Object securing fire-ignition devices to cigarette packages

Abstract

The Invention provides an improved device for storing a fire-ignition device and attaching such device to a cigarette package. The Invention is comprised of a large Fabric Band, which attaches securely to a cigarette package, a Small Fabric Loop which attaches securely to a fire-ignition device, and a tether which can be extended and retracted via a retractable mechanism embedded in the Fabric Band or the Small Fabric Loop. The tether can be extended to such an extent that the enwrapped fire-ignition device may be used to light cigarettes the user has withdrawn from the enwrapped cigarette package and placed in the user's mouth.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention ("the Invention" and "the Product") is a manufactured object best characterized as a special receptacle or package with igniter for tobacco content, tobacco-smoking accessory, smoking accessory, or an article carrier with relatively mobile attaching means. Individuals smoke tobacco cigarettes in a variety of locations--at home, in automobiles, on boats and other watercraft, in public and private buildings, in bars and taverns, in casinos, in the wilderness, on public streets--the locations are practically innumerable. Pre-rolled cigarettes are sold by the manufacturers in packages comprised of paper, cardboard, and other similar materials. The pre-rolled cigarettes are often sold in standard-sized packages of twenty (20) cigarettes, but are also sold in packages containing other quantities. Many manufacturers produce small, disposable lighters, which smokers use to ignite the tobacco contained in pre-rolled cigarettes. Other manufacturers produce refillable lighters which serve the same purpose, but which are designed to be refilled with fuel by the user when they no longer produce adequate flame. Some cigarette lighters bear dramatic ornamentation, while others are extremely simple in appearance.

[0005] To smoke, smokers typically remove a pre-rolled cigarette from its package, light the cigarette with a fire-ignition device such as a multipurpose lighter, match, or other object producing an open flame. Once lit, the smoker inhales the tobacco smoke.

[0006] Two objects are necessary for satisfactory use of tobacco cigarettes: the cigarette itself, and a fire-ignition device that produces an open flame and ignites the tobacco. Without the fire-ignition device, the cigarette is essentially useless to the smoker. Smokers often find themselves in possession of package of cigarettes, but without a fire-ignition device. No commercially available pre-rolled cigarette packages are presently equipped with a fire-ignition device. Indeed, no pre-rolled cigarette packages provide the smoker with any receptacle or other manner in which they may secure a fire ignition device to the cigarette package. No individual, corporation, or other concern manufactures or markets a durable, reusable device that secures a fire-ignition device to cigarette packages. All prior products that attempted to secure a fire-ignition device to cigarette packages were flimsy, non-reusable, or otherwise flawed. This invention provides just such a device, and provides a solution that enables a smoker to avoid situations in which she possesses a package of cigarettes, but lacks a fire-ignition device, and thereby increases the smoker's satisfaction. In addition, this invention permits the smoker to light a pre-rolled cigarette or cigarettes without removing the fire-ignition device from the invention, thus reducing the likelihood of the fire-ignition device being misplaced by the smoker.

[0007] Several products exist which provide a means by which a fire-ignition device may be attached to a person's body. Such products have several failings.

[0008] These products require that the smoker utilize the product regularly to ensure that she has consistent access to the fire-ignition device. Therefore, the smoker is required to carry the extra weight of the product and fire-ignition device regularly, or the product is rendered ineffective. In addition, these products are often visibly attached the smoker's body or clothing, or cause visible bumps or bulges in the smoker's clothing if employed under her clothes.

[0009] These products also separate the fire-ignition device from the cigarette package, which requires that the smoker exert mental energy, and remember to pack and transport the cigarette package and product while traveling long or short distances. This mental burden often results in the smoker lacking one of the two necessary objects for satisfactory smoking.

[0010] These products also fail to provide easy access to a fire-ignition device to one smoker, while cigarette smokers often cluster in groups, and with each smoker smoking one cigarette from a common cigarette package. Thus, each smoker must procure and wear/carry their own product and fire-ignition device despite the fact that all utilize a common cigarette package; this is inefficient and burdensome.

[0011] None of the above inventions, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Finding a fire-ignition device such as a cigarette lighter can be a frustrating and time-consuming process when a smoker wishes to smoke a pre-rolled cigarette. It is often difficult for smokers to consistently remember the locations of the cigarette package and fire-ignition device, whether traveling, at home, or in another location.

