are also devices of the type described in US patent 5,937,523, comprising two blades of non-crossed cuts, that is to say articulated in rotation around a pivot at one of their ends. , the blades being optionally mounted for rotation inside a rigid protective housing comprising an orifice for introducing the part of a cigar to be cut. Said cigar part is then cut without lever of the blades on the cigar by manual pressing on the non-sharp external parts of the two blades, the device being held in the palm of the hand. This type of device has a number of drawbacks. First, with these devices, the cigar is sliced on one side rather than cut, by bringing the cutting edges of the blades on either side of the circular section of the cigar and pressing these two cutting edges into two diametrically opposite zones . Therefore the cigar undergoes a crushing before being sliced and, depending on its degree of humidity, especially if it is low, such a crushing results in a burst and tearing of its dress.

In addition, it is also very difficult with these cigar cutter devices to control and ensure a symmetrical and simultaneous relative movement of the cutting blades towards one another. Indeed, it is impossible to manually maintain a constant force of the two blades at each point of contact thereof on the circumference of the cigar as a function of the resistance opposed by it to the blades. Thus a blade in contact with a softer point of the surface of the cigar tends to penetrate more easily without this being compensated in any way by a stronger support on the other blade to allow a cut of the cigar which is simultaneous and regular by the two blades. This makes cutting more difficult and less precise. To overcome these drawbacks, devices of the type

"Guillotine", having a simultaneous movement of at least two blades have been proposed.

This type of device is described in particular in patents JP 9-289985 or FR 2397796 A. However, if these propose a simultaneous and synchronized movement of the two blades, they are devices having complex and fragile mechanics which are particularly expensive compared to cigar cutter devices comprising scissors.

These "guillotine" type devices generally consist of two blades or cleavers linked by engagement and movable in translation according to sliding links inside a rigid case comprising a hole for introducing a cigar. The blades or cleavers have an oblique or angular cutting line, in particular in the form of a chevron, relative to the direction of movement of the blades inside the case, the blades coming to obscure the orifice of the case during their moving in the slide and cutting the cigar like a guillotine.

This type of device also has a number of other drawbacks. First of all, this type of cigar cutter does not allow either, like the devices described above, to obtain a truly regular simultaneous and symmetrical cut of the cigar despite the mounting in engagement of the blades.

Indeed, a sliding of the two blades and an attack of the cigar by these effectively simultaneous during the cutting of a cigar of diameter smaller than that of the orifice of the case is very difficult because it is necessary to hold the cigar of one hand so that it is located substantially in the middle of the orifice and actuate the device with the other hand so as to set the two blades in motion and make the cut. In practice, the user of such devices with a tendency to block the cigar on an edge of the orifice of the housing so as to obtain stable support for the cigar and then to actuate the blades. Because of this, the cigar is here also rather sliced than cut, the attack of the cigar by the blades being neither simultaneous nor symmetrical, causing a harmful shearing and crushing of the cigar. In addition, another disadvantage of “guillotine” type devices resides in their own structure, which allows the introduction of pieces of cigars stuck on or entrained by the blades inside the case and in the mechanism during cutting, which over time causes an accumulation of material in the slide mechanism and blockages thereof, making the device unusable.

Also the object of the present invention is to provide a simple cigar cutter device of constitution, use and maintenance which overcomes all the drawbacks inherent in the devices known from the prior art. In particular, another object of the present invention is to provide a cigar cutter device ensuring a precise and regular cut over the entire circumference of the cigar regardless of the diameter or the degree of humidity thereof. To do this, the invention consists of a cigar cutter device comprising a pair of scissors, said scissors being superimposed and movable in rotation about an axis, each scissor comprising a gripping and actuating means and an edge forming a blade. cutting edge, said cutting blade having an internal face cooperating in a cutting plane with the internal face of the cutting blade of the other scissor, said device further comprising means for connecting the two said superimposed scissors comprising at least one connecting element at said axis of rotation.

According to the present invention, the cigar cutter device is characterized in that it comprises means of mechanical coupling of the two scissors in rotation about their said axis of rotation, said mechanical coupling means comprising at least two toothed portions integral respectively of each of said scissors and cooperating by meshing so as to allow a relative displacement of said blades simultaneous and symmetrical with respect to a median axis, said blades having a concave attack profile which is symmetrical to each other with respect to said axis median, said profile preferably being substantially semi-circular.

