Glow-in-the-Dark Cigar Splitter with Size-Adaptable Sleeve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cigar smokers lack a safe and precise tool for making length-wise splits in cigar wrappers, often resorting to dangerous methods like pocket knives, which can damage the cigar and result in an unsmokable product.
Innovation Solution
A size-adaptable cigar splitting device with a removable sleeve and a glow-in-the-dark blade, allowing for safe and precise splitting of cigar wrappers, capable of cutting through packaging and accommodating various cigar diameters, and optionally featuring a lanyard attachment for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pocket knife or razor is used to split cigar wrappers, then the user can make splits, but the method is dangerous and can damage the cigar resulting in an unsmokable product
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the splitting function into a dedicated tool with a fixed blade geometry that is specifically shaped for splitting cigar wrappers lengthwise, separating this function from general-purpose cutting tools like pocket knives. The segmented design includes a handle and blade assembly that can be precisely controlled for splitting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device - a dedicated splitter tool with a specifically shaped blade - that mediates between the user's splitting action and the cigar wrapper. This intermediary tool is designed with a blade geometry that safely splits wrappers lengthwise without damaging the cigar contents, unlike direct use of pocket knives.
2Reliability
If a dedicated splitter tool is designed, then safety and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential splitting function from complex cutting tools and creates a simplified dedicated device. The splitter tool isolates the blade geometry specifically for splitting operations, removing unnecessary features from general-purpose tools while maintaining safety and precision for the specific task of splitting cigar wrappers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-functional tool and simplifying it, the patent inverts the approach by creating a simple dedicated splitter that is specifically designed for one function. The blade geometry is inverted from general cutting shapes to a specific splitting shape that safely separates wrapper material from cigar contents.
3Reliability
If the splitter blade is made visible in low-light conditions, then user safety is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change properties to the blade or handle of the splitter tool, using photoluminescent or fluorescent materials that change their optical properties in response to light exposure. The blade or handle appears dark in normal lighting but glows or becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet or visible light in low-light conditions, improving user safety without complex manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the blade or handle material based on lighting conditions. By using materials whose physical or chemical properties change in response to light exposure, the blade becomes visible in low-light conditions through parameter changes in its optical properties, such as luminescence or fluorescence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a safe, precise, and convenient method for splitting cigars, preventing injury and maintaining the integrity of the cigar, while allowing users to refill or change the tobacco content easily, even in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more exterior surfaces fabricated at least partially from glow in the dark materials
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed and claimed is a glow in the dark, size adaptable cigar splitting apparatus comprising an outer body and an inner size adapting sleeve adapted to be slidingly engaged therewith and further comprising a cutting blade for splitting the wrapper and, if present, packaging, of a cigar, cigarillo or other smoking device. In a preferred embodiment, the inner size adapting sleeve may be cylindrical in shape and is removable, allowing the invention to be adapted to various sizes of smoking devices. The improved size adaptable cigar splitter apparatus of the invention may further comprise a lanyard tang adapted to receive a necklace, lanyard, or similar structure to facilitate ease of carrying. Also claimed is a glow in the dark covering for cigar tools such as splitters, cutters and punches. Also claimed is a glow in the dark inlay for cigar tools such as splitters, cutters and punches.