EP1677633B1 - Cigar cutter device - Google Patents

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

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

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

Various cigar cutters of this type are known in the state of the art. First, there are devices in which two cleats are joined, crossed and articulated to a pivot offset from their cutting blades in the manner of two branches of a pair of scissors and in which the cutting edge of the two cutting blades are slightly curved to prevent slipping of the cigar between them during a cutting operation.

Alternatively, there are also devices of the type described in the patent US 5, 937, 523 , comprising two blades of cross sections, that is to say articulated in rotation about a pivot at one of their ends, the blades being rotatably mounted within a rigid protective housing having an orifice for introducing the portion of a cigar to be cut. Said cigar section is then cut without lever blades on the cigar by manual support on the outer parts of the two blades not sharp, the device standing in the palm of the hand.

This type of device has a number of disadvantages. In the first place, 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 in two diametrically opposed zones. . As a result, the cigar undergoes crushing before being sliced and, depending on its degree of humidity, especially if it is low, such crushing results in bursting and tearing of his dress.

In addition, it is also very difficult with these cigar cutters to control and ensure symmetrical and simultaneous relative movement of the cutting blades towards one another. Indeed, it is impossible to manually maintain a constant effort of the two blades at each point of contact thereof on the circumference of the cigar according to 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 both blades. This makes cutting more difficult and less accurate.

To overcome these drawbacks, devices of the "guillotine" type, having a simultaneous movement of at least two blades have been proposed.

This type of device is particularly described in the patents JP 9-289985 or FR 2397796 A .

However, if they propose a simultaneous and synchronized movement of the two blades, they are devices with a complex and fragile mechanics that are particularly expensive compared to cigar cutters with scissors.

These devices of the "guillotine" type generally consist of two blades or cleats linked by engagement and movable in translation along slide links inside a rigid housing having a cigar introduction port. The blades or cleavers have an oblique or angular cutting edge, in particular in the form of a chevron, with respect to the direction of movement of the blades inside the casing, the blades coming to conceal the orifice of the casing at their moving in the slide and cutting the cigar in the guise of a guillotine.

This type of device also has a number of other disadvantages.

Firstly, this type of cigar cutter also does not allow, like the devices described above, to obtain a really regular cut simultaneous, and symmetrical cigar despite mounting engagement blades.

Indeed, a sliding of the two blades and a cigar attack by them actually simultaneous when cutting a cigar diameter smaller than that of the orifice of the housing is very difficult because it must necessarily hold the cigar of a hand so that it is located substantially in the middle of the hole and operate the device with the other hand so as to put the two blades in motion and perform the cut. In practice, the user of such devices tend to block the cigar on an edge of the housing orifice so as to obtain a stable support of the cigar and to actuate the blades. As a result, the cigar is here rather sliced than cut, the attack of the cigar by the blades being not 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 cigar glued on or driven by the blades inside the housing and in the mechanism during cutting, which causes over time accumulation of material in the sliding mechanism of the blades and blockages thereof, making the device unusable.

Also the object of the present invention is to provide a simple cigar cutter device for constitution, use and maintenance that overcomes all the disadvantages inherent in the known devices of the prior art.

In particular, another object of the present invention is to provide a cigar cutter device ensuring a precise and regular cut across the circumference of the cigar regardless of the diameter or the degree of humidity thereof.

To this end, the invention consists of a cigar-cutter device comprising a pair of scissors, said scissors being superimposed and rotatable about an axis, each scissors having a gripping and actuating means and an edge forming a blade cutting blade, said cutting blade having an inner face cooperating along a cutting plane with the internal face of the cutting blade of the other chisel, said device further comprising connecting means of said two superimposed scissors comprising at least one connecting element at said axis of rotation.

According to the present invention, the cigar-cutting device is characterized in that it comprises means for mechanically coupling the two scissors in rotation around their said axis of rotation, said mechanical coupling means comprising at least two integral toothed portions. 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 and symmetrical to each other with respect to said axis median, said profile being preferably substantially semicircular.