It is understood that said median axis according to the invention is directed along a diameter of the cigar to be cut positioned between said blades.

This cigar cutter device with scissors movable in rotation allows a perfectly controlled cut to be made thanks to said mechanical coupling means which in particular make it possible to make the scissors, and more particularly the sharp blades of these scissors, integral in their movement of cut around the cigar. This has the advantage of making the blades attack on the cigar simultaneous and regular by distributing the pressure forces of the blades around the edge of the cigar in an identical and synchronized manner.

The arrangement and the conformation of the profile of the blades advantageously allow each of the blades to perform exactly 50% of the cutting work, the cigar being cornered by the symmetrical movement of the blades against the attack profile of each of the two blades and crimped by the semi-circular shape of these, allowing a cutting attack at a maximum of points of the circumference and thus preventing any crushing and cutting of the cigar.

In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises at least one plate comprising an orifice symmetrical with respect to said median axis of the device, said orifice being preferably circular and capable of receiving a cigar, said plate being at least secured to the two scissors at their said axis of rotation and disposed against the external face opposite the cutting plane of one of said blades.

It is understood that said plate does not cover the means for actuating and gripping said scissors. The use of such a plate secured to the scissors at least at their axis of rotation advantageously makes it possible on the one hand to ensure that the movement of the two said scissors and therefore of their cutting blades is made along a horizontal plane collinear with the cutting plane of the internal surfaces of said blades, the two planes being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cigar to be cut; and on the other hand to benefit from the orifice included in said plate, a means for guiding and orienting the cigar for cutting as well as a template for determining the maximum diameter of a cigar which can be cut with the device according to the invention. More preferably, the device according to the invention comprises two said plates, each comprising a said orifice, preferably circular. In this case, each plate is arranged against the external face of one of said cutting blades and is integral with the chisel corresponding at least at its axis of rotation, the orifices of each of said plates being thus arranged opposite one of the other.

Such a structure of the device according to the invention with two plates placed externally against each of said blades makes it possible to avoid any play of said scissors and said blades longitudinally to the axis of rotation of the scissors as well as the application of torsional forces on said axis of rotation during the cutting movements of a cigar. Additionally, this makes it possible to better ensure the movement of the two so-called scissors and the cutting blades along a horizontal plane collinear with the cutting plane of the internal surfaces of said blades, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cigar.

When the cigar has a diameter which corresponds exactly to that of the said orifice of the plate, the uniformity and the sharpness of the cut over the entire circumference of the cigar are optimal.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the cigar cutter device according to the invention, said means for mechanically coupling the scissors in rotation comprise at least two toothed portions secured respectively to each of said scissors near their axis of rotation, each said toothed portion inscribing itself in a circular envelope having for center the axis of rotation of the scissors and cooperating by meshing to allow said relative displacement of the cutting blades.

The term “toothed portion inscribed in a circular envelope” is understood here to mean that the tops of the teeth of the different toothed portions are situated on a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the scissors of the device. According to a first alternative embodiment, the two said scissors have the same said axis of rotation, and one of said scissors comprises a said convex toothed portion, and the other of said scissors a concave toothed portion whose pitch diameter is greater than that of said convex toothed portion, and the device comprises two integral and superposed pinions having a common axis of rotation, preferably integral with said plate, a first pinion meshing with said convex toothed portion, and a second pinion meshing with said concave toothed portion. It should be understood here by "concave toothed portion" that the tops of the teeth of this said portion are located on a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the scissors and are oriented radially centripetally to said axis of rotation, and by "toothed portion convex "that the tops of the teeth of this said portion are located on a second circle, concentric with that of said concave toothed portion, and are oriented radially in a centrifugal manner relative to the axis of rotation.

A gear system is thus formed between the two so-called scissors of the cigar cutter device, the transformation ratio of which naturally depends on the diameter of the different toothed portions and on their number of teeth and therefore on the spacing between the axis of rotation. of the two scissors and that of the intermediate gears.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, each chisel of the device according to the invention has a separate axis of rotation and each said chisel has a convex toothed portion, each said toothed portion directly meshing with the identical toothed portion of the other chisel. In this embodiment, it will easily be understood that said convex toothed portions have the same pitch diameter equal to the distance between the two said axes of rotation of the two said scissors.

