US20120240949A1

US20120240949A1 - Multi-Purpose Lighter Apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20120240949A1
Application number: US13/052,628
Authority: US
Inventors: George Almond Spurling, III
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-21
Filing date: 2011-03-21
Publication date: 2012-09-27
Also published as: WO2012128737A1

Abstract

A multi-purpose lighter apparatus comprising a lighter and at least a cigar splitter. The lighter may comprise a lighter body and a lighter cap for emitting a flame. In a preferred embodiment, the cigar splitter may be incorporated into the lighter body. In an alternate embodiment, the cigar splitter may be incorporated into a frame, wherein the frame may be attached to or secured about at least a portion of a conventional lighter body in the form an aftermarket accessory for both disposable and non-disposable lighters. The cigar splitter may comprise two or more nested, removable, concentric housings wherein each housing has its own blade for splitting cigars of differing diameters. The functionality of the multi-purpose lighter may be further enhanced by the incorporation of one or more tools including but not limited to a clip, a light, a can opener, a bottle opener, and the like.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
Me multi-purpose lighter apparatus relates to cigar accessories such as a cigar splitter that may be used in combination with a lighter and, more specifically, to a safe and precise multi-purpose lighter apparatus for splitting a cigar or cigarillo along the length of its axis.
2. Background Art
Cigar smoking has become a popular past time during the past decade. As cigar smoking has gained in popularity, so too have the accessories utilized to cut and light cigars and cigarillos. The proper tools for cutting and lighting cigars are perceived to enhance the cigar smoking experience. For example, many experienced cigar smokers will leave the head portion of the cigar in its finished, pre-smoked state until the cigar is ready to be smoked, in order to maximize the flavor and freshness of the cigar. Before smoking, the experienced cigar smoker will cut the finished head portion (i.e. the smoking end of the cigar which is placed in the user's mouth) of the cigar with a tool to provide a clean cut. It is well known in the art of cigar cutters to provide a guillotine style cutter which is used to clip the smoking end of the cigar. It is also known to provide a tubular cutter, or punch cutter, for forming a hole or opening in the smoking end of the cigar. Both types of cutters are well known in the art, as are v-shaped cutters, all of which provide a clean cut to ensure proper circulation through the body of the cigar when smoked.
As is commonly the case, a split along the length of a cigar or cigarillo may be wanted. For various reasons, such as the insertion of flavor enhancers, easier draw, or the like, such splits are often highly desirable. However, few smokers have access to a proper tool for making such splits. Often pocket knives or razors are used, an obviously dangerous alternative practice. Further, the splits should be precisely made such that the length of the cigar or cigarillo wrapper is not distorted or unnecessarily damaged. A sloppy split can easily result in an unsmokable cigar or cigarillo. Further, the wrapper on the cigar or cigarillo may be an important flavor enhancer and ascetic feature. A poorly made split or a poorly made splitting tool can easily ruin the wrapper. With the cost of a good cigar or cigarillo often at a premium, this is an important consideration. The present apparatus provides a multi-purpose lighter apparatus that includes a splitter that is precise, safe to both user and cigar, and compact, thus eliminating the need for two or more separate items.
Many social situations may call for the use of additional functional features in addition to a lighter and cigar splitter such as but not limited to a bottle opener, a removable pocket clip, a pocket light, a can opener, and the like. It is not unusual for more that one of these additional accessories to be required in every day social situations, and thus it would be convenient to further combine one or more of these tools onto the apparatus of the present invention, thus simplifying carrying them on one's person.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an apparatus or device that has one or more of the following features, which either alone or in any combination may comprise patentable subject matter.
This invention generally relates to the attachment of smoker's tools to a cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, or pipe lighter apparatus. In another aspect, the present invention relates to smoker's tools that readily mount onto a lighter apparatus with the smokers tools being securely and functionally positioned. In still another aspect of the present invention, the tools may comprise a relatively inexpensive but useful smokers aftermarket accessory kit that preferably mounts onto what is commonly known as a disposable or throw-away lighter of the type marketed by BIC Corporation of Milford, Conn. The inventive elements may also be attached to refillable, non-disposable lighters as well such as those marketed by the ZIPPO Manufacturing Company.
The general purpose of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus, described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a combination of at least a lighter and a cigar splitter that has many novel features that result in an improved lighter and cigar splitter apparatus that is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by prior art, either alone or in combination thereof.
To attain this, the multi-purpose lighter apparatus provides a multi-purpose lighter apparatus comprising a lighter having a lighter body and a lighter cap, and a cigar splitter incorporated into the lighter body.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-purpose lighter accessory for attachment to a conventional lighter, the multi-purpose lighter accessory comprising a frame capable of attachment to at least a portion of the conventional lighter, and a cigar splitter incorporated into the frame.
The more important features of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus have only been broadly outlined so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Accordingly, it is a principal aspect of the invention to provide a portable combination lighter and cigar splitter.