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

This device cigar cutter with rotating movable scissors makes it possible to achieve a perfectly controlled cut by means of said mechanical coupling means which make it possible in particular to make the scissors, and more particularly the sharp blades of these scissors, integral in their movement. cut around the cigar.

This has the advantage of making the attack of the blades on the cigar simultaneous and regular by distributing the pressure forces of the blades on the perimeter of the cigar in an identical and synchronized manner.

The arrangement and 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 semicircular shape thereof, allowing a cutting attack at a maximum of points of the circumference and thus preventing crushing and slicing 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 central axis of the device, said orifice being preferably circular and adapted to receive a cigar, said plate being at least integral with two scissors at their said axis of rotation and disposed against the outer face opposite to the cutting plane of one of said blades.

It is understood that said plate does not cover the actuating and gripping means of said scissors

The use of such a plate secured to scissors at least at their axis of rotation advantageously allows firstly to ensure that the movement of said two scissors and therefore their cutting blades is in a horizontal plane collinear to cutting plane of the inner surfaces of said blades, the two planes being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cigar to be cut; and secondly to benefit from the orifice in said plate, a guiding and orientation means of the cigar for cutting and a template for determining the maximum diameter of a cigar that can be cut with the device according to the invention.

More preferably, the device according to the invention comprises two said plates each having a said orifice, preferably circular. In this case, each plate is disposed against the outer face of one of said cutting blades and is integral with the corresponding chisel at least at its axis of rotation, the orifices of each of said plates being arranged in this way. one of the other.

Such a structure of the device according to the invention with two plates placed externally against each of said blades avoids any play of said scissors and said blades longitudinally to the axis of rotation of the scissors and the application of torsional forces on said axis of rotation during cutting movements of a cigar. Additionally, this makes it possible to better ensure the movement of the two said scissors and cutting blades in a horizontal plane collinear with the plane of section 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 said orifice of the plate, the uniformity and sharpness of the cut around 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 mechanical coupling of the scissors in rotation comprise at least two integral toothed portions respectively of each of said scissors near their axis of rotation, each said toothed portion forming a circular envelope having the center of the axis of rotation of the scissors and cooperating by meshing to allow said relative displacement of the cutting blades.

Here is meant by "toothed portion in a circular envelope" that the tops of the teeth of the different tooth portions are located on a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the scissors of the device.

According to a first variant embodiment, said two scissors have a 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 primitive 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 tooth portion" that the tops of the teeth of 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 "toothed portion convex "that the tops of the teeth of said portion are located on a second circle, concentric with that of said concave toothed portion, and are oriented radially centrifugally with respect to the axis of rotation.

Thus a gear system is formed between the two so-called scissors of the cigar-cutting device, whose transformation ratio 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. scissors and intermediate gears.

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

The conversion ratio then depends in this embodiment, the diameter of the convex tooth portions, their number of teeth and the spacing 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 makes it possible to on the one hand, to render said scissors and especially said blades integral in their movement during a cutting operation of a cigar, and, on the other hand, to ensure the relative displacement of the blades simultaneously and symmetrically during the cutting with equal distribution of cutting forces of the blades on the cigar, the leverage between each chisel and the cigar being further decreased.

For the realization of the scissors gear system of the device according to the invention, the skilled person will have the choice preferably between toothed portions with straight teeth, or with helical teeth. This means that the device according to the present invention is not limited to a simple type of teeth, all embodiments are possible.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, each chisel is equipped at its non-cutting end with means for actuating the device, said actuating means preferably comprising an orifice adapted to receive 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 gripping the device for operating the scissors and their respective blades so as to cut a cigar. These means may be in the form of an orifice, or ring 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 a digital support for operating 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 required to ensure the cutting of the cigar and thus facilitates it.

In an alternative embodiment, said gripping and actuating means may 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 can thus be easily housed in a pants pocket or jacket and without risk of addiction with the fabric as may occur with the branches of a pair of scissors.

In an advantageous embodiment, said connecting means comprise elastic connection means between said scissors.