The transformation ratio then depends in this embodiment, on the diameter of the convex toothed portions, on their number of teeth and on the distance between the two scissors. Thus a major advantage of the cigar cutter device according to the invention lies in the fact that whatever the embodiment of the device chosen, the use of rotating coupling means comprising toothed portions forming a gear system allows on the one hand, to make said scissors and especially said blades integral in their movement during a cigar cutting operation, and, on the other hand, to ensure the relative movement of the blades simultaneous and symmetrical during the cutting with an equal distribution of the cutting forces of the blades on the cigar, the leverage between each scissor and the cigar being further reduced.

For the realization of the gear system of the scissors of the device according to the invention, those skilled in the art will preferably have the choice between toothed portions with straight teeth, or with helical teeth. By this is meant that the device according to the present invention is not limited to a simple type of toothing, all the embodiments are possible.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, each scissor is equipped at its non-cutting end with an actuating means of the device, said actuating means preferably comprising an orifice capable of receiving at least one finger and said blade cutting edge of a said chisel being located between the axis of rotation of said chisel and said actuating means thereof.

The term "actuating means" means for gripping the device enabling the scissors and their respective blades to be actuated so as to cut a cigar. These means can be in the form of an orifice, or ring that is found on conventional scissors, of the sewing type, but the invention is not limited to this type of means. They may for example be in the form of branches having an ergonomic bearing surface, in particular a concave internal curvature allowing digital support for actuating the scissors. In addition, this arrangement of the blades between the axis of rotation and the actuating means of the scissors provides a lever arm which reduces the effort to be exerted to ensure the cutting of the cigar and thus facilitates it.

In an alternative embodiment, said gripping and actuating means can be formed by a blunt side edge of a said chisel, said blunt edge having a thickness at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the thickness of the device.

Thus in this variant embodiment, the cigar cutter device according to the invention has the advantage of being more compact, the latter thus being able to be easily accommodated in a trouser or jacket pocket and without the risk of being hooked on the fabric. as can happen with the branches of a pair of scissors.

In an advantageous embodiment, said connection means comprise elastic connection means between said scissors. These elastic means are preferably, depending on the embodiment chosen, a compression spring or a torsion spring mounted at the axis of rotation of the scissors. These means advantageously aim to maintain said scissors in the open position when the device is at rest, but also to create a force resistant to the movement of movement of the scissors when cutting a cigar, this improving the control of the movement of the blades and of the forces. applied by the latter on the cigar and in fact the regularity of the cut.

Advantageously, temporary closing means are also provided to prevent the relative displacement of the two scissors when the device is at rest, and preferably means keeping said scissors in close position.

These means may for example consist of a hook system mounted on the scissor actuating means or any other type known to those skilled in the art, the aim being to protect the user or a third of the sharp part of the scissors when the cigar cutter is not used.

According to an additional characteristic, the cigar cutter device according to the invention comprises guide means in abutment making it possible to limit the relative displacement in rotation of each scissor. These guide means preferably comprise at least one slide which can move in at least one slide, preferably circular, said slide being integral with at least one of said scissors or said plate, and said slide being provided in the other said chisel and / or where appropriate in said plate.

These guide means in abutment, associated with the elastic connection means and with the said plate or plates advantageously serve to ensure the fluidity and the continuity of the movement of the scissors, and therefore of the blades, during a cigar cutting phase as well. that protect the blades and the scissors gear system by keeping them covered with the plate or plates during the cutting or resting phases of the device.

Finally, an additional object of the invention also consists of a process for cutting cigars using a cigar cutter device according to claim 1, in which the two said blades are moved aside and a cigar is introduced between these two blades, preferably inside an orifice provided in one of said plates, then the blades are brought together according to a simultaneous and symmetrical relative movement in order to cut the cigar, preferably using actuation means.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge on reading the following description of several embodiments and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows in perspective and exploded the various components of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 show a top view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention, respectively in the closed and open position.

