Portable cigar ashtray and saver with cutter

An improved combination portable ash receptacle and saver for cigars with an area for a cigar cutter, 20, and matches, 16, all in a hinged, two part case* consisting of a top, 2, and a bottom, 4, that shut tightly together via a built-in latch. The top portion of the latch, 6, located on the top of the case, catches firmly on the corresponding bottom part of the latch, 8, located directly beneath on the bottom half of the case. The hinge, 30, is located on the opposite side of the latch and is durable in order to accommodate frequent use. The interior of the case is divided into 6 compartments via two ribs in each half, one rib running the length of the case on the top, 24, and 34 on the bottom, and another rib dissects it perpendicularly in each half, 10 on the bottom and 26 on the top. This creates three compartments in the top portion, or lid, and three more in the bottom. The construction of the case is such that when it is closed, each compartment is fully self-contained, that is, the contents of each stays separate. The user places a partially smoked cigar in the saving compartment, 14 and 18, and then closes the case, which will then keep the cigar fresh until re-lit later on. The bottom compartments are for a molded ashtray, 12, a box of matches or breathmints, or whatever else the carrier would like to fit inside that compartment, 16, and a slender, elongated compartment into which the partially smoked or unsmoked cigar sits, 14. In the top half of the case, in the portion that aligns with and corresponds to the ashtray on the bottom, is a compartment, 20, that contains an inset magnet, 32, which serves the purpose of fastening a cigar cutter with a stainless steel blade, 38, to it so as to keep it in place. Adjacent to that in the top is another compartment, 22, and the long, thin compartment in the top, 18, corresponds exactly to the one in the bottom, which is for saving the cigar.

The name of this invention has been granted status as a Registered 
Trademark: CI-GARAGE.RTM., Serial # 75/319,081, Published May 5, 1998, 
belonging to this inventor, Linda Bryer, and will herein be referred to as 
the "case". 
BACKGROUND 
1. Field of Invention 
This invention relates to an improved combination ash receptacle and saver 
for cigars, with the added feature of a cigar cutter, and particularly 
relates to an especially constructed device which can readily be carried 
in an individual's pocket or purse and which device, when in open 
position, will support a lit or unlit cigar or the like in a convenient 
position for the user, and will serve as an individual ashtray for 
receiving ashes and, when closed, will retain the ashes and/or match 
butts, as well as save a cigar portion therein, and be sealed tightly and 
be safe to be carried. 
2. Discussion of Prior Art 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,459,077 Cigarette Salvage Case had a limited use: only as 
an ashtray and as a saver only for cigarettes. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,375,243 Smoker's Appliance had limited use as well: as a 
combination holder for matches in a packet and for cigarette ashes. 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,085,517 did not provide any means for saving the unsmoked 
portions of cigar or cigarettes contained therein. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,777,569 did not have the safety feature of a heat-diffusing 
stainless steel ashtray with 2 cigar rests molded in, and conforming into 
its own compartment. 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,472,149 did not provide any means for including a cigar 
cutter in its smokers set. 
OBJECTS & ADVANTAGES 
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a compact 
container with multiple compartments, having a top hinged cover. 
With a device of this kind, the smoker is provided with a convenient, 
portable ash receptacle so that, where no ashtrays or the like are 
provided, the ashes may be dropped into this receiver to be subsequently 
disposed of in the usual manner. 
A further object of this invention is to provide a receptacle in which the 
ash receiver compartment will perfectly house a stainless steel ash 
chamber of predetermined size and shape, to prevent spilling of ashes, by 
providing closure in the opposite half of the case, effectively sealing 
the chamber so that the receptacle may be placed in a pocket with ashes 
that stay in that chamber. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide means on the inner 
face of the lower chamber to support one or two lit or unlit cigars when 
the cover is open. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a means on the 
bottom chamber for retaining matches, which are included, and provide easy 
removability. This chamber can also be used to carry a breath product or a 
small lighter. 
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a means on 
the top chamber in which a removable stainless steel-bladed cigar cutter 
fits in, held in place by a magnet inset in the mold itself. It lifts up 
and out easily for use in cutting ends of cigars, and is easily placed on 
top of the magnet when replacing it. 
A still further object of this present invention is to provide a storage 
space, separate from the rest of the inner parts, wherein the unsmoked 
portion of a cigar can rest and remain fresh, away from any accumulated 
ashes. 
A still further object of this present invention is to provide a pocket 
ashtray and cigar saver, with a removable cigar cutter, and a box of 
matches, of the character described that is durable, economical to 
manufacture, simple in construction, and both highly versatile and 
serviceable in use. 
A further object of this invention is to provide a receptacle which may be 
made out of metal, plastics, wood or other suitable material, and of 
varying sizes to accommodate larger cigars and/or cutters and/or matches 
or lighters. 
To the foregoing objects and others which may hereinafter appear, the 
invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement 
of parts as will be more specifically referred to and illustrated in the 
accompanying drawing(s), but it is to be understood that changes, 
variations and modifications may be resorted to which fall within the 
scope of the invention as claimed. 
Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a 
consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

