WO2016028301A1

WO2016028301A1 - A portable case with a built-in cutting apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016028301A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/052134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leen SADDER
Original assignee: This Toothbrush LLC
Current assignee: This Toothbrush LLC
Priority date: 2014-08-20
Filing date: 2014-08-21
Publication date: 2016-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2017-02-20

Abstract

A portable carrying case comprises a housing to store a cylindrical object and a cap with a built-in cutting apparatus configured to removably engage the housing to provide an airtight seal. The built-in cutting apparatus for cutting the cylindrical object comprises a window-shaped frame comprising an upper end and a lower end. A downward-facing blade is housed in the upper end of the window-shaped frame. An upward-facing blade is positioned at the lower end of the window-shaped frame such that the two blades face each other. A hollow outer casing houses the window-shaped frame such that the window-shaped frame slides down and up inside the hollow outer casing to move the two blades toward and away from each other. Preferably, the cylindrical object is a tree twig, chewing stick or cigar.

Description

A PORTABLE CASE WITH A BUILT-IN CUTTING APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The claimed invention relates to a portable carrying case, and more particularly, a portable carrying case with a built-in apparatus for cutting and separating fibers of a chewing stick or tree twig.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The claimed invention is configured to support products that are cylindrical in shape and are used or consumed orally. Common examples of such products include but not limited to cigars, chewing sticks, and tree twigs.

[0003] Cigars are cylinders of tobacco rolled in tobacco leaves for consumption by smoking. Cigars deliver nicotine through users' saliva and as such, are consumed orally. They can be up to 1" thick and up to 8.5" long.

[0004] Cigars are usually stored in humidors and can also be carried around in portable cases of varying capacities. Before they can be consumed, users must cut off one end of the cigar. Users typically carry cigar cutters for this purpose, most of which make use of a twin blade, 'guillotine' mechanism.

[0005] The design of existing cigar cutter options does not lend itself to integration with an individual-sized case for two reasons: (1) they typically don't have a secure locking mechanism to keep the blades closed together when they aren't being used and (2) they require the user to exert pressure from two different directions. There are subsequently very few portable carrying cases that have a built-in cigar cutter that is safe and effective.

[0006] Like cigars, tree twigs and chewing sticks have been around for centuries. They are typically consumed for medicinal purposes. For example, miswak, a twig from the arak, mustard, and peelu trees, has been shown to provide numerous dental health benefits and is often used as a substitute for synthetic toothbrushes.

[0007] Tree twigs and chewing sticks can be up to one hand span in length (roughly 12") and up to 0.5" thick. To extract the benefits they offer, users must chew one end of the stick to break up the twig fibers. The natural chemicals in the twig are transferred to the user via his or her saliva, while the bristles are often used to physically clean a user's teeth. Users must cut off the used end of the stick before each time they want to use it.

[0008] Although miswak is the most prominent of these tree twigs, numerous other examples exist of plants and trees whose twigs offer health benefits, such as Rhus Vulgaris and Lantana Trifolia, both of which possess antibacterial properties. In addition, companies have begun introducing synthetic chewing sticks that are also designed to benefit users' dental health.

[0009] As with cigars, tree twigs and chewing sticks must be prepared before they can be consumed. At the minimum, this involves cutting off the end of the stick that is to be used. For some twigs, like miswak, the fibers must be broken apart before consumption. To accomplish this, users must first soak the twig in water and scrape off some of the bark to make it easier to chew.

[0010] Tree twigs and chewing sticks are far less prominent than cigars. Accordingly, there are far fewer products designed with the express purpose of supporting the consumption of tree twigs and chewing sticks. More particularly, there is no portable cutter on the marketplace that is designed specifically for tree twigs or chewing sticks. Finally, although carrying cases designed for miswak do exist, they do not offer anything other than portable storage of the tree twig.

[0011] Looking at the processes by which cigars, tree twigs, and chewing sticks are consumed, these products have three things in common: (1) they must be cut before they can be used; (2) they benefit from airtight storage, both for freshness and cleanliness; and, (3) they are often consumed on the go.

