U.S. patent application number 13/490365 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-05 for electronic cigarette sleeve.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark Scatterday, Craig Weiss. Invention is credited to Mark Scatterday, Craig Weiss.
Application Number | 20130228190 13/490365 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49042111 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130228190 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weiss; Craig ; et
al. |
September 5, 2013 |
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE SLEEVE
Abstract
Generally described, the present disclosure relates to an
electronic alternative smoking device and more particularly, to an
electronic cigarette sleeve. In an illustrative embodiment, the
sleeve can include a tubular member enclosing an electronic smoking
device. The tubular member can extend the entire length of the
device or a portion thereof. The sleeve can be slid over the
electronic smoking device. The sleeve can cover the mouth portion
of the electronic smoking device to protect it from dirt or
touching a surface. The sleeve can come in a number of variations
which are described in the present disclosure.
Inventors: |
Weiss; Craig; (Scottsdale,
AZ) ; Scatterday; Mark; (Scottsdale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Weiss; Craig
Scatterday; Mark |
Scottsdale
Scottsdale |
AZ
AZ |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49042111 |
Appl. No.: |
13/490365 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61605697 |
Mar 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
61614973 |
Mar 23, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/328 ;
131/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 13/14 20130101;
A24F 47/002 20130101; A24F 47/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/328 ;
131/331 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. An electronic cigarette sleeve comprising: an enclosure
surrounding an electronic alternative smoking device disguising
traditional cigarette features found within the electronic
alternative smoking device.
2. The electronic cigarette sleeve of claim 1, wherein the
enclosure extends to a tip of a mouthpiece of the electronic
alternative smoking device to a distal end of the electronic
alternative smoking device.
3. The electronic cigarette sleeve of claim 1, wherein the
electronic alternative smoking device is a single-use device.
4. The electronic cigarette sleeve of claim 1, wherein the
electronic alternative smoking device is a multi-use device.
5. The electronic cigarette sleeve of claim 1, wherein the
multi-use device comprises a power source and a cartridge
threadedly connected to each other.
6. A system comprising: an electronic cigarette; and a sleeve for
the electronic cigarette providing a plurality of features to the
electronic cigarette.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve is made at least one
of silicone and neoprene.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve covers an entire
surface of the electronic cigarette.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises an up
configuration where a mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette is
exposed and a down configuration where the mouthpiece of the
electronic cigarette is covered.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve for the electronic
cigarette comprises a cap for placement over a mouthpiece of the
electronic cigarette.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the cap is stretched over the
mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette and secured.
12. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve is made of
phosphorescence.
13. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a gripable
surface on an exterior portion.
14. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve when wet slides on
and off the electronic cigarette.
15. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve changes an appearance
of the electronic cigarette.
16. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve changes a feel of the
electronic cigarette.
17. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a
triangular cross section and a circular interior to fit the
electronic cigarette.
18. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a square
cross section and a circular interior to fit the electronic
cigarette.
19. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a flared
section and a circular interior to fit the electronic
cigarette.
20. A method for removing traditional cigarette features on an
electronic alternative smoking device comprising: inserting a
sleeve around the electronic alternative smoking device covering at
least a portion of the electronic alternative smoking device to
disguise the traditional cigarette features.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED DISCLOSURES
[0001] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/605,697 titled ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE SLEEVE
AND METHODS THEREOF to Craig Weiss and Mark Scatterday that was
filed on Mar. 1, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/614,973 titled ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE ATTACHMENTS, COMPONENTS AND
HOLDERS to Mark Scatterday and Craig Weiss that was filed on Mar.
23, 2012.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to microelectronic
alternative smoking devices, and more particularly, to a sleeve for
the devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic cigarettes currently available on the market are
an increasingly popular smoking alternative for users of
traditional cigarettes. These cigarettes are designed to feel and
mimic a traditional cigarette, that is, having a colored filtered
portion with a white tip. However, in many situations, it would be
desirable to have a product that does not look like a traditional
cigarette. By way of a non-limiting example, an electronic
cigarette might be disruptive if it was perceived to be a
traditional cigarette within such settings including a club or
stadium where traditional cigarettes have been banned but where
electronic cigarettes can be permitted. The use of a sleeve,
particularly one having a distinctive color, would enable a user to
distinguish the product as not being a traditional cigarette.
[0004] Electronic cigarettes are also typically placed on a counter
or other surface when not in use. Often times, because of its
multi-use capabilities, there are instances where a user of an
electronic cigarette would wish to protect a mouthpiece portion
from becoming contaminated through dirt or other airborne
substances. Electronic cigarettes can also freely roll back and
forth which can further cause issues for those users. An electronic
cigarette sleeve is therefore needed that overcomes, these as well
as other related challenges, which will become evident from the
description provided below.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE. This summary is not intended to
identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a
sleeve is provided. The sleeve can include an enclosure surrounding
an electronic alternative smoking device disguising traditional
cigarette features found within the electronic alternative smoking
device.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a system is provided. The system can include an electronic
cigarette and a sleeve for the electronic cigarette providing a
plurality of features to the electronic cigarette.
[0008] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, a method for removing traditional cigarette features on
an electronic alternative smoking device is provided. The method
can include inserting a sleeve around the electronic alternative
smoking device covering at least a portion of the electronic
alternative smoking device to disguise the traditional cigarette
features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] The novel features believed to be characteristic of the
disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the
descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the
specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively.
The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain
figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the
interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself,
however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the
following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exemplary electronic smoking device in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary electronic smoking
device of FIG. 1 having an illustrative sleeve;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary electronic smoking
device of FIG. 1 having a cap sleeve;
[0013] FIG. 4A is an exemplary sleeve for surrounding the
electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4B is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 4A fitted around the
electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4C is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 4A completely
surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5A is an exemplary sleeve having a covered end
surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5B is an exemplary sleeve reflecting light from a tip
of the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6A is an exemplary sleeve having a triangular cross
section for surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 6B is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 6A surrounding the
device of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 7A is an exemplary sleeve having a square cross section
for the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7B is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 7A surrounding the
device of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8A is an exemplary sleeve having a flared end section
for surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 8B is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 8A surrounding the
device of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 9 is an exemplary sleeve having a snap-on configuration
surrounding the device of FIG. 1; and
[0025] FIG. 10 is an exemplary sleeve capable of storing refill
cartridges surrounding the device of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0026] The description set forth below in connection with the
appended drawings is intended as a description of presently
preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to
represent the only forms in which the present disclosure can be
constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It
is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions
and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are
also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this
disclosure.
[0027] Generally described, the present disclosure relates to an
electronic alternative smoking device and more particularly, to an
electronic cigarette sleeve. In an illustrative embodiment, the
sleeve can include a tubular member enclosing an electronic smoking
device. The tubular member can extend the entire length of the
device or a portion thereof. The sleeve can be slid over the
electronic smoking device. The sleeve can cover the mouth portion
of the electronic smoking device to protect it from dirt or
touching a surface. The sleeve can come in a number of variations
which will be described below.
[0028] A number of advantages can be provided through the sleeve
described above. The sleeve can be easy to clean and can provide a
sanitary enclosure for the electronic alternative smoking device.
The sleeve can also prevent the cartridge from touching an unclean
surface. The sleeve can add a number of visually pleasing features
to the electronic cigarette as well as disguising traditional
cigarette features. These features can distinguish an electronic
cigarette from ordinary cigarettes, allowing use within facilities
that ban cigarettes, for example, at a club or restaurant. Other
advantages will become apparent from the discussion provided
below.
[0029] A typical electronic alternative smoking device will be
described in FIG. 1. FIGS. 2 through 10 will then provide exemplary
sleeves for fitting over the device. For purposes of this
disclosure, the sleeve can be referred to as a cover, envelope,
mask and guard, to name a few. Furthermore, the electronic
cigarette can referred to as an electronic alternative smoking
device, device or cigarette. Other terminologies can be used and
will become apparent from the description provided below.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 1, a typical microelectronic alternative
smoking device 100, or electronic cigarette, having a plurality of
components in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
disclosure is shown. In a typical configuration, the electronic
cigarette 100 can include a battery 104 and a cartridge 102. The
battery 104 can be charged through a USB charging cord or through
another method, or can be a pre-charged, disposable type of device
that is not rechargeable.
[0031] The electronic cigarette 100 can come as a multi-use device
where the cigarette 100 can be reused. Typically, the multi-use
cigarette 100 has a replaceable/rechargeable battery 104 along with
an evaporable substance in the cartridge 102, which can also be
replaced. Alternatively, the electronic cigarette 100 can be
provided as a single-use device. The single-use cigarette 100 can
be disposable. Typically, the battery 104 and the cartridge 102 are
not replaceable within the single-use cigarette 100 and those
components are sealed in a single tubing or conduit. Many different
configurations of electronic cigarettes 100 can be provided.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary sleeve 200 for surrounding
the microelectronic alternative smoking device 100 of FIG. 1 in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is
shown. A sleeve 200 can be placed over the device 100 or a portion
thereof. The sleeve 200 can be simply slid onto the electronic
cigarette 100. The sleeve can protect a seal between the battery
104 and cartridge 102.
[0033] The sleeve 200 can be made of a number of different types of
materials. By way of non-illustrating examples, the sleeve 200 can
be composed of silicone or neoprene. Synthetic rubber can also be
used for the sleeve 200. The sleeve 200 can also be made of harder
materials such as plastic. The harder materials can be snapped onto
the electronic cigarette. In one embodiment, the sleeve 200 made of
the harder material can be slid on as well. Other variations will
become apparent from the description provided below.
[0034] In one embodiment, the sleeve 200 can be made of
phosphorescence. The phosphorescent material does not immediately
re-emit the radiation it absorbs. The absorbed radiation can be
re-emitted at a lower intensity for up to several hours after the
original excitation. This can provide a glow-in-the-dark feature
that can light up the entire sleeve 200.
[0035] In one embodiment, the sleeve 200 can include a gripable
surface on an exterior portion that allows a user of the electronic
cigarette 100 to readily handle it. The gripable surface can have
grooves or projections to allow a user to grip the cigarette 100.
The interior portion of the sleeve 200 can be secured to the
exterior of the cigarette 100. In one variation, when wet, the
sleeve 200 can be easily slid onto the electronic cigarette 100.
When dry, the sleeve 200 can be prevented from being removed from
the cigarette 100. The sleeve 200 can provide a number of features
or functions to the cigarette 100, which will be described
below.
[0036] The sleeve 200 can initially cover the entire surface of the
smoking device 100 from the filter to the distal end. The sleeve
200 can be made of neoprene or the like and be slid up and down the
length of the device 100. In an up position, the sleeve 200 can
cover the mouth piece. By doing this, the mouth piece/filter can be
protected from outside contaminants such as dirt. When down, the
sleeve 200 allows the user of the smoking device 100 to be able to
puff the device 100.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary electronic smoking
device 100 of FIG. 1 having a cap sleeve 300. The cap sleeve 300
can also protect the smoking device 100 from being in touch with
contaminants. To use the sleeve 300, one end of the sleeve 300 can
be placed on the battery side. In turn, the other end of the sleeve
300 can be stretched over the end of the device 100 where the
cartridge, or mouthpiece, is located. The connection between the
two pieces can be made of an elastic band or the like. Other
mechanisms can be used to connect the two ends together. In
operation, the sleeve 300 can be used to cover the smoking device
100 when not in use. When in use, the sleeve 300 can simply be
removed, or at least the section covering the mouthpiece.
[0038] FIG. 4A is an exemplary sleeve 400 for surrounding the
electronic smoking device of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4B, a portion
of the device 100, in particular the cartridge 102, can be
partially covered by the sleeve 400. The exemplary sleeve 400 can
also completely surround the device 100 of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG.
4C. Through the sleeve 400, the tip of the cartridge 102, or
mouthpiece end, can be protected when the electronic cigarette 100
is dropped. In one embodiment, the sleeve 400 can be slide through
either end, that is, either through the battery side or the
cartridge side.
[0039] It can be desired to have the sleeve 400 terminate prior to
the portion of the device 100 that would go into a user's mouth so
that the user is not placing the sleeve 400 into his or her mouth.
Where the device 100 is rechargeable, it would typically consist of
a cartridge 102 which goes into the user's mouth and a battery 104
which does not. In this embodiment, the sleeve 400 might only cover
the battery 104 or perhaps the battery 104 and only some small
portion of the cartridge 102. It can also be desirable to provide a
sleeve 400 that could be extended over the portion of the device
100 that would normally go into a user's mouth to act as some type
of carry case for the device 100 and to thereby protect the portion
that goes into the mouth from being exposed to dirt or the like
while being transported.
[0040] Through the sleeve 400, regardless of whether it is
partially or fully covering the electronic cigarette 100, the
sleeve 400 can change the look and feel of the device 100. By way
of a non-limiting example, the sleeve 400 can change the look of a
traditional electronic cigarette 100, that is, having a white top
portion along with a colored bottom portion from which the user
inhales and exhales. It can be imagined that the electronic
cigarette 100 can be used in a setting in which it would be
disruptive if it was perceived to be a traditional cigarette, for
example, in a club or stadium. The use of the sleeve 400,
particularly one having a distinctive color, can enable a user to
distinguish the product as not being a traditional cigarette.
[0041] Beforehand, the sleeve 400 was capable of being placed
through either end of the electronic cigarette 100. As shown in
FIG. 5A, a sleeve 500 having a covered end 502 can also be used.
The covered end 502 can prevent the electronic cigarette 100 from
entering in one side. To secure the sleeve, the battery side can
slide into the sleeve 500 first with the cartridge side
following.
[0042] In one embodiment of the sleeve 500, the covered end 502 can
include a transparent cover such that light exiting from the
electronic cigarette 100 can exit uninterrupted. The covered end
502 can also include a colored layer that can be displayed when
light is directed therethrough. The sleeve 500, or at least the
closed end 502, can be opaque so as to block any light emitting
from the electronic cigarette 100. It can also be desired to
provide structure on the sleeve 500, perhaps tubes, that can
transmit the light from the closed end 502 to a length along the
sleeve 500. FIG. 5B is an exemplary sleeve 500 reflecting light
from a tip of the device 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or
more aspects of the present disclosure. The light can hit the
covered end 502 and reflected backwards along some type of design,
for example, straight lines 504. Other patterns can be provided
such as lightning bolts.
[0043] The sleeves 400 or 500 on the electronic cigarette 100 can
also have the same white color as a traditional cigarette. The
sleeve 500 having a closed end 502 can block the LED light of the
electronic cigarette 100 that would otherwise shine at the tip and
give off the appearance of a cigarette. In such an embodiment, the
white sleeves 400 or 500 would not only block the light but also
provide benefit as a carrying case.
[0044] The previous sleeves 400 and 500 had a circular
cross-section to match the shape of the electronic cigarette 100.
FIG. 6A is an exemplary sleeve 600 having a triangular cross
section in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
disclosure. The triangular cross sectional sleeve 600 can permit
the electronic cigarette 100 to lie flat and not roll. FIG. 6B is
the exemplary sleeve 