Figures 4 and 5 show a top view of a first embodiment of the device and its mechanism for synchronizing the scissors according to the present invention, respectively in the closed and open position.

Figure 6 shows in perspective and exploded a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

Figures 7 and 8 show a top view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention, respectively in the closed and open position.

Figures 9 and 10 show a top view of a second embodiment of the device and its synchronization mechanism of the scissors according to the present invention, respectively in the closed and open position. With reference to FIG. 1, the cigar cutter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises:

A pair of scissors comprising a right scissor 1 and a left scissor 1 'superimposed; - Two 4 _ls 4 ₂ plates;

A double pinion 6 formed by a first single pinion 6 integral and superimposed on a second single pinion 6 ₂ ;

Means for connecting these elements, and preferably ent a bolt 8 _{l 3} 8 ₂ and two pins 9, 10 ensuring the maintenance and movement of the elements between them.

Each chisel 1, 1 ′ has an active part having an internal face _ls \ ⁷ in contact with the internal face of the active part on the other chisel, and an external face 1 ₂ , 1 ₂ ', in contact with one of the plates 4 _{l 5} 4 ₂ , as well as an actuating part essentially comprising a gripping and actuating means 3, 3', both parts being integral with each other. The active parts of the two scissors as well as the plates 4 _{l 5} 4 ₂ have a shape inscribing themselves in a portion of a disc, preferably in an eighth of a disc, that is to say whose angle at the top is between 40 ° and 60 °, preferably substantially equal to 45 °.

Each active part has a thickness less than that of the actuating means 3, 3 ', preferably a thickness substantially equal to half that of the actuating means.

In addition, each active part is entirely surfaced on its internal face 1 _1} l _t 'according to a plane P called "cutting" and comprises on the one hand two lateral edges, a first lateral edge forming a sharp blade 2, 2' and a second blunt edge 2 2, opposite to said cutting blade, and on the other hand toothed portions 18, 18 ', respectively convex and concave, located near bores 11, 11' allowing the connection of the scissors 1, 1 ' and plates 4 _l3 4 ₂ using the bolt 8 _{l 5} 8 ₂ .

The actuating means 3, 3 'are obtained in a conventional manner, preferably by making, for example, an orifice capable of receiving at least one finger in each of the scissors 1, 1', or alternatively by the blunt side edges 2 _{l 3} 2 of the active part of each scissor.

The two scissors cooperate with respect to each other by rotation about an axis passing through the holes 11, 11 'and sliding of the internal faces l _ls 1 of the right chisel 1 and the left chisel one on the other.

Due to the depth of the surfacing, substantially equal to half the thickness of the actuating means 3, 3 ', the assembly formed by the two scissors 1, 1' has a total thickness equal to that of the means of actuation 3, 3 'of each chisel 1, 1'. In a first embodiment, the scissors 1, l ′ are connected along a common axis of rotation YY ′. The displacement of the two scissors 1, 1 ′ and their respective blades 2, 2 ′ is therefore made by pivoting about this axis YY ′, according to the cutting plane P. The pivot between the two scissors is carried out with the 8 _{l 5} bolt 8 ₂ whose longitudinal axis is the axis YY 'common to the scissors 1, l'. Perforations 11, 11 ', 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ are respectively produced along the axis YY' in the right scissors 1 and left 1 'and on the plates 4 _{l 3} 4 ₂ , in order to introduce a nut 8 _{2 there} . The screw 8 _t is tightened on this nut 8 _{2 in} order to leave a clearance between the plates and the scissors which is sufficient to allow the scissors 1, l to pivot relative to the plates 4 _{l 3} 4 ₂ but preventing any clearance of said scissors and said plates longitudinally to the axis YY '.

The cutting blades 2, 2 'are symmetrical to each other with respect to an axis XX' median to the device. In addition, they are shaped according to an arc of a circle, and preferably a semicircle comprising a concave and bevelled attack profile, the inclination of the bevel extending from the internal face l _{l 5} \ towards the external face 1 ₂ , l _{2 of} said active parts of said scissors 1, 1 ′ in contact with said plate 4 _{l 5} 4 ₂ .

These cutting blades 2, 2 'are advantageously located between the axis of rotation YY' of the scissors 1, 1 'and the gripping and actuating means 3, 3' of these same scissors.