[0012] There are no products on the marketplace that fulfill these three key conditions. This is largely because the predominant cutter currently available is a 'guillotine' style cutter that is expressly designed for cigars, not for tree twigs or chewing sticks. Further, by virtue of their mechanism and design, existing cutters cannot be easily integrated into an individual-sized carrying case. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a portable carrying case comprises a built-in apparatus for separating and breaking apart fibers of chewing sticks and/or tree twigs.

[0014] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid built-in apparatus comprises a scoring mechanism for removing bark of the tree twigs and/or chewing sticks.

[0015] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid built-in apparatus comprises a cutting device for cutting cylindrical objects, including but not limited to chewing sticks, tree twigs and cigars.

[0016] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid portable carrying case is cylindrical in shape with the built-in apparatus for cutting, scoring and/or separating, which is integrated into a cylindrical cap that can be attached to the case to form an airtight seal.

[0017] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the built-in apparatus comprises a cutting device with a top blade and a bottom blade, one outer cylindrical frame that contains a slide-through space on either side, and an inner window-shaped frame that locks into the larger frame via the spaces on each side. The inner frame can then slide up and down the outer frame.

[0018] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the bottom blade is fixed onto the top of the outer frame, while the top blade is fixed onto the top of the inner frame. Pushing the top of the inner frame down brings the two blades together, thereby enabling a user to cut a cylindrical object with minimal effort. The claimed built-in apparatus also makes it easy to cut objects of different thicknesses, which makes the claimed invention suitable for a wide range of cylindrical objects.

[0019] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a portable carrying case comprises a housing to store a cylindrical object and a cap with a built-in cutting apparatus configured to removably engage the housing to provide an airtight seal. The built-in cutting apparatus for cutting the cylindrical object comprises a window-shaped frame comprising an upper end and a lower end. A downward- facing blade is housed in the upper end of the window- shaped frame. An upward-facing blade is positioned at the lower end of the window-shaped frame such that the two blades face each other. A hollow outer casing houses the window-shaped frame such that the window-shaped frame slides down and up inside the hollow outer casing to move the two blades toward and away from each other.

[0020] The claimed invention can also take on various other embodiments, including as a standalone cutter or as part of a key chain or toolkit containing other mechanisms that support the consumption of chewing sticks, tree twigs and cigars.

[0021] Various other objects, advantages, and features of the claimed invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The following detailed description, given by way of example, and not intended to limit the claimed invention solely thereto, will best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front view of various components of the built-in cutting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the various components of the cutting mechanism that is configured to be a cap of the portable carrying case in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cutting mechanism of FIG. 2;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a front view of the assembled cutting mechanism of FIG. 2 with the blades locked together in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a front view of the assembled cutting mechanism of FIG. 2 with the blades pulled apart in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a sectional side view of the assembled cutting mechanism of FIG. 2 with the blades locked together in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; [0029] FIG. 7 is a front view of the carrying case comprising a built-in cutting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention that can host cigars, chewing sticks, and tree twigs;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a sectional front view of two components of the carrying case of FIG. 7 which can attach to each other by the threading thereon in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0031] FIG. 9 is a sectional front view of the cutting mechanism and storage vessel of FIG. 7 attached to each other and locked in place by the threading on both components in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a front view of the carrying case of FIG. 9 with the built-in cutting mechanism connected to the carry case as part of its cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0033] FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of the components of the built-in cutting mechanism of FIG. 2 comprising built-in mechanisms for scoring an object, scraping off the outer layer of an object, and breaking up the fibers of an object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention and attachable to a cylindrical carry case to form an airtight seal;

[0034] FIGs. 12A-B are perspective views of the built-in cutting mechanism in operation to cut a cylindrical object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cylindrical carrying case with a built-in cutting mechanism in operation to create an airtight seal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0036] FIGs. 14A-B are perspective views of the built-in cutting mechanism with serrated blades in operation to score the surface of a cylindrical object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0037] FIGs. 15A-B are front sectional views of the built-in cutting mechanism comprising a cone on the underside of the bottom blade component in operation to break up the fibers of a cylindrical object, like a tree twig, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; [0038] FIGs. 16A-C are perspective views of the cap of the carrying case with a built- in cutting mechanism for cutting cylindrical objects in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0039] FIGs. 17A-B are perspective views of the cap of the portable carrying case in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

[0040] FIGs. 18A-B are perspective views of the cap of the carrying case comprising a serrated blade to score cylindrical objects in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; and

[0041] FIGs. 19A-B are perspective view of the cap of the carrying case operable as a stand for raising the attached cylindrical tube in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, useful for soaking cylindrical objects in water prior to using them.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0042] The claimed invention is directed towards cylindrical products - like cigars, tree twigs, and chewing sticks - that must be cut before they can be consumed. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a portable carrying case 100 comprises a built-in cutting apparatus 10 for separating the fibers of objects, scoring and/or cutting objects that is safe and effective.

