U.S. patent application number 13/403584 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for personalizable cigar humidor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew SMITH. Invention is credited to Andrew SMITH.
Application Number | 20130220845 13/403584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49001662 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130220845 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SMITH; Andrew |
August 29, 2013 |
PERSONALIZABLE CIGAR HUMIDOR
Abstract
A humidor has a base having a hollow wood-lined interior for
containing cigars, a lid hingedly affixed to the base and
positionable relative thereto for either covering or exposing the
interior, the lid having an outside upper surface having a
plurality of first portions of fastening elements disposed thereon,
a graphic or textual sheet positionable atop the outside surface
inboard of the first portions, and a frame removably affixable to
the outside upper surface of the lid and having a transparent
window there-through for allowing view of a graphic sheet when the
frame is affixed to the outside upper surface, the frame having a
plurality of second portions of fastening elements surround the
window, each aligned with, affixable to, and removable from one of
the first portions to removably affix the frame to the outside
upper surface.
Inventors: |
SMITH; Andrew; (Pascoag,
RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SMITH; Andrew |
Pascoag |
RI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49001662 |
Appl. No.: |
13/403584 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/213.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/12 20130101;
A24F 25/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/213.1 |
International
Class: |
A24F 15/08 20060101
A24F015/08; B65D 81/22 20060101 B65D081/22 |
Claims
1. A humidor comprising; a base having a hollow interior for
containing cigars; a lid cooperating with the base for either
covering or exposing the interior, the lid having an outside
surface and a first perimeter; and a frame removably affixable to
the outside surface, having a transparent window there-through, and
having a second perimeter equal to the first perimeter to enable
grasping for removal.
2. The humidor of claim 1 wherein the window comprises a glass
pane.
3. The humidor of claim 2 wherein the frame comprises a first
fastening portion for removable affixation to the outside
surface.
4. The humidor of claim 3 wherein the outside surface comprises a
second fastening portion for affixation to the first fastening
portion.
5. The humidor of claim 4 wherein one of the first or second
fastening portions is a magnetic element and the other of the first
or second fastening portions is magnetically attractable
thereto.
6. The humidor of claim 5 wherein the one of the first or second
fastening portions is the first fastening portion.
7. The humidor of claim 6 wherein the second fastening portion
comprises steel or iron.
8. A humidor comprising; a base having a hollow interior for
containing cigars; a lid hingedly affixed to the base and
positionable relative thereto for either covering or exposing the
interior, the lid having an outside upper surface and a first
perimeter; a graphic or textual sheet positionable atop the outside
surface; and a frame removably affixable to the outside surface of
the lid, having a transparent window there-through for allowing
view of a graphic sheet when the frame is affixed to the outside
surface, and having a second perimeter equal to the first perimeter
to enable grasping for removal.
9. The humidor of claim 8 wherein the window comprises a glass
pane.
10. The humidor of claim 9 wherein the frame comprises a first
fastening portion for removable affixation to the outside
surface.
11. The humidor of claim 10 wherein the outside surface comprises a
second fastening portion for affixation to the first fastening
portion.
12. The humidor of claim 11 wherein one of the first or second
fastening portions is a magnetic element and the other of the first
or second fastening portions is magnetically attractable
thereto.
13. The humidor of claim 12 wherein the one of the first or second
fastening portions is the first fastening portion.
14. The humidor of claim 13 wherein the second fastening portion
comprises steel or iron.
15. A humidor comprising; a base having a hollow wood interior for
containing cigars; a lid hingedly affixed to the base and
positionable relative thereto for either covering or exposing the
interior, the lid having an outside upper surface having a
plurality of first portions of fastening elements disposed thereon,
and a first perimeter; a graphic or textual sheet positionable atop
the outside surface inboard of the first portions; and a frame
removably affixable to the outside upper surface of the lid, and
having a transparent window there-through for allowing view of a
graphic sheet when the frame is affixed to the outside upper
surface, the frame having a plurality of second portions of
fastening elements surrounding the window, each aligned with,
affixable to, and removable from one of the first portions to
removably affix the frame to the outside upper surface, and the
frame having a second perimeter equal to the first perimeter and
exposed to enable grasping for removal.
16. The humidor of claim 15 wherein the window comprises a glass
pane.
17. The humidor of claim 16 wherein one of the first or second
fastening portions is a magnetic element and the other of the first
or second fastening portions is magnetically attractable
thereto.
18. The humidor of claim 17 wherein the one of the first or second
fastening portions is the second fastening portion.
19. The humidor of claim 18 wherein the first fastening portion
comprises steel or iron.
20. The humidor of claim 19 wherein the outside upper surface and
the frame both have substantially equal rectangular peripheries,
and wherein the plurality of first portions and the plurality of
second portions are both four, each portion being disposed adjacent
a corner of the frame or outside upper surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to cigar humidors
which improve the qualities imparted to cigars contained therein,
and in particular to a new and useful humidor which is conveniently
personalizable to be especially useful for such purposes as a gift
or an award.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Although an important function of a humidor is to safely
store and enhance cigars, an ancillary function of the typical
humidor is to serve as a decorative furnishing and to impressively
present cigars to guests and such.
[0003] Humidors are generally in the form of a generally
rectangular wooden box with a wooden lining. The wooden lining has
only a relatively small surface area exposed to the interior volume
of the box. The job of a conventional humidor is to maintain a
relative humidity of about 65 to 75 percent within the humidor.
Another objective is to impart a woody seasoned taste to the
tobacco products in the humidor. This is achieved both by
establishing the moist interior environment and by selecting the
appropriate wood for the humidor lining which has a sap that
evaporates to add flavor to the cigars. This serves to preserve,
age and add flavor to the cigars or other tobacco products stored
within the humidor.
[0004] The exterior designs of such wooden humidors range from most
basic and functional to the most detailed and fanciful. Many cigar
aficionados take as much pride in their humidors as in the cigars
that they hold. As such, humidors often employ artful styles and
craftsmanship, and are finished to compliment or rival the
appearance of the finest furnishings.
[0005] Like the cigars they are intended to hold, humidors are
often awarded as prizes in such events as golf and poker
tournaments, and are often given as gifts to the more sophisticated
cigar smokers.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to further enhance
the experience of receiving a humidor as an award or a gift, and
such is a feature of the present invention. It is an object of the
present invention to personalize the experience of receiving a
humidor as an award or a gift, and such is a feature of the present
invention. It is an object of the present invention to personalize
a humidor, and such is a feature of the present invention. It is an
object of the present invention to allow for the convenient
personalization of a humidor, and such is a feature of the present
invention. It is an object of the present invention to allow for
the convenient re-personalization of a humidor for second and
future owners, and such is a feature of the present invention.
Further objects and features of the invention will become apparent
upon review of the included description and drawings of a
representative embodiment of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention utilizes a convenient arrangement for
incorporating a photograph, an award certificate, or another
personal document in a prominent disposition on a humidor. While
shown in conjunction with a simple rectilinear wooden humidor, the
invention may be simply and obviously adapted to most any other
type and style of humidor, with the invention.
[0008] The invention allows for the almost instantaneous
incorporation of such a personal artifact into the humidor without
the use of tools or complicated assembly steps. The invention
allows for the simple and convenient changing of the personal
artifact to reflect a second or future owner. The invention allows
for such personalization without compromising the quality or
craftsmanship of the humidor. The invention allows for such
personalization in compliment with other personalization
techniques, such as engraving or etching.
[0009] The invention enables an event to be depicted on the humidor
virtually within the moment that an event has occurred. For
instance, the giving of a humidor as an award to a golf tournament
winner immediately after the recipient has completed the last hole,
which humidor includes a photo of a golf tournament winner sinking
his last putt on that hole just seconds before, is made possible by
the invention.
[0010] The invention enables convenient changing of the display on
the humidor, without tools or complicated assembly techniques. For
instance, the humidor may display the present month's calendar page
or the day's schedule, which may be instantly changed the following
month or day.
[0011] The invention may be embodied in a humidor having a base
having a hollow interior for containing cigars, a lid cooperating
with the base for either covering or exposing the interior, the lid
having an outside surface, and a frame removably affixable to the
outside surface and having a transparent window there-through. The
window may include a glass pane. The frame may have a first
fastening portion for removable affixation to the outside surface.
The outside surface may have a second fastening portion for
affixation to the first fastening portion. One of the first or
second fastening portions may be a magnetic element and the other
of the first or second fastening portions may be magnetically
attractable thereto. The one of the first or second fastening
portions may be the first fastening portion. The second fastening
portion may be steel or iron.
[0012] The invention may also be embodied in a humidor having a
base having a hollow interior for containing cigars, a lid hingedly
affixed to the base and positionable relative thereto for either
covering or exposing the interior, the lid having an outside upper
surface, a graphic or textual sheet positionable atop the outside
surface, and a frame removably affixable to the outside surface of
the lid and having a transparent window there-through for allowing
view of a graphic sheet when the frame is affixed to the outside
surface. The window may include a glass pane. The frame may have a
first fastening portion for removable affixation to the outside
surface. The outside surface may have a second fastening portion
for affixation to the first fastening portion. One of the first or
second fastening portions may be a magnetic element and the other
of the first or second fastening portions may be magnetically
attractable thereto. The one of the first or second fastening
portions may be the first fastening portion. The second fastening
portion may be steel or iron.
[0013] The invention may also be embodied in a humidor having a
base having a hollow wood-lined interior for containing cigars, a
lid hingedly affixed to the base and positionable relative thereto
for either covering or exposing the interior, the lid having an
outside upper surface having a plurality of first portions of
fastening elements disposed thereon, a graphic or textual sheet
positionable atop the outside surface inboard of the first
portions, and a frame removably affixable to the outside upper
surface of the lid and having a transparent window there-through
for allowing view of a graphic sheet when the frame is affixed to
the outside upper surface, the frame having a plurality of second
portions of fastening elements surround the window, each aligned
with, affixable to, and removable from one of the first portions to
removably affix the frame to the outside upper surface. The window
may include a glass pane. One of the first or second fastening
portions may be a magnetic element and the other of the first or
second fastening portions may be magnetically attractable thereto.
The one of the first or second fastening portions may be the second
fastening portion. The first fastening portion may be steel or
iron. The outside upper surface and the frame may both have
substantially equal rectangular peripheries, and the plurality of
first portions and the plurality of second portions may both be
four, each portion being disposed adjacent a corner of the frame or
outside upper surface.
[0014] Further features and aspects of the invention are disclosed
in the accompanying Detailed Description and Drawings, or will be
inherently understood by those skilled in the relevant arts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings showing the representative
embodiment of the accompanying Detailed Description. The components
in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidor according to a
representative embodiment of the invention with its lid opened,
showing the cigars held within;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the humidor of FIG. 1 with
its lid closed;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the humidor of FIG. 1 with
its lid closed and frame lifted there-from;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a partial underside view of the frame of the
humidor of FIG. 1; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded cross-section of the humidor of
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a humidor 100 in accordance with just one of
an infinite number of possible embodiments of the invention. The
humidor includes a base 102, a lid 104, and a frame 106. The lid is
hingedly affixed to the base at hinges 108 such that the lid may be
lifted to expose the interior of the humidor and the cigars 200
contained therein. A humidifier 300 and hygrometer 400 are affixed
to the underside of the lid. The interior if the base and lid are
typically constructed of or lined with such an aromatic wood as
Spanish Cedar, to impart desirable flavor and aroma to the
cigars.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that frame is
attached to the top surface 112 of lid 104. The frame includes a
rectangular wooden periphery 114 having a rectangular window 116
centrally disposed there-through. The window includes a transparent
glass pane 118. An engravable plaque 122 is affixed to the frame
adjacent the window.
[0023] The frame is separable from the lid as seen in FIG. 3, so
that a photograph 500 of size and shape similar to the window, or
any equivalent graphic or textual sheet, may be placed atop the lid
in alignment with the window and viewable through the window's
glass pane. The frame and lid affix together in removable fashion
by four magnets 124 disposed in the underside of the in the frame's
four corners, as seen best in FIG. 4 which align with four steel
disks 126 disposed in the top of the lid's four corners, in
alignment with and attraction to the magnets.
[0024] The magnetic attraction of the steel discs to the magnets is
sufficiently strong enough to assure that the frame and lid are
forced into proper alignment and held sufficiently rigidly together
as the frame is positioned adjacent the lid, thereby trapping the
photograph under the window and viewable there-through. The
magnetic attraction is sufficiently is sufficiently weak enough to
allow for easy removal of the frame form the lid by simply wedging
a fingernail of such into the peripheral seam between the lid and
frame.
[0025] The steel disks could alternatively be any other
magnetically attractable material, including an oppositely-poled
magnet. Less preferably, the frame could affix to the lid by other
temporary fastening means such as "hook and loop" pads, thumb
screws, snap fasteners, or stick tack. Even less preferably, the
frame could affix to the lid by less temporary fastening means,
such as threaded screws or glue.
[0026] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to a specific exemplary embodiment, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, and that the invention should therefore only be
limited according to the following claims, including all equivalent
interpretation to which they are entitled.
* * * * *