Such an arrangement of the blades 2, 2 'makes it possible to ensure a sufficient lever arm between the axis of rotation YY' of the scissors 1, 1 'and the actuating means 3, 3' to reduce the force to be exerted for make a clean and regular cut of a cigar.

Thanks to this particular conformation of the blades (, 2 ′ on the scissors 1, 1 ′, the risks of bursting and crushing of the coat of the cigar are greatly reduced, or even eliminated because the profile of each of the blades encircles and comes into contact with the cigar to be cut substantially at any point on its periphery during the blade closing movement to make the cut. In addition, the fact that the blades cross and overlap during the cigar cutting phase ensures a cut without crushing or tearing of the internal fibers of the cigar.

With reference to FIG. 1, guide means in abutment 10, 15, 15 ′ make it possible to limit the respective displacement of each scissor 1, l ′ at an angle sufficient to cut a cigar with a diameter less than or equal to the bore diameter 5 _{l 5} 5 ₂ made respectively in the plates 4 _{l 5} 4 ₂ .

These guide means in abutment preferably comprise a slide in the form of a substantially circular groove 15 'machined on the active part of each chisel 1, l', near the actuating means 3, 3 'and having as center the axis of rotation YY 'of the scissors.

The angle formed by these two slides 15_ 15 'is substantially equal to half of that formed by the active part of the scissors 1, 1', that is to say between 20 ° and 30 °, and preferably substantially equal at 22.5 °.

A pin 9 mounted tight in a bore 13 ₁ 13 ₂ made in the two plates 4 _{l 3} 4 ₂ along an axis constitutes a slide which cooperates in sliding with the slides 15, 15 ', and limits the amplitude of the movement of the scissors 1, l'. The integral connection between this pin 9 and the bores 13 _{l 3} 13 ₂ produced in the two parts of the body 4 _{l 5} 4 ₂ can be obtained for example by force, by using a pin with a diameter slightly greater than that of the bores 13 _{l 3} 13 ₂ , or by gluing, or by any other method of connection which is preferably both simple and economical. Preferably, this pin is formed by a rivet 9 around the rod of which is mounted a spacer 13 ₃ which acts as a sliding slide in the slides 15, 15 '.

According to a first alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention not shown, the slide, or pin 9, means of guiding in abutment can take the form of a lug advantageously arranged on the external faces of the active parts of each of the scissors 1, the close to the actuating means 3, 3 '. The slides, or grooves 15, 15 ′, are then machined or bored in the plates 4 _t , 4 ₂ , according to an arc of a circle of diameter equal to that of the circle described by the lug during the rotation of the scissors and center the YY 'axis.

In a second variant also not shown, the lug / slide 9 is arranged on the internal face of only one of the scissors 1, the close to the actuating means 3, 3 ', and the groove / slide 15, 15' and machined or bored on or in the internal face of the second chisel according to an arc of a diameter equal to that of the circle described by the lug 9 during the rotation of the scissors and of center the axis YY '.

With reference now to FIG. 4, the minimum spacing of the two scissors 1, 1 ′, that is to say when the actuation means 3, 3 ′ of the scissors are brought together and the scissors in a so-called “closed” position, is obtained when the left end of the groove 15 'of the left chisel arrives in abutment against the spacer 13 ₃ of the pin 9 and when the right end of the groove 15 of the right chisel 1 abuts against the spacer 13 ₃ of the pin 9. With reference to FIG. 5, the maximum spacing of the two scissors 1,

1 ', that is to say when the actuating means 3, 3' are separated and the scissors 1, l 'in a position called "open", is obtained when the right end of the groove 15' of the left scissor 1 arrives in abutment against the spacer 13 ₃ of the pin 9 and the left end of the groove 15 of the right chisel 1 abuts against the spacer 13 ₃ of the pin 9.

Beyond these two characteristic positions, closed or open, the two scissors 1, 1 ′ cannot be pivoted without damaging the device. The two plates 4 _{l 5} 4 ₂ have substantially in their middle a bore 5 _{l 9} 5 ₂ , preferably circular, and capable of receiving a cigar to be cut.