These elastic means are preferably, according to the embodiment chosen, a compression spring or a torsion spring mounted at the axis of rotation of the scissors. These means are advantageously intended to keep said scissors in the open position when the device is at rest but also to create a force resistant to the movement of approaching the scissors when cutting a cigar, thereby improving the control of blade movement and efforts applied by the latter on the cigar and in fact the regularity of the cut.

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

These means may for example consist of a system of hooks mounted on the actuating means of the scissors or any other type known to those skilled in the art, the purpose being to protect the user or one-third of the cutting edge of the scissors when the cigar cutter is not in use.

According to an additional feature, the cigar cutter device according to the invention comprises abutment guide means for limiting the relative displacement in rotation of each chisel. These guide means preferably comprise at least one slide that can move in at least one slide, preferably circular, said slide being secured to 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 abutment guide means, associated with the elastic connection means and with said plate or plates, serve advantageously to ensure the fluidity and continuity of the movement of the scissors, and therefore the blades, during a cutting phase of a cigar as well as to protect the blades and the gear system of the scissors by keeping them covered with the plate or plates during the cutting or rest phases of the device.

Finally, a further object of the invention also consists of a cigar cutting process using a cigar cutter device according to claim 1, in which the two said blades are separated and a cigar inserted between these two blades, preferably within an orifice provided in one of said plates, then the blades are brought together in a simultaneous and symmetrical relative movement to achieve the cutting of the cigar, preferably by means of actuating means.

• La figure 1 représente en perspective et en éclaté les différents éléments constitutifs d'un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif selon la présente invention.
• Les figures 2 et 3 représentent en vue de dessus un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif selon la présente invention, respectivement en position fermée et ouverte.
• Les figures 4 et 5 représentent en vue de dessus un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif et son mécanisme de synchronisation des ciseaux selon la présente invention, respectivement en position fermée et ouverte.
• La figure 6 représente en perspective et en éclaté un second mode de réalisation du dispositif selon la présente invention.
• Les figures 7 et 8 représentent en vue de dessus un second mode de réalisation du dispositif selon la présente invention, respectivement en position fermée et ouverte.
• Les figures 9 et 10 représentent en vue de dessus un second mode de réalisation du dispositif et son mécanisme de synchronisation des ciseaux selon la présente invention, respectivement en position fermée et ouverte.

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:

• The figure 1 represents in perspective and exploded the various elements constituting a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
• The Figures 2 and 3 represent a top view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention, respectively in closed and open position.
• The Figures 4 and 5 are a top view of a first embodiment of the device and its scissor synchronization mechanism according to the present invention, respectively in closed and open position.
• The figure 6 represents in perspective and exploded a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
• The Figures 7 and 8 represent a top view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention, respectively in closed and open position.
• The Figures 9 and 10 represent a top view of a second embodiment of the device and its scissor synchronization mechanism according to the present invention, respectively in closed and open position.

• Une paire de ciseaux comprenant un ciseau droit 1 et un ciseau gauche 1' superposés;
• Deux plaques 4₁, 4₂ ;
• Un double pignon 6 formé par un premier pignon simple 6₁ solidaire et superposé à un deuxième pignon simple 6₂ ;
• Des moyens de liaisons de ces éléments, et préférentiellement un boulon 8₁, 8₂ et deux goupilles 9, 10 assurant le maintien et le déplacement des éléments entre eux.

By reference to the figure 1 , the cigar cutter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises:

• A pair of scissors comprising a straight chisel 1 and a left chisel 1 'superimposed;
• Two plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ ;
• A double pinion 6 formed by a first single pinion 6 ₁ integral and superimposed on a second single pinion 6 ₂ ;
• Connecting means of these elements, and preferably a bolt 8 ₁ , 8 ₂ and two pins 9, 10 ensuring the maintenance and movement of the elements together.