[0013] The Invention provides a convenient, durable, and attractive means of attaching a fire-ignition devices to a cigarette package. Unlike the products described above, the Invention does not require a smoker to regularly carry the weight of the fire-ignition device. Because it is attached to the cigarette package, the Invention also eliminates the necessity (required by the above products) of making an unsightly modification to the smoker's appearance.

[0014] The Invention, by attaching the fire-ignition device to the cigarette package, reduces the number of objects required to satisfactorily use the tobacco pipe from two (i.e. cigarette package containing pre-rolled cigarettes, and fire-ignition device) to one (cigarette package containing pre-rolled cigarettes with fire-ignition device attached). This provides significant benefits to the smoker, including increased convenience and decreased requirements regarding mental energy and memory. The Invention also provides an improved method of storing a fire-ignition device so that it is close at hand when a smoker wishes to smoke a cigarette.

[0015] The Invention, by attaching the fire-ignition device to the cigarette package, imbues all users of the cigarette package with the benefit of convenient tobacco lighting. If multiple individuals use a single cigarette package, only one Invention is required.

[0016] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the Invention to provide a means of attaching a variety of fire-ignition devices to a variety of cigarette packages (with one fire-ignition device attached to one cigarette package).

[0017] It is another object of the Invention to provide a means to do so in such a way that the fire-ignition device is securely and reliably attached to the cigarette package.

[0018] It is another object of the Invention to provide a means to do so in such a way that the fire-ignition device may be easily moved for purposes of lighting the cigarette or cigarettes contained in the cigarette package once the cigarette or cigarettes are removed, yet remain attached to the cigarette package.

[0019] It is an object of the Invention to provide elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable, durable, and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0020] These and other objects of the present Invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0021] Figure A is an lateral view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette lighter depicted. The cigarette package depicted with broken lines is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette package depicted. Figure A depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether, with the tether partly extended. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. The circular shape within the Large Fabric Band depicts an unexploded view of a portion of the retractable tether. Figure A also depicts how the friction created by the Large Fabric Band may be used to secure the Invention to a cigarette package, and how friction created by the Small Fabric Loop may be used to secure the Invention to a cigarette lighter.

[0022] Figure B is a three-quarters view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. The cigarette lighter depicted is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette lighter depicted. The cigarette package depicted is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette package depicted. The pre-rolled cigarettes depicted are part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the pre-rolled cigarettes depicted. Figure B depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether, with the tether partly extended. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. Figure B also depicts how the friction created by the Large Fabric Band may be used to secure the Invention to a cigarette package, and how friction created by the Small Fabric Loop may be used to secure the Invention to a cigarette lighter.

[0023] Figure C is an overhead view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. Figure C depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether, with the tether partly extended. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The Invention will be described fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This Invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that the present Invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the claims set forth herein.

[0025] The Product is comprised of a large elasticized fabric band and one smaller elasticized fabric loop. The Large Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop may be comprised wholly of elasticized fabric, or partly of elasticized fabric and partly of non-elasticized fabric. The Large Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop are connected by a tether which can be extended and retracted via a retractable mechanism embedded in one of the components.

[0026] The Product contains a Large Fabric Band made up of an elastic fabric that expands when stretched by human hands applying moderate force. The Large Fabric Band may be comprised wholly of elasticized fabric, or partly of elasticized fabric and partly of non-elasticized fabric. The fabric material is employed in different colors, fabrics, and patterns for designer and style purposes.

[0027] The Large Fabric Band may be wrapped around a cigarette package, permitting the secure insertion and retention of cigarette packages of common size, shape, and form. The fabric composition and elasticity of the Large Fabric Band permits it to be secured to a cigarette package via the friction created by the elasticity of the Large Fabric Band.

[0028] The Small Fabric Loop is made up of an elastic fabric that expands when stretched by human hands applying moderate force. The Small Fabric Loop may be comprised wholly of elasticized fabric, or partly of elasticized fabric and partly of non-elasticized fabric. The Small Fabric Loop's dimensions permit the secure insertion and retention of cigarette and multipurpose lighters of common size, shape, and form.

[0029] The Large Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop are connected by a tether. The tether may be extended or retracted via a retractable mechanism embedded in one of the components. No claim is made in this patent to the internal workings or other aspects of the retractable mechanism independent of its function in the context of the Product.