In a preferred embodiment, this bore 5 _{] 5} 5 ₂ is perfectly circular and has a diameter substantially greater than that of a cigar with a large diameter, of the order of 22 to 25 mm maximum, in order to allow cutting. of several types of cigars, more precisely, cigars of different diameters.

As described in Figures 3 and 5, when the device is in the open position, the cutting blades 2, 2 'of each chisel 1, 1' form a circle with a diameter substantially greater than or equal to that of the bore 5 _{l 9}

5 ₂ made on the two plates 4 _{l 3} 4 ₂ and its center is coincident with the latter, in order to allow the introduction of the cigar to be cut.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, when the device is in the closed position, the cutting blade 2, 2 ′ of a scissor is covered by the internal surface of the active part of the other scissor. The bore 5 _{l 5} 5 ₂ is then completely obstructed, preventing the user or a third party from being injured when the device is unused and in the closed position.

Furthermore, temporary closing means such as hooks 16, 16 ′ secured to the actuating means 3, 3 ′ keep the two scissors in the closed position when the device is not in use. These hooks are of the type present on the forceps or surgical scissors.

The device also has elastic means, preferably of the compression spring 7 type, mounted between each chisel on two lugs 17, 17 ′ produced in the active parts of these said scissors. Thus, if the operator forgets to block the two scissors using the hooks 16, 16 ', the spring automatically pushes the device back to the open position, so that the plates 4 _{l 5} 4 ₂ cover the cutting blades 2 , 2 'of the two scissors 1, 1'. These elastic means also advantageously participate in the efficiency and regularity of the cut in that they oppose forces resistant to the movements of the scissors 1, 1 ′ during a cutting phase, which allows better control of the relative movement. said scissors and cutting blades 2, 2 ′, this improving the regularity of the cutting movement and of the cutting itself.

In this first embodiment, the cigar cutter device according to the invention is equipped near its axis of rotation YY 'with means for rotationally coupling the scissors 1, 1'. With reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the straight scissor 1 comprises, in its active part near the bore 11, a portion of convex toothed wheel 18 having as its center the axis of rotation YY '. The left chisel 1 'comprises a portion of concave toothed crown 18' also having the axis of rotation YY 'at its center. More precisely, the tops of the teeth of the toothed portions 18, 18 ′ are part of a portion of a circle centered on the axis YY ′, and are oriented centrifugally to said axis YY ′ for the portion of toothed wheel 18 and a contrario centripetally relative to the axis YY 'for the portion of toothed ring 18'. The toothed crown portion 18 'is machined at the opposite end of the actuation means 3' of the left scissor ', near the bore 11', thereby also defining a hollow space 19.

A pinion 6 connects the gear wheel portion 18 and the gear ring portion 18 '. The active parts of each chisel 1, l 'being superimposed and adjusted one on the other around the axis YY' by means of the bolt 8 _{l 5} 8 ₂ , the wheel and gear portions 18, 18 'are offset relative to each other longitudinally and transverse to said axis YY'. In order to compensate for these shifts, the double pinion 6 is a double stage pinion to cooperate with said portions of toothed wheel 18 and of toothed ring 18 'and is composed of two pinions, an upper pinion

6 _X which meshes with the toothed wheel portion 18 and a lower pinion 6 ₂ which meshes with the toothed crown portion 18 'in the hollow space 19.

These two pinions 6 _ls 6 ₂ are integral with one another and pivot relative to the rigid body about an axis Y ₂ Y ′ ₂ by means of a pin 10 which is mounted in bores 14 _{l 5} 14 ₂ made on the two plates 4 _{l 9} 4 ₂ .

The number of teeth of the gear wheel portion 18 and the gear ring portion 18 'depends on the maximum spacing of the two scissors 1, l'.

In a preferred embodiment, the toothed wheel portion 18 has 5 teeth and the toothed crown portion 18 'has 5 teeth. The lower gears 6 ₂ and upper 6 _X have respectively 14 and 10 teeth.

The pitch diameter of the toothed wheel portion 18 is approximately 11 mm, that of the toothed crown portion 18 'is approximately 22 mm. The lower pinions 6 ₂ and upper 6 respectively have pitch diameters of the order of 8 mm and 4 mm. In this embodiment, the transformation ratio of the assembly is equal to 1.