Each chisel 1, 1 'has an active part having an inner face 1 ₁ , 1 ₁ ' in contact with the inner face of the active part of the other scissor, and an outer face 1 ₂ , 1 ₂ ', in contact with one of the plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , and an actuating portion comprising essentially 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 ₁ , 4 ₂ have a shape forming part of a disk portion, preferably in one eighth of a disk, ie the angle at the vertex is between 40 ° and 60 °, preferably substantially equal to 45 °.

Each active portion 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 inner face 1 ₁ , 1 ₁ 'according to a plane P said "cutting" and comprises on the one hand two side edges, a first lateral edge forming a cutting blade 2, 2' and a second blunt edge 2 ₁ , 2 ' ₁ , opposite to said cutting blade, and secondly toothed portions 18, 18', respectively convex and concave, located near bores 11, 11 'allowing binding of the scissors 1, 1 'and the plates 4 _1, 4 ₂ with the bolt 8 _1, 8 _2.

The actuating means 3, 3 'are obtained in a conventional manner, preferably by producing for example an orifice adapted to receive at least one finger in each of the scissors 1, 1', or alternatively by the blunt side edges 2 ₁ , 2 ' ₁ of the active part of each chisel.

The two scissors cooperate relative to one another by rotation about an axis passing through the holes 11, 11 'and sliding of the inner faces 1 ₁ , 1' ₁ of the right chisel 1 and the left chisel 1 '1 one on the other.

Because of 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 actuating 3, 3 'of each chisel 1, 1'.

In a first embodiment, the scissors 1, 1 '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 pivoted about this axis YY ', according to the section plane P.

The pivot between the two scissors is made of bolt 8 ₁ , 8 ₂ , the longitudinal axis of which is the axis YY 'common to the scissors 1, 1'. Punctures 11,11 ', 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ are respectively made along the axis YY' in the right scissors 1 and left 1 'and on the plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , in order to introduce a nut 8 ₂ . The tightening of the screw 8 ₁ is done 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, 1 'to pivot relative to the plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ but preventing any set 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 others, they are shaped according to an arc of a circle, and preferably a semicircle having a concave and bevelled attack profile, the inclination of the bevel extending from the inner face 1 ₁ , 1 ' ₁ towards the face external 1 ₂ , 1 ' _{2 of} said active parts of said scissors 1, 1' in contact with said plate 4 ₁ , 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 'ensures a sufficient lever arm between the axis of rotation YY' of the scissors 1, 1 'and the actuating means 3, 3' to reduce the effort to exert 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 risk of bursting and crushing of the cigar gown are greatly diminished, see deleted because the profile of each of the blades encircles and comes into contact with the cigar to cut substantially at any point of its periphery during the closing movement of the blades to make the cut. In addition, the fact that the blades intersect and overlap during the cutting phase of the cigar ensures a cut without crushing or tearing of the internal fibers of the cigar.

By reference to the Figure 1 , abutment guide means 10, 15, 15 'make it possible to limit the respective displacement of each chisel 1, 1' to an angle sufficient to cut a cigar with a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of bores 5 ₁ , ₂ respectively made in the plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ .

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

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

A pin 9 mounted tightly in a bore 13 ₁ , 13 ₂ made in the two plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ along an axis Y ₁ Y ' ₁ constitutes a slide which cooperates in sliding with the slides 15, 15', and limits the amplitude of the displacement of the scissors 1, 1 '.

The integral connection between this pin 9 and the bores 13 ₁ , 13 ₂ made in the two parts of the body 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ can be obtained for example by force, using a pin diameter slightly greater than that of the bores 13 ₁ , 13 ₂ , or by gluing, or by any other mode 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 sliding slide in the slides 15, 15 '.

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

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

By reference now to the figure 4 , the minimum separation of the two scissors 1, 1 ', ie when the actuating means 3, 3' of the scissors are close together and the scissors in a so-called "closed" position, is obtained when the left end the groove 15 'of the left chisel 1' comes into abutment against the spacer 13 ₃ of the pin 9 and that the right end of the groove 15 of the straight chisel 1 comes into abutment against the spacer 13 ₃ of the pin 9 .