[0030] The Large Fabric Band is attached to the cigarette package by the user. A fire-ignition device is then secured within the Small Fabric Loop by the user. At this stage, the user has successfully utilized the Product, and may ignite the pre-rolled cigarettes residing in the cigarette package by removing the pre-rolled cigarette(s), and extending and later retracting the tether between the Large Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop so as to bring the open flame produced by the fire-ignition device within close proximity of the pre-rolled cigarette(s).

Manner and Process of Making

[0031] The Product is created through the sewing and manipulation of two layers of elastic fabric to form the Large Fabric Band and Small Fabric Loop as described above and visualized in the submitted Drawings. The Large Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop may be comprised wholly of elasticized fabric, or partly of elasticized fabric and partly of non-elasticized fabric. The elastic fabric is cut to size, and then all seams and edges are machine-sewn to form a strong bond and prevent fraying of the fabric or stitching.

[0032] The retractable tether component is inserted between two layers of elastic fabric after the fabric is cut to size, and before it is machine-sewn. The retractable tether component is attached to the surface of one layer of fabric. A 1/8'' space is left between stitches at the edge of the piece of fabric to which the retractable tether component is attached. This space accommodates the extrusion of the tether itself outside the fabric following the stitching of the two layers.

[0033] The two layers of fabric comprising the Large Fabric Band are machine-sewn together, with the tether component attached (via stitching or glue) between the layers (as described above), and with the tether itself extruded outside the fabric though the 1/8'' space described above. The ends of the Large Fabric Band are then machine-sewn together, forming a single loop, as shown in the attached Drawings.

[0034] The Small Fabric Loop is then assembled by cutting the fabric to size and attaching the end of the tether which is not already secured within the Large Fabric Band. The tether is attached to the Small Fabric Loop by piercing the surface of the Small Fabric Loop as depicted in the Drawings above.

Best Mode Contemplated

[0035] The Best Mode Contemplated of the Product is a Large Fabric Band between 1.5''-3'' in height, 1/16''-1/8'' in width, with a circumference of 5'' for the Large Fabric Band.

[0036] Sewn into the Large Fabric Band is a retractable tether component comprised of a mechanism that provides the capacity to extend and retract, and a tether comprised of nylon cord with a circumference of one-eighth inch and a length of twenty inches.

[0037] The Small Fabric Loop is connected to the Large Fabric Band via the tether, and is a 11/2'' (height).times.2'' (total) loop made of elastic fabric designed to accommodate the most common cigarette and multipurpose lighters.

Note Regarding Claim

[0038] As is customary practice, I request that the Patent Examiner point out any claims resulting from the above descriptions and drawings I may have inadvertently missed, and that she point out any relevant changes that should be made to clarify the submitted claims, and that she point out any unintended duplication of claims should such inadvertently occur.

Claims

1. A cigarette accessory consisting of the combination of: a large fabric band adapted to enwrap and remain connected to a cigarette package, one smaller fabric loop, adapted to enwrap and remain connected to a fire-ignition device, and a tether connecting the Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop which can be extended and retracted via a retractable mechanism embedded in the Fabric Band or the Small Fabric Loop to such an extent that the enwrapped fire-ignition device may be used to light a pre-rolled cigarette dispensed from the enwrapped cigarette package.

2. The cigarette accessory recited in claim 1 wherein: said Fabric Band is elasticized and remains connected to a cigarette package by means of friction and the Fabric Band's elasticity, and the Small Fabric Loop is elasticized and remains connected to a fire-ignition device by means of friction and the Small Fabric Loop's elasticity.

3. The cigarette accessory recited in claim 1 wherein: said Fabric Band remains connected to a cigarette package by means of fabric secured by a Velcro closure, and the Small Fabric Loop is elasticized and remains connected to a fire-ignition device by means of friction and the Small Fabric Loop's elasticity.

4. The cigarette accessory recited in claim 1 wherein the Small Fabric Loop is fabricated such that its interior width and depth dimensions are equal to or within a 1/16'' inch tolerance of the size of common fire-ignition devices.

5. The cigarette accessory recited in claim 1 wherein the Small Fabric Loop is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected to fire-ignition devices of various sizes.

6. The cigarette accessory recited in claim 1 wherein the Small Fabric Loop is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected to a fire-ignition devices of a specific size.

7. The cigarette accessory recited in claim 1 wherein the Fabric Band is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected to cigarette packages of various sizes.

8. The cigarette accessory recited in claim 1 wherein the Fabric Band is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected to cigarette packages of a specific size.