One aspect of the present invention is to provide two or more housings wherein each housing comprises a hollow cylinder and a blade disposed in the center along the length of the cylinder.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a cutting edge of a first blade oriented in a plane that contains the long axis of a first housing, for cutting an outer sheath of a cigar or cigarillo of a first diameter as the cigar or cigarillo is inserted through one end of the first housing and out the other end.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a cutting edge of a second blade oriented in a plane that contains the long axis of a second housing, for cutting an outer sheath of a cigar or cigarillo of a second diameter as the cigar or cigarillo is inserted through one end of the second housing and out the other end.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a loop attached to an outer surface of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus configured to receive either a chain or a keychain.
Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for both opening up the wrapper or sheath of a cigar and lighting the cigar wherein the apparatus comprises a lighter having lighter frame and a cigar splitter attached to and/or incorporated into the lighter frame.
Still another aspect the present invention of the present invention is to split a cigar along a chosen length of its axis.
Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that is safe to use for both cigar and user alike.
Yet still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that is safe when stored.
These together with additional aspects, features, and advantages of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
in this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the multi-purpose lighter apparatus is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus. It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a multi-purpose lighter apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a magnified perspective view of an embodiment of a cigar splitter element having both a first housing and a second housing of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of another embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a magnified perspective view of another embodiment of a cigar splitter element having both a first housing and a second housing of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although a detailed description as provided in the attachments contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not merely by the preferred examples or embodiments given.
Tobacco companies make numerous types of cigars in terms of size, type, and flavor. However, all flavors are not available in all types or size. The apparatus of the present invention helps cut open a cigar so that the customer of the cigar company may smoke any flavor out of any type or size of cigar that one wishes. The present inventive apparatus provides a smoker of cigars with a compact, precise tool for splitting a cigar along its axis. The apparatus can be selectively capped in a closed position for safety. Further, the cutter does not extend beyond the boundary of the apparatus so that it is safe to use.
More specifically, the subject invention generally relates to a combination lighter and cigar splitter. As mentioned above, some users of cigars and other products for smoking find it advantageous and enjoyable to substitute the filling in premade cigars and smoke the cigar with the substituted filling. The present invention addresses this need by providing an apparatus for both splitting cigars and thereafter lighting cigars. The present invention also addresses the need to simplify the number of apparatuses for the enjoyment of substituting in cigars and smoking the substitute-filled cigar by providing an apparatus for both splitting and lighting the cigar.
The scope of the present invention includes embodiments wherein the cigar splitter is incorporated into a lighter body as generally shown in FIGS. 1-2 and an alternate embodiment where the cigar splitter is incorporated into an accessory frame that may be attached to a conventional lighter as shown in FIGS. 3-4.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a multi-purpose lighter apparatus 100 of the present invention may comprise a cigar splitter 20 incorporated into a lighter body 15 of a conventional lighter having a lighter cap 10 for emitting a flame. Such a unitary configuration may allow for a slim design that may still retain the dimensions of a conventional lighter. The cigar splitter 20 may extend through the lighter body 15 allowing a cigar, cigarillo, or other object to be passed there through while the cigar, cigarillo, or other object is cut or split along its axis.
One or more tools may also be disposed about the lighter body 15 to provide additional multi-purpose functionality of the apparatus 100. The one or more tools may include but are not limited to a clip 30, a light 35, a can opener 40, a bottle opener 45, and the like. In one embodiment, the clip 30 may be fixed to the lighter body 15 and allow for removable attachment of the apparatus 100 to a belt or other desired surface. In another embodiment, the clip 30 may be removable from the lighter body 15 and in a preferred embodiment the removable clip 30 is usable as tweezers or as an otherwise resilient retainer for manipulating and holding objects too small to be easily handled by human hands. A removable clip 30 may be retained in position on the lighter body 15 via a friction fit, a resilient arm, or any other means known within the art. The light 35 may include any light configurations known within the art including but not limited to conventional pen lights, LED lights, and the like. In a similar fashion, the can opener 40 and bottle opener 45 tools may comprises any configuration known within the art and the structures shown in FIGS. 1-2 are only to be used for illustrative purposes. Both the number of the one or more tools that may be added to the apparatus 100 of the present invention and the location of each of the one or more tools about the lighter body 15 is not essential to the present invention and should not be viewed in a manner that limits the invention to the merely exemplary configurations shown in FIGS. 1-4.
While the cigar splitter 20 is generally shown in FIG. 1, a magnified view of a preferred embodiment of the cigar splitter 20 is shown in FIG. 2. The cigar splitter 20 may comprise a plurality of housings wherein each housing has a blade therein. Each of the plurality of housings may be used to split or cut cigars of various diameters. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the cigar splitter 20 comprises a first housing 21 having a first blade 22 therein for splitting cigars and a second housing 25 having a second blade 26 for splitting cigars therein. The first housing 21 and the second housing 25 may be cylindrical in shape with the diameter of the first housing 21 being less than the diameter of the second housing 25. Such a diameter difference allows the first housing 21 and second housing 25 to be configured as concentric cylinders with the first housing 21 capable of being disposed in a nested position within the second housing 25 as shown in FIGS. 1-2. In this manner, the two housings 21,25 may each provide a blade for splitting cigars of different diameters as needed by the user. While specific sizes are not essential to the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment may comprise a first housing 21 and first blade 22 sized for splitting cigars, cigarillos, and the like having approximately one-quarter (¼) inch diameters and a second housing 25 and second blade 26 sized for splitting cigars, cigarillos, and the like having approximately one-half (½) inch diameters. Cigars and cigarillos may typically have diameters expressed as a ring gauge measurement with typical sizes including but not limited to those within the ring gauge range of 18 to 80. The scope of the present invention includes all known diameters or ring gauges and is not specifically limited to housings accommodating any particular size(s).