By reference to the figure 5 , the maximum spacing of the two scissors 1, 1 ', that is to say when the actuating means 3, 3' are spaced apart and the scissors 1, 1 'in a position called "open", is obtained when the right end of the groove 15 'of the left chisel 1' abuts against the spacer 13 ₃ of the pin 9 and that the left end of the groove 15 of the straight chisel 1 abuts against the spacer 13 ₃ of the pin 9.

Beyond these two characteristic positions, closed or open, one can not rotate the two scissors 1, 1 'without damaging the device.

The two plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ comprise substantially in their middle a bore 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , preferably circular, and adapted to receive a cigar cut.

In a preferred embodiment, this bore 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ is perfectly circular and has a diameter substantially greater than that of a large diameter cigar, of the order of 22 to 25 mm maximum, to allow cutting several types of cigars, more specifically, cigars of different diameters.

As described on Figures 3 and 5 When the device is in the open position, the cutting blades 2, 2 'of each blade 1, 1' form a circle of diameter greater than or substantially equal to that of the bore 5 _1, 5 ₂ formed on the two plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ and its center is confused with the latter, to allow the introduction of the cigar to cut.

By reference to Figures 2 and 4 when the device is in the closed position, the cutting blade 2, 2 'of a chisel is covered by the inner surface of the active part of the other chisel. The bore 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ is then completely obstructed, preventing the user or a third party from getting injured when the device is not in use and in the closed position.

Moreover, temporary closing means such as hooks 16, 16 'integral with the actuating means 3, 3' hold the two scissors in the closed position when the device is not used. These hooks are of the type of those present on surgical tongs or scissors.

The device also has elastic means, preferably of the compression spring type 7, mounted between each chisel on two lugs 17, 17 'made in the active parts of said scissors. Thus, if the operator forgets to block the two scissors using the hooks 16, 16 ', the spring automatically pushes the device in the open position, so that the plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ cover the cutting blades 2 , 2 'of the two scissors 1, 1'.

These elastic means also advantageously contribute to the efficiency and the regularity of the cut in that they oppose forces resistant to displacements of the scissors 1, 1 'during a cutting phase, which makes it possible to better control the relative movement said scissors and cutting blades 2, 2 ', this improving the regularity of the cutting movement and the cut itself.

In this first embodiment, the cigar cutter device according to the invention is equipped in the vicinity of its axis of rotation YY 'of coupling means in rotation of the scissors 1, 1'.

By reference to figures 1 , 4 and 5 , the straight chisel 1 comprises in its active portion near the bore 11 a convex toothed portion 18 having the center of the axis of rotation YY '. The left chisel 1 'comprises for its part a concave toothed crown portion 18' also having as its center the axis of rotation YY '.

More specifically, the tops of the teeth of the toothed portions 18, 18 'are inscribed in a portion of a circle centered on the axis YY', and are oriented centrifugally to said axis YY 'for the toothed gear portion 18 and a contrario centripetally with respect to the axis YY 'for the ring gear portion 18'.

The toothed crown portion 18 'is machined at the opposite end of the actuating means 3' of the left chisel 1 ', close to the bore 11', thereby also defining a hollow space 19.

A pinion 6 connects the gear portion 18 and the ring gear portion 18 '.

The active parts of each chisel 1, 1 'being superimposed and fitted one over the other about the axis YY' by means of the bolt 8 ₁ , 8 ₂ , the toothed wheel and crown portions 18, 18 'are offset relative to each other longitudinally and transversely to said axis YY'.

In order to compensate for these offsets, the double gear 6 is a double stepped gear to cooperate with said toothed gear 18 and toothed crown portions 18 'and is composed of two pinions, an upper gear 6 ₁ which meshes with the toothed gear portion 18 and a lower gear 6 ₂ which meshes with the ring gear portion 18 'in the hollow space 19.

These two pinions 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ are integral with each other and pivot relative to the rigid body about an axis Y ₂ Y ' ₂ through a pin 10 which is mounted in bores 14 ₁ , 14 ₂ made on the two plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ .

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

In a preferred embodiment, the gear portion 18 has 5 teeth and the ring gear portion 18 'has 5 teeth. The lower gears 6 ₂ and upper 6 ₁ respectively comprise 14 and 10 teeth.

The pitch diameter of the gear portion 18 is about 11 mm, that of the ring gear portion 18 'is about 22 mm. The lower gears 6 ₂ and upper 6 ₁ respectively have pitch diameters of the order of 8 mm and 4 mm.

In this embodiment, the transformation ratio of the set is equal to 1.

The gear system formed by the toothed wheel 18, the pinions 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ and the ring gear 18 'is preferably straight toothed, but may be helical or chevron toothing.

In a second embodiment of the cigar cutter device according to the invention shown in FIGS. Figures 6 to 10 the scissors 1, 1 'are pivoted along two distinct and distinct axes of rotation Z ₁ Z' ₁ , Z ₂ Z ' ₂ , and the rotational coupling means of the scissors 1, 1' are toothed portions 20, 20 ' at the end of the respective active parts of the each chisel 1, 1 ', which meshes together directly, without the intermediary of a pinion. The other constituent elements are identical to the first embodiment.

By reference to Figures 6 to 10 , the end of the active part of each chisel located opposite the actuating means 3, 3 'close to the axis of rotation Z ₁ Z' ₁ , Z ₂ Z ' ₂ defines a gear portion 20, 20 'centered on the axis of rotation of the chisel Z ₁ Z' ₁ , Z ₂ Z ' ₂ and having a radius equal to half the spacing "1" of the respective axes of rotation Z ₁ Z' ₁ and Z ₂ Z ' ₂ of the two scissors 1, 1'.

The active part of each chisel 1, 1 'being machined and surfaced to a thickness equal to half the thickness of the actuating means 3, 3', each chisel is supported on a disc having the center of rotation axis Z ₁ Z _'11 Z ₂ Z' ₂ of the chisel and a radius equal to that of the portion of gear 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 ₁ , 22 ₂ tightly mounted in two bores 23 ₁ , 23 ₂ made in the two plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ in the same way as in the first embodiment. These pins 22 ₁ , 22 ₂ are preferably two rivets whose rods are provided with spacers 24 ₁ , 24 ₂ which fit into holes made in each chisel 1, 1 'through the shoulders 21, 21' and allow the pivoting of the scissors by sliding spacers around the rods of the rivets.

The gear system thus formed is preferably straight-toothed, but may also be helical or herringbone.

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 finger in the other.

If the scissors 1, 1 'are locked in the closed position, the user unblocks them by unhooking the temporary closing means 16, 16' and opens them completely, aided by the action of the elastic means 7.

The orifice 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ is then free and the user can introduce the cigar cut and hold the latter with his free hand.

The scissors 1, 1 'are then brought together in a rotational movement of each of the scissors 1, 1' around their respective axes of rotation YY ', Z ₁ Z ₁ ', Z ₂ Z ₂ 'so as to make a cut of cigar.

During the cutting phase, the force exerted on one chisel is transmitted to the other chisel thanks to the gear system 6, 18, 18 ', 20, 20'. This results in a reduction of the forces at the coupling means of the scissors in rotation, thus limiting the effort required to perform the cutting and allowing a relative movement of the scissors and cutting blades around the cigar which is simultaneous and symmetrical about an axis XX 'median 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 first crimped by the blades substantially over its entire periphery, then it is cut simultaneously at any point of its circumference. This avoids any crushing or tearing of the cigar dress and ensures a clean and regular cut insofar as the blades 2, 2 'slide during cutting on the same plane of section P and moreover overlap one the another, performing in this way a cutting action on more than half of a cross section of the cigar.

Once the cigar cut, the user blocks the scissors 1, 1 'in the closed position with the hooks 16, 16'.

If he forgets this last manipulation, the elastic means 7 pushes the scissors open, so that each cutting portion 2, 2 'is covered and protected by the plates 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ .

Claims (11)

1. A cigar-cutter device comprising a pair of blades (1, 1'), said blades being superposed, and each blade being movable in pivoting about an axis (YY', Z₁Z₁', Z₂Z₂') and including handle and drive means (3, 3') and a sharp edge (2, 2'), said sharp edge presenting an inside face co-operating in a cutting plane (P) with the inside face of the cutting edge of the other blade, said device further comprising means for connecting together said two superposed blades, comprising at least one connection element (8₁, 8₂; 23₁, 23₂) located at said pivot axis (YY', Z₁Z₁', Z₂Z₂'),
   the device being characterized in that it includes mechanical coupling means (6, 18, 18', 20, 20') for coupling pivoting of the two blades about their said respective pivot axes, said mechanical coupling means comprising at least two toothed portions (18, 18', 20, 20') secured respectively to each of said blades (1, 1'), and co-operating by meshing in such a manner as to enable said blades to move simultaneously and symmetrically about a middle axis (XX'), said sharp edges (2, 2') presenting respective leading profiles that are concave and symmetrical to each other about said axis (XX'), said profiles preferably being substantially semicircular.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one plate (4₁, 4₂) including an orifice (5₁, 5₂) that is symmetrical about said middle axis (XX') and that is preferably circular, being suitable for receiving a said cigar, said plate being secured to the two blades at least via their said pivot axis (or axes) (YY', Z₁Z₁', Z₂Z₂'), and said plate being disposed against the outside face (1₂, 1'₂) of one of said blades.
3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that it has two of said plates (4₁, 4₂) placed respectively against each of said outside faces (1₂, 1'₂) of each of said blades (1, 1'), said two orifices (5₁, 5₂) being identical and placed in register with each other.
4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each said toothed portion (18, 18', 20, 20') is inscribed in a circular envelope centered on said pivot axis (or axes) (YY', Z₁Z'₁, Z₂Z'₂) of said blades.
5. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that said two blades (1, 1') have a common said pivot axis (YY'), and one of said blades has a said toothed portion that is convex (18), and the other of said blades has a toothed portion that is concave (18'), with a pitch circle diameter greater than that of said convex toothed portion, and in that it includes two gearwheels (6₁, 6₂) that are secured to each other and superposed, sharing a common axis of rotation (Y₂Y'₂), preferably where appropriate secured to said plate (4₁, 4₂), a first gearwheel (6₁) meshing with said convex toothed portion (18) and a second gearwheel (6₂) meshing with said concave toothed portion (18').
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said two blades (1, 1') have respective distinct ones of said pivot axes (Z₁Z'₁, Z₂Z'₂), and each blade includes a said toothed portion that is convex (20) meshing directly with the identical toothed portion (20') of the other blade.
7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said sharp edge (2, 2') of a said blade (1, 1') is situated between said pivot axis (YY', Z₁Z'₁, Z₂Z'₂) and said drive means (3, 3') thereof, said drive means preferably including an orifice suitable for receiving at least one digit.
8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said connection means further comprise resilient connection means (7) between said two blades (1, 1').
9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that said resilient means (7) comprise a compression or torsion spring holding said blades (1, 1') in an open position when the device is at rest, and said device further includes temporary closure means (16, 16') preventing relative displacement of the two blades (1, 1') when said device is at rest, preferably means for holding said blades in a close-together position.
10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it includes abutment guide means enabling the relative displacement of each blade (1, 1') to be limited, preferably comprising at least one slider (9) suitable for moving in at least one slideway (15, 15') that is preferably circular, said slider being secured to at least one of said blades or said plate (4₁, 4₂), and said slideway being provided in the other one of said blades or where appropriate in said plate (4₁, 4₂).
11. A method of cutting a cigar using a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which said two sharp edges (2, 2') are spaced apart and a cigar is inserted between said two edges, preferably inside an orifice (5₁, 5₂) provided in one of said plates (4₁, 4₂), and then said edges are moved towards each other by imparting said simultaneous and symmetrical relative displacement so as to cut the cigar, preferably with the help of said drive means (3, 3').

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