The gear system formed by the toothed wheel 18, the pinions 6 ₅ 6 ₂ and the toothed ring 18 'is preferably with straight teeth, but can be helical or chevron. In a second embodiment of the cigar cutter device according to the invention shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the scissors 1, pivot it according to two clean and distinct axes of rotation Z _J Z ' _J , Z ₂ Z' ₂ , and the means for rotationally coupling the scissors 1, l 'are identical toothed portions 20, 20' situated at the end of the respective active parts of each chisel 1, 1 ', which mesh together directly, without the intermediary of a pinion. The other constituent elements are identical to the first embodiment.

With reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, the end of the active part of each chisel situated opposite the actuation means 3, 3 'near the axis of rotation Z _j Z' _{l 5} Z ₂ Z ' ₂ defines a portion of toothed wheel 20, 20 ′ having for its center the axis of rotation of the chisel Z _J Z ′ _J , Z ₂ Z ′ ₂ and of radius equal to half of the center distance “1” of the axes of rotation respective Z _J Z ' _J and Z ₂ Z' ₂ of the two scissors 1, 1 '. The active part of each chisel 1, 1 ′ being machined and surfaced over a thickness equal to half the thickness of the actuating means 3, 3 ′, each chisel is supported on a disc having the axis of rotation as its center Z _J Z ' _J , Z ₂ Z' ₂ of the chisel and a radius equal to that of the toothed wheel portion 20, 20 '. The shoulders 21, 21 'thus produced allow the scissors 1, 1' to mesh together over a height equal to the thickness of the actuating means 3, 3 '.

The scissors 1, 1 ′ pivot around two pins 22 _{l 5} 22, mounted tight in two bores 23 _{l 5} 23 ₂ produced in the two plates 4 _t 4 ₂ in the same way as in the first embodiment. These pins 22 _{l 5} 22 ₂ are preferably two rivets, the rods of which are provided with spacers 24 _{l 5} 24 ₂ which are inserted into holes made in each chisel 1, 1 'through the shoulders 21, 21' and allow pivoting the scissors by sliding the spacers around the rivet rods. The gear system thus formed is preferably with straight teeth, but can also be helical or chevron.

When using the device according to the present invention, the user introduces his fingers into the actuating means 3, 3 ', by example the thumb in one of the actuating means, the index and middle fingers in the other.

If the scissors 1, l ′ are blocked in the closed position, the user unlocks them by unhooking the temporary closing means 16, 16 ′ and opens them completely, aided by the action of the elastic means 7.

The opening 5 _{l 5} 5 ₂ is then free and the user can insert the cigar to be cut there and hold it with his free hand.

The scissors 1 are then brought together, l 'according to a rotation movement of each of the scissors 1, l' around their respective axis of rotation YY ', Z _j Z _j ', Z ₂ Z ₂ 'so as to cut the cigar.

During the cutting phase, the force exerted on one scissor is transmitted to the other scissor thanks to the gear system 6, 18, 18 ', 20, 20'. There is thus a multiplication of the efforts at the level of the means of coupling of the scissors in rotation, thus limiting the effort to be provided for exerting the cut and allowing a relative displacement of the scissors and sharp blades around the cigar which is simultaneous and symmetrical about a median axis XX 'to the device, as shown in Figures 2 to 5 and 6 to 10.

It results from such a simultaneous and symmetrical movement of the blades 2, 2 'that the cigar is firstly crimped by the blades substantially over its entire periphery, then it is cut simultaneously at any point on its circumference. This avoids any crushing or tearing of the dress of the cigar and ensures a clean and regular cut insofar as the blades 2, 2 ′ slide during cutting according to the same cutting plane P and moreover overlap one the another, thereby effecting a cutting action on more than half of a cross section of the cigar.

Once the cigar has been cut, the user blocks the scissors 1, l 'in the closed position using the hooks 16, 16'. If he forgets this last manipulation, the elastic means 7 push the scissors into the open position, so that each cutting part 2, 2 'is covered and protected by the plates 4 _X , 4 ₂ .