DESCRIPTION: MAIN EMBODIMENT 
Referring now in detail to the drawings, in FIG. 1, the numerals 2a, 2b and 
2c represent the top half of the case, and the numeral 4 the bottom half, 
with the latch that has the means to close the case tight being 
represented by the numerals 6 and 8. Numeral 6 refers to the indented 
portion found on the bottom half, into which a thumb is placed; and 
numeral 8 represents the lip found on the top half, which is then pushed 
upward to open the case, and conversely, pressed down upon to seal it 
shut. Numerals 2a and 2b refer to the glossy portions of the top half of 
the case, with 2c representing the textured portion. 
In FIG. 2, the two primary halves of the case are each separated into three 
compartments; in the bottom half, numeral 4, it is divided by a rib 
running lengthwise shown at 34, and a cross rib of arcuate formation shown 
at 10. The three compartments created by numerals 34 and 10 are the 
uniquely-shaped ash receptacle compartment, shown as numeral 12, the 
elongated cigar saving compartment numeral 14, and an additional 
compartment 16. In the top half, numeral 2, the three compartments there 
are those which correspond to the numerals 18, 20 and 22, respectively: 
the cigar saving compartment top numeral 18, the compartment opposite the 
ash receptacle, numeral 20, which houses the cutter via the inset magnet, 
shown as numeral 32, and the top portion of the additional compartment, 
numeral 22. These three compartments are created by the corresponding 
lengthwise dividing rib, shown as numeral 24, and the corresponding 
reverse arcuate formation, numeral 26. The hinge by which the top and 
bottom are attached is numeral 30. 
FIG. 3 shows the hinge and the larger side wherein the cigar or cigar butt 
is saved. 
FIG. 4 shows the same side, viewed from the bottom of the case, wherein a 
recessed area is molded into the case so as to accommodate various methods 
of personalization, such as a label or a logo or a monogram. 
Operation: Main Embodiment 
In operation, the case is opened and a burning cigar is placed to rest on 
the groove created to accommodate it, shown as numeral 10, with the lit 
end extending over compartment 12. During operation, the stainless steel 
material which gets placed into compartment 12 will accommodate ashes 
dumped into it. 
When the case is closed, the cigar will self-extinguish due to lack of air. 
The ashes will remain in compartment 12 until emptied by hand. The case is 
then placed in the user's pocket, where the cigar butt will remain unlit 
while the rest of the cigar will be kept fresh in its cigar-saving 
compartment, numerals 14 and 18. 
When it is desired to re-light the cigar, the case is opened, the cigar 
taken out and re-lit, utilizing the matches in compartment numeral 16. 
An additional rest for the cigar, or to accommodate yet another cigar, is 
shown as numeral 28. 
The stainless steel-bladed cigar cutter is held in place via a magnet, 
numeral 32, that sits in its built-in area in compartment numeral 20, and 
as such, makes the cutter easily removable for use. Once the cigar has 
been cut, the case remains open and the cutter is placed back on top of 
the magnet, securing it safely back in the case. 
Description and Operation: Alternative Embodiments 
Because of the large variety in the sizes and shapes of cigars, additional 
embodiments have been considered here which will prove very useful in 
accommodating that variety. 
Size of case is larger so that two or three cigars can fit neatly into 
place, enlarging the compartments shown as numerals 14 and 18. 
Size of case is larger so as to accommodate a longer cigar. This case is 
ideal for an unsmoked Robusto (between 5" and 51/2" in length) or a 
partially smoked cigar that has been smoked down to that length. A longer 
case will accommodate Churchills, Coronas and other bigger cigars. 
Humidor is added to keep unsmoked cigars fresh in compartments 16 or 22. 
Size of case is smaller so that it may accommodate cigarettes. 
Size of case is larger to accommodate cigar lighter in an enlarged 
compartment, numeral 16. 
Size of case is smaller and more delicate, so that it looks more feminine 
and can accommodate small cigars or cigarettes. 
No other invention before this has taken into consideration so many of the 
needs of the cigar smoker: ashtray, cigar saver, a place for matches or 
breath product, plus the removable, easily-attached cigar cutter, and then 
made them all available in one handy, easy to use, easy to carry, 
attractive portable case, sized to fit neatly into a pocket, golfbag or 
sportsbag, briefcase or purse. 
From the foregoing, it will be seen that a simple, easily manufactured 
combination ash receptacle, and cigar saver, and cigar cutter with 
additional compartments for matches or breath mints has been provided. 
This invention affords convenient means for holding ashes and saving 
cigars or both when open, and for enclosing the same when not in use, and 
for the cutting of cigars when desired, and the lighting of cigars, all in 
one handy, portable case. 
Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope 
Thus the reader will be able to see that this carrying case for cigars 
provides a highly reliable, lightweight yet durable, convenient device 
that can be used by anyone who wishes to save a cigar, hold a cigar until 
ready to smoke it, light it with matches, and cut it with a cutter, and 
then take it with them. 
While the above description contains many specifications, these should not 
be construed as limitations on the scope of this invention, but rather as 
an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other 
variations are possible. For example, for those who prefer to smoke larger 
cigars, a longer case could easily be constructed, and for those who 
prefer to hold two cigars, the case could easily be constructed to have 
two cigar saving compartments, one to hold a partially smoked cigar and 
the other to hold a fresh unsmoked cigar. Furthermore, this invention 
could easily be made in a variety of colors and in a wide variety of 
finishes, such as marble or tortoise shell, as well as having it be made 
out of hardwoods or metals, each with a different finish or patina, for 
aesthetic purposes and to appeal to various users. 
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the 
embodiments(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal 
equivalents.