[0043] Various embodiments of the present invention that contain additional mechanisms are presented that support the consumption and use of cylindrical products, including chewing sticks, tree twigs and cigars. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the portable carrying case 100 comprises a built-in cutting apparatus 10 for separating and breaking apart fibers of chewing sticks and/or tree twigs. Preferably, the built-in apparatus 10 additionally comprises a scoring mechanism to enable the users to remove the bark from stick surfaces and a cutting device to cut cylindrical objects of different thickness.

[0044] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the built-in cutting apparatus 10 for separating and breaking up the fibers of the cylindrical object, e.g., twig fibers, is incorporated into the cap 19 of the carrying case 100, such that they can be locked together in an airtight fashion. [0045] Turning now to Figs. 17A-19B, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, there are illustrated the built-in cutting apparatus 10 optimized for separating and breaking up the bristles or fibers of the cylindrical objects 17, such as tree twigs and chewing sticks. The built-in cutting apparatus 10 is integrated into a case cap 19 to form a cylindrical version of the portable carrying case 100 with an airtight seal with the cylindrical housing 11.

[0046] Turning now to Figs. 17A-B, the portable carrying case 100 comprises a cap 19 and a cylindrical housing 11, preferably a clear or transparent tube to enable to the user to view a stored object 17, e.g., a miswak, a tree twig or a chewing stick. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the cap 19 incorporates the built-in cutting apparatus 10 for breaking and separating the bristles or fibers of a twig 17. The built-in cutting apparatus 10 comprises a downward facing cone 16, preferably three-dimensional cone, for breaking and separating the fibers of a cylindrical object 17.

[0047] To enable a cylindrical version of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 to be attached to a cylindrical housing 11 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the cap 19 comprises a threading 12 inside of the hollow outer cylinder or casing 4 and complementary threading 13 is on the outside of the cylindrical housing 11 to form an airtight seal, as exemplary shown Figs. 7-9. In order for the cap 19 incorporating the built-in cutting apparatus 10 for breaking and separating the bristles or fibers of a twig 17 to form airtight seal with the cylindrical housing 11 , the outer diameter of the top section of the cylindrical housing 11 should equal the inner diameter of the hollow outer cylinder 4.

[0048] To break up the fibers of a cylindrical object 17 in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the user pushes the cylindrical object 17 (as shown in Figs. 15A-B) inside the hollow outer cylinder 4 that forms the base of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 until the cylindrical object 17 meets the point of the cone 16. The user then continues to exert upward pressure on the cylindrical object 17 until its fibers have been sufficiently separated. The ability to break up the fibers of a cylindrical object particularly benefits users of tree twigs, like miswak, who must separate the fibers of the twig before it can be consumed or utilized. [0049] Turning now to Figs. 18A-B, the portable carrying case 100 comprises a cap 19 and a cylindrical housing 11. As noted herein, the cap 19 incorporates a built-in cutting apparatus 10 comprising a downward facing cone 16, preferably three- dimensional cone, for breaking and separating the bristles or fibers of a cylindrical object 17. The cap 19 comprises a threading 12 inside of the hollow outer cylinder 4 and complementary threading 13 on the outside of the cylindrical housing 11 to form an airtight seal. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the built-in cutting apparatus 10 further comprises a scoring mechanism or a downward-facing serrated surface 15 on the outside of the cap 19 for scoring the outer surface of a twig which makes it easier to cut.