Claims

1. Cigar cutter device, comprising a pair of scissors (1, 1 '), said scissors being superimposed and each scissor being movable in rotation about an axis (Y-Y', Z _j -Z, Z ₂ -Z ₂ ') and comprising a gripping and actuating means (3, 3') and an edge forming a cutting blade (2, 2 ', said cutting blade having an internal face cooperating in a cutting plane (P) with the inner face of the cutting blade of the other scissor, said device further comprising means for connecting the two said superimposed scissors comprising at least one connecting element (8 _l5 8 ₂ ; 23j 23 ₂ ) at said axis (YY ' , Z _J Z _J ', Z ₂ Z ₂ ') of rotation, characterized in that it comprises mechanical coupling means (6, 18, 18 ', 20, 20') of the two scissors in rotation around their said axis of rotation, said mechanical coupling means comprising at least two toothed portions (18, 18 ', 20, 20') respectively secured to each of said scissors (1, 1 ') and cooperating by meshing so as to allow a relative displacement of said blades simultaneous and symmetrical with respect to a median axis (XX '), said blades (2, 2') having a concave and symmetrical attack profile one of the other with respect to said axis (X-X '), said profile preferably being substantially semi-circular.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one plate (4 _X> 4 ₂ ) comprising an orifice (5 _! 5 ₂ ) symmetrical with respect to said median axis (XX '), preferably circular, suitable for receiving a said cigar, said plate being at least integral with the two scissors at their said axis of rotation (YY ', Z ₁ Z ₁ ', Z ₂ Z ₂ ') and said plate being disposed against the external face ( 1 ₂ , l ' ₂ ) of one of said blades.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises two said plates (4j_ 4 ₂ ) disposed respectively against each said external face (1 ₂ , l ' ₂ ) of each said blade (2, 2'), the two said perforations (5 _{l 5} 5 ₂ ) being identical and arranged opposite one another.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each said toothed portion (18, 18 ', 20, 20') is inscribed in a circular envelope having for its center said axis of rotation (YY ', Z _j Z ' _{l 5} Z ₂ Z' ₂ ) of said scissors.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the two said scissors (1, l ') have the same said axis of rotation (YY'), and one of said scissors comprises a said convex toothed portion (18), and the other of said chisel a concave toothed portion (18 ') whose pitch diameter is greater than that of said convex toothed portion, and in that it comprises two pinions (6 _t , 6 ₂ ) integral and superimposed having the same common axis of rotation (YY '), preferably if necessary integral with said plate (4 _{l 3} 4 ₂ ), a first pinion (6 _X ) meshing with said convex toothed portion (18), and a second pinion (6 ₂ ) meshing with said concave toothed portion (18 ').

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two said scissors (1, 1 ') comprise said axes of rotation (Z _J Z' _J , Z ₂ Z ' ₂ ) distinct and each chisel comprises a said convex toothed portion (20) meshing directly with the identical toothed portion (20 ') of the other chisel.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said blade (2, 2 ') of a said chisel (1, 1') is located between said axis of rotation (YY ',' L _i 'L, Z ₂ Z' ₂ ) and said actuating means (3, 3 ') thereof, said actuating means preferably comprising an orifice capable of receiving at least one finger.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said connecting means further comprises elastic means (7) connecting between the two said scissors (1, 1 ').

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said elastic means (7) comprise a compression or torsion spring holding said scissors (1, 1 ') in the open position when the device is at rest and said device further comprising temporary closing means (16, 16 ') preventing the relative displacement of the two scissors (1, l') when said device is at rest, preferably means holding said scissors in close position.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it includes guide means in abutment making it possible to limit the relative displacement of each scissor (1, 1 '), preferably comprising at least one slide ( 9) able to move inside at least one slide (15, 15 '), preferably circular, said slide being secured to at least one of said scissors or said plate (4 _{l 3} 4 ₂ ) , and said slide being provided in the other said scissor or if necessary in said plate (4 _l3 4 ₂ ).

11. Method for cutting a cigar using a device according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the two said blades (2, 2 ') are moved aside and a cigar is introduced between the two said blades, preferably inside an orifice (5 _{l 3} 5 ₂ ) provided in one of said plates (4 _{l 3} 4 ₂ ), then said blades are brought together according to a said simultaneous and symmetrical relative movement in order to cut the cigar, preferably using said actuating means (3, 3 ').