A blade is attached to the inside of each respective housing as shown in FIGS. 1-2 with a first blade 22 within the first housing 21 and a second blade 26 within the second housing 25. Each blade 22,26 is oriented for cutting an outer sheath of a cigar or other item as the cigar is inserted through one end of the appropriately- sized splitter housing 21,25 and out the other end. When the cigar or other item is inserted, a cut will be made along the long axis of the cigar so that the cigar may be split open and its filling replaced. When the first housing 21 is disposed within the second housing 25 in the stored or nested position, a blade recess 23 formed within the outer wall of the first housing 21 may provide room to accommodate the fixed second blade 26 of the second housing 25 in such a manner, the first housing 21 may be nested within with second housing 25 without the first housing 21 being obstructed by the second blade 26 disposed within the second housing 25.
A releasable connection 24 may be disposed between the first housing 21 and the second housing 25. Such a releasable connection 24 between the respective housings 21,25 allows for the first housing 21 to be removed from within the second housing 25 when the cigar or other item to be split is more appropriately-sized to be split by the second blade 26 that is disposed within the second housing 25. With the first housing 21 and its first blade moved, the cigar or other item may then be passed through one end of the second housing 25 and out the other end of the second housing 25 as the second blade 26 splits the outer wrapper of the cigar or other item. FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of the releasable connection 24 comprising at least one male element 24 a composed of resilient material that interacts with and releasably engages at least one complimentary female element 24 b. The at least one male element 24 a may comprise a tab or flange that interacts or engages with at least one female element 24 b such as a recess gap. With the at least one male element 24 a engaged with the at least one female element 24 h, the first housing 21 may be retained and/or secured within the second housing 25. Application of a manual force on the at least one male element 24 a may deform the resilient material of the at least one male element 24 a and disengage the at least one male element 24 a from within the at least one female element 24 b thereby allowing the first housing 21 to be removed or withdrawn from its nested position within the second housing 25. The scope for the present invention further includes the use of any other releasable connections 24 known within the art.
FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an example of another embodiment of an apparatus 100 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the present invention may also comprise a multi-purpose lighter accessory 105 that may be used in conjunction with a conventional lighter 105. The multi-purpose lighter accessory 105 may comprise any or all of the structures disclosed above pertaining to the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 having a cigar splitter 20 in an integral or unitary configuration. Most specifically, the multi-purpose lighter accessory 105 may further comprise an accessory frame 50 upon which the cigar splitter 20 and optionally one or more tools may be disposed. As with the previous embodiment, the cigar splitter 20 may comprise a plurality of housings and respective blades thereon. A preferred embodiment comprises a first housing 21 and a second housing 25 as described above. The multi-purpose lighter accessory 105 may further comprise a receiving cavity 55 shaped and capable of accepting and retaining at least a portion of a conventional lighter 105 therein. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 50 or at least the interior walls of the cavity 55 may comprise rubberized or other resilient material to provide a secure friction fit grip about a conventional lighter 105 that may be inserted therein.
As shown in FIG. 4, the scope of the present invention further includes the use of a plug 60. The plug 60 may be provided as an additional safety precaution. As the diameter sizes of the plurality of housings (and their blades therein) increase, the possibility of harm coming to an unintended object (such as a finger) inserted therein increases as well. The plug 60 or any other equivalent structure may be used to fill the cavity within the innermost, housing (e.g. first housing 21) thereby preventing another object from being inserted and coming into contact with the first blade 22. The plug 60 may be held within the first housing 21 by a friction fit, tongue in groove structures, or any other means known within the art. The plug 60 may be shallow enough to not contact the first 22 blade within the first housing 21 or, alternatively, the plug 60 may have a slit or recess therein similar to the blade recess 23 found within the outer wall of the first housing 21 that accommodates the second blade 26. Additionally, the plug 60 may comprise an additional tab 61 or any other structure known within the art to assist the user in gripping or grasping the edge of the plug 60 to thereby assist in its removal from the housing.
The embodiments of the present invention allow for a cigar splitter to be combined with a conventional lighter in a number of configurations. Additionally, one or more tools for a smoker may be disposed about the lighter as well. Such a unique apparatus within the scope of the present invention provides cuts or slits in cigars and cigarillos to allow for additional material to be inserted thereby enhancing the use of the cigars, cigarillos, and other objects. Use of the apparatus of the present invention makes changing the flavor of a cigar quick and easy. With the cigar splitter to cut open cigars having a variety of diameters or ring gauges, a lighter to smoke your new flavored cigar, and one or more tools attached to the lighter, the apparatus of the present invention provides the convenience of two or more separate instruments in one.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose lighter apparatus, comprising:

a lighter having a lighter body and a lighter cap; and

a cigar splitter incorporated into said lighter body.

2. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cigar splitter comprises:

a first housing having a first blade; and

a second housing having a second blade.

3. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first housing and said second housing are cylindrical in shape with the diameter of said first housing being less than the diameter of said second housing.

4. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 3, wherein said first housing and said second housing are capable of forming a concentric configuration wherein said first housing is capable of being disposed in a nested position within said second housing.

5. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first housing is connected to said second housing by a releasable connection when said first housing and said second housing are in said nested position.

6. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 5, wherein said releasable connection comprises at least one male element and at least one female element, wherein said releasable connection is formed by the complimentary engagement between said at least one male element and said at least one female element.

7. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least one male element is constructed of resilient material, wherein application of a manual force on said at least one male element disengages said at least one male element from said at least one female element.

8. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first housing further comprises a blade recess capable of retaining said second blade of said second housing therein when said first housing and said second housing are in said nested position.

9. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least one male element comprises two male elements diametrically opposed and said at least one female element comprises two female elements diametrically opposed.

10. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more tools incorporated, into said lighter body wherein said one or more tools are selected from the group consisting of a clip, a removable clip, a light, a can opener, and a bottle opener.

11. A multi-purpose lighter accessory for attachment to a conventional lighter, said multi-purpose lighter accessory comprising:

a frame capable of attachment to at least a portion of said conventional lighter; and

a cigar splitter incorporated into said frame.

12. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 11, why said cigar splitter comprises:

a first housing having a first blade; and

a second housing having a second blade.

13. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 12, wherein said first housing and said second housing are cylindrical in shape with the diameter of said first housing being less than the diameter of said second housing.

14. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 13, wherein said first housing and said second housing are capable of forming a concentric configuration wherein said first housing is capable of being disposed in a nested position within said second housing.

15. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 14, wherein said first housing is connected to said second housing by a releasable connection when said first housing and said second housing are in said nested position.

16. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 15, wherein said releasable connection comprises at least one male element and at least one female element, wherein said releasable connection is formed by the complimentary engagement between said at least one male element and said at least one female element.

17. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 16, wherein said at least one male element is constructed of resilient material, wherein application of a manual force on said at least one male element disengages said at least one male element from said at least one female element.

18. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 14, wherein said first housing further comprises a blade recess capable of retaining said second blade of said second housing therein when said first housing and said second housing are in said nested position.

19. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 16, wherein said at least one male element comprises two male elements diametrically opposed and said at least one female element comprises two female elements diametrically opposed.

20. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 11, further comprising one or more tools incorporated, into said frame wherein said one or more tools are selected from the group consisting of a clip, a removable clip, a light, a can opener, and a bottle opener.