[0050] Turning now to Figs. 19A-B, the portable carrying case 100 comprises a cap 19 and a cylindrical housing 11. As noted herein, the cap 19 incorporates a built-in cutting apparatus 10 comprising a downward facing cone 16 for breaking and separating the fibers of a cylindrical object 17. The cap 19 comprises a threading 12 inside of the hollow outer cylinder 4 and complementary threading 13 on the outside of the cylindrical housing 11 to form an airtight seal. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the cap 19 further comprises two upward diagonally angled legs 40 that give it a V shape. When the cap 19 is placed on a flat surface, the cap 19 can be used as a stand to support either the tube 11 or a twig 17.

[0051] Turning now to Figs. 1-7, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the built-in cutting apparatus 10 incorporated into the portable carrying case 100 comprises four components forming a cutting device 30: a downward-facing blade 20 attached to a cylindrical component 1 or downward-facing blade component 1; a rectangular window-shaped frame or component 2 with cylindrical frames at each end 5, 6; an upward- facing blade 21 attached to a cylindrical component 3 or upward-facing blade component 3; and a hollow outer cylinder 4.

[0052] Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate how the four components 1-4 of the cutting device 30 fit together to exemplary form the built-in cutting apparatus 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in Figs. 2-3, the window-shaped frame or component 2 has two flat rectangular ridges or protrusions 9 on either side that extend all the way down the window-shaped component 2 and on the outside of the cylindrical frames on each end 5, 6.

[0053] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the upper cylindrical frame or upper end 5 of the window-shaped frame or component 2 has the same outer diameter as the top part 7 of the downward-facing blade component 1, which is also cylindrical in shape. The bottom part 8 of component 1 has a slightly smaller outer diameter than both the inner diameter of the upper cylindrical frame 5 and the outer diameter of the top part 7 of the downward facing blade component 1 to permit component 1 to slide into the top of the upper cylindrical frame 5 and fit into place. Preferably, components 1 and 2 are permanently bonded together.

[0054] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the upward-facing blade component 3 has substantially (preferably, exactly) the same outer diameter as the bottom cylindrical frame 6 of the window-shaped component 2, less the thickness of the rectangular ridges 9 on the sides of component 2. Unlike the downward- facing blade component 1, the upward-facing blade component 3 is configured to sit on top of the bottom cylindrical frame or lower end 6 and fit inside of the window-shaped component 2.

[0055] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in Figs. 2-3, the cross-section of the hollow outer cylinder 4 is circular with flat rectangular spaces or openings 45 on either side that are designed to receive and host the ridges 9 of component 2. Further, the outer diameter of the bottom cylindrical frame 6 is same or substantially same as the inner diameter of cylinder 4, which is also equal to or substantially equal to the combined outer diameter of the upward- facing blade component 3 and the ridges 9.

[0056] To assemble the built-in cutting apparatus 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the downward-facing blade component 1 is attached to the top of the upper cylindrical frame 5 of component 2, as shown in Figs. 1-3. The upward- facing blade component 3 is placed above the bottom cylindrical frame 6 with the ridges 9 on either side of the upward-facing blade component 3. With the upward-facing blade component 3 in this position, components 2 and 3 fits inside the hollow outer cylinder 4, such that the components 2, 3 slide up and down inside the hollow outer cylinder 4.

[0057] The upward- facing blade component 3 is secured onto the inside of the hollow outer cylinder 4, while the upward-facing blade component 3 is still housed within the frame 2. Preferably, components 3 and 4 are permanently bonded together. When performing this step, it is important to ensure that the ridges 9 on component 2 are free to slide up and down the inside of the hollow outer cylinder 4.

[0058] Because the outer diameter of the upward-facing blade component 3 is same or substantially same as that of the bottom cylindrical frame 6, component 2 is fully encased within the outer cylinder 4 and cannot be pulled through either side.

[0059] Turning now to Figs. 4-5, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, there are illustrated the built-in cutting apparatus 10 optimized for cutting cylindrical objects, such as cigars, tree twigs, and chewing sticks. As exemplary shown in Fig. 5, component 2 holds the downward-facing blade component 1, while the hollow outer cylinder 4 holds the upward-facing blade component 3. The ridges 9 in component 2 enable a user to push the downward- facing blade component 1 down until it slides alongside the upward-facing blade component 3.

[0060] As exemplary shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the blades 20, 21 of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 are configured to fit alongside one another, with the sharp end of each blade 20, 21 facing the center. This claimed configuration of the two blades 20, 21 advantageously enables the user to generate strong, piercing incisions with minimal effort and is therefore well suited to cutting hard, rough objects, like tree twigs and chewing sticks. The claimed blade configuration also allows the claimed built-in cutting apparatus 10 to provide a smooth, clean cut of softer objects, like cigars, and in this way, supports the use of the claimed built-in cutting apparatus 10 ob a wide range of cylindrical objects 17.

[0061] There are other aspects of the claimed built-in cutting apparatus 10 that make it well suited to cutting cylindrical objects. First, as exemplary shown in Figs. 1-5, both blades 20, 21 of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 possess round edges that mirror the shape of the cylindrical objects the mechanism is designed to cut. Moreover, the claimed cutting device 30 only requires pressure to be exerted from one side, i.e. the top, to cut an object, thereby rendering the claimed cutting device 30 suitable for integration into a portable carrying case 100 unlike the existing cutters e.g., 'guillotine' style cigar cutters.

[0062] Fig. 12 illustrates an exemplary process by which a user can cut a cylindrical object 17 using the built-in cutting apparatus 10. The user places the cylindrical object 17 in the space 18 between the upward- facing blade 21 and downward- facing blade 20 of the built-in cutting apparatus 10. The user then exerts pressure on the top part 7 of the built-in cutting apparatus 10, which brings the two blades 20, 21together onto the outside of the object 17. The user continues to exert pressure on the top part 7 of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 until the blades 20, 21 completely cut through the object 17.

[0063] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figs. 7-10, the built-in cutting apparatus 10 is integrated with a cylindrical housing 11 to provide a cylindrical version of the portable carrying case 100. Preferably, as shown in Figs. 9-10, the built-in cutting apparatus 10 comprises inside threading 12 that complements or mates with threading 13 on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing 11 , preferably on the outer surface of the top section 14, to form an airtight seal. As shown in Fig. 11, the inside threading 12 is preferably located on the inner surface of the bottom cylindrical frame 6.

[0064] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in Fig. 11, the built-in cutting apparatus 10 further comprises a serrated blade 15 and a three-dimensional, downward-facing cone 16 to additionally provide a scoring mechanism and mechanism for separating twig fibers. These additional, optional scoring and fiber separating mechanism of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 enables users to score an object 17, e.g., a cigar, scrape off the outer surface of the object 17, e.g., bark of a twig or chewing stick, and separate or break up the fibers or bristles of the twig or chewing stick 17.

[0065] To enable a cylindrical version of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 to be attached to the cylindrical housing 11 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the threading 12 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom cylindrical frame 6 of component 2, as shown in Fig. 2 and complementary threading 13 is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing 11, as shown in Figs. 7-9. Preferably, the threading 13 is located in the top section 14 of the cylindrical housing 11.

[0066] Figs. 2 and 8 exemplary illustrate the inside threading 12 that is provided on the inner surface of the bottom cylindrical frame 6 and the outside threading 13 that is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing 11. In order to facilitate the attachment of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 to the cylindrical housing 11 to form a portable carrying case 100, the outer diameter of the top section 14 of the housing 11 should equal or substantially equal the inner diameter of the bottom cylindrical frame 6.

[0067] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in Fig. 13, the built-in cutting apparatus 10 integrated into the cap 19 of the portable carrying case 100 is connected to the cylindrical housing 11. The threading 12 on the built-in cutting apparatus 10 engages the threading 13 of the cylindrical housing 11 (or a threaded cylindrical housing 11) to form the portable carrying case 100 with an airtight seal. To accomplish this, a user pushes the built-in cutting apparatus 10 over the housing 11, such that the threading 12, 13 on both components interlock with each other. Thereafter, the user twists the cap 19 with the built-in cutting apparatus 10 in a clockwise direction until the threading 12, 13 on the two components locks into place.

[0068] An additional feature of the locking mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention is that as the user twists the cap 19 with the built-in cutting apparatus 10 to create the airtight seal with the housing 11, the two blades 20, 21 of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 automatically come together until they slide alongside one another in a locked state, as shown in Fig. 6. Accordingly, in a locked state, as exemplary shown in Fig. 10, the sharpest point of the blades 20, 21 are concealed and therefore minimizing any potential danger to the users. This represents a significant improvement over the existing cutters, e.g. 'guillotine' style cutters, which generally do not possess a comparable safety mechanism.

[0069] Fig. 10 illustrates the portable carrying case 100 with the housing 11 connected to the cutting apparatus 10 built into the case cap 19 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention to provide an airtight storage of the object 17. This airtight seal preserves the freshness of objects 17 stored inside the housing 11, which is particularly beneficial to a range of cylindrical products 17, including cigars, tree twigs, and chewing sticks. Preferably, the two blades 20, 21 of the blades of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 comprises a serrated surface 15, as exemplary shown in Fig. 11, to provide additional capabilities, such as scoring the object 17 (e.g., removing barks of the twig 17) and breaking the fibers of the twig 17.

[0070] Turning now to Figs. 16A-16C, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, there are illustrated the case cap 19 with a built-in cutting apparatus 10 optimized for scoring and cutting the cylindrical objects 17, such as tree twigs, chewing sticks and cigars. The built-in cutting apparatus 10 is integrated into a case cap 19 to form a cylindrical version of the portable carrying case 100 with an airtight seal with the cylindrical housing 1 1. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the case cap 19 comprises two components or arms 35 that pivot around a plastic rod 36 at its center. Each of these arms 35 carries an inward facing blade 20, 21 and also comprises a threaded outer surface 12 at its endpoint to engage the cylinder housing 11 to provide the portable carrying case 100 with an airtight seal. In accordance with the an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the cylinder housing 11 comprises a thread (not shown) on its inner surface to engage the thread 12 of the cap 19 to provide an airtight seal. The user inserts or places an object 17 between the two blades 20, 21 of the arms 35 and applies pressure on the outward side of the arms 35 until the two blades 20, 21 comes together and cut through the object 17.

[0071] As exemplary shown in Figs. 14A-B, the user can uses the serrated surface 15 of the blades 20, 21 to score an object 17 using the built-in cutting apparatus 10. To score the surface of a cylindrical object 17 using the claimed built-in cutting apparatus 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the user places the object 17 in the space 18 between the two blades 20, 21. The user then press down on the top of the cutting apparatus 10, preferably the top part 7, until the blades 20, 21 reach the surface of the object 17. At this position, the user only needs to exert enough downward pressure on the top part 7 of the cutting apparatus 10 to hold the object 17 between the two blades 20, 21. The user then twists the object 17 while maintaining downward pressure on the cutting apparatus 10 to score the surface of the object 17. [0072] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the cutting apparatus 10 can be used to scrape the outer surface of a cylindrical object 17, e.g., bark of the twig 17. To do this, the user pulls the cylindrical object 17 towards him while maintaining enough downward pressure on the cutting apparatus 10 to hold the object 17 in place between the two blades 20, 21.

[0073] The claimed cutting apparatus 10 advantageously provides the scoring functionality to users of tree twigs and chewing sticks, which generally must be scored before they can be consumed or used. It also benefits users of tree twigs that require the removal of their bark prior to their consumption or usage.

[0074] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in Figs. 15A-B, the built-in cutting apparatus 10 further comprises a separating mechanism 16 to separate or break apart the fibers of a cylindrical object 17. Preferably, the separating mechanism 16 is a downward-facing, three-dimensional cone 16 on the underside of the upward- facing blade component 3.

[0075] To break up the fibers of a cylindrical object 17 in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in Fig. 15B, the user pushes the cylindrical object 17 inside the hollow outer cylinder 4 that forms the base of the built-in cutting apparatus 10 until it meets the point of the cone 16. The user then continues to exert upward pressure on the cylindrical object 17 until its fibers have been sufficiently separated. The ability to break up the fibers of a cylindrical object particularly benefits users of tree twigs, like miswak, who must separate the fibers of the twig before it can be consumed or utilized.

[0076] Tree twigs and chewing sticks do not currently have any purpose-built products that support their usage beyond providing portable storage. The claimed invention therefore represents a real breakthrough, as it contains a built-in apparatus that allows users to score the surface of a twig, remove a twig's bark, and break up a twig's fibers - all key steps in the process of consuming or utilizing common tree twigs and chewing sticks, e.g. miswak.

[0077] The claimed invention also benefits a wide range of cylindrical objects, including cigars, as it also offers users an airtight seal to preserve the freshness and cleanliness of the object stored in the carrying case. [0078] The invention, having been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

A portable carrying case comprising a housing to store at least one cylindrical object; and a cap with a built-in cutting apparatus configured to removably engage the housing to provide an airtight seal, the built-in cutting apparatus for cutting said at least one cylindrical object comprises:

a window-shaped frame comprising an upper end and a lower end; a downward-facing blade housed in the upper end of the window- shaped frame;

an upward-facing blade positioned at the lower end of the window- shaped frame such that the two blades face each other; and

a hollow outer casing for housing the window-shaped frame such that the window-shaped frame slides down and up inside the hollow outer casing to move the two blades toward and away from each other.

The portable carrying case of claim 1 , wherein the cap comprises a threading to engage a threading on the housing to removably connect the cap with the built-in cutting apparatus to the housing.

The portable carrying case of claim 2, wherein an engagement of the cap and the housing via their respective threading moves the downward-facing blade of the built-in cutting apparatus towards the upward-facing blade of the built- in cutting apparatus until the downward-facing blade slides alongside the upward-facing blade to conceal points of the two blades to provide a safe locking mechanism.

The portable carrying case of claim 1, wherein the downward facing blade is permanently secured to the upper end of the window-shaped frame.

The portable carrying case of claim 1, wherein the upward facing blade is permanently secured to an inner surface of the hollow outer casing.

The portable carrying case of claim 1, wherein the window-shaped frame housing the downward facing blade slides toward the upward facing blade within the hollow outer casing in response to a pressure applied to the upper end of the window-shaped frame.

7. The portable carrying case of claim 1, wherein the window-shaped frame further comprises at least two ridges on outer surfaces of its two sides; and wherein the hollow outer casing has a circular cross-section with at least two openings on either side to receive and host said at least two ridges of the window- shaped frame.

8. The portable carrying case of 7, wherein said at least two ridges on the windo- shaped frame are flat rectangular ridges; wherein said at least two openings on the hollow outer casing are flat rectangular openings.

9. The portable carrying case of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical object is a cigar, tree twig or chewing stick.

10. The portable carrying case of claim 1, further comprising a serrated surface on one or more blades of the built-in cutting apparatus to score a surface of a cylindrical object and remove an outermost layer of the cylindrical object.

11. The portable carrying case of claim 10, wherein the serrated surface is operable to remove a bark on a tree twig.

12. The portable carrying case of claim 1, further comprising a three-dimensional solid cone integrated into the built-in cutting apparatus to break up or separate fibers of tree twigs or chewing sticks.

13. The portable carrying case of claim 12, wherein the three-dimensional solid cone is integrated into the upward facing blade of the built-in cutting apparatus.

14. The portable carrying case of claim 1, further comprising a downward facing cone integrated into the built-in cutting apparatus to break up or separate fibers of tree twigs or chewing sticks.

15. The portable carrying case of claim 1, wherein the housing is a transparent to view said at least one cylindrical object stored therein.

16. A portable carrying case comprising a housing to store at least one cylindrical object; and a cap with a built-in cutting apparatus configured to removably engage the housing to provide an airtight seal, the built-in cutting apparatus for cutting said at least one cylindrical object comprises a rod and two arms, each arm comprising an inward blade, the two arms pivots around the rod to move the two blades toward and away from each other.

17. The portable case of claims 16, wherein the cap comprises a threading to engage a threading on the housing to removably connect the cap with the built-in cutting apparatus to the housing.

18. A portable carrying case comprising a housing to store at least one cylindrical object; and a cap with a built-in cutting apparatus configured to removably engage the housing to provide an airtight seal, the built-in cutting apparatus comprises a downward facing cone for separating and breaking up bristles or fibers of said at least one cylindrical object.

19. The portable carrying case of claim 18, wherein the downward facing cone is a three-dimensional solid cone.

20. The portable carrying case of claim 18, wherein the cap further comprises two diagonally angled legs to operate as a stand to support either the housing or said at least one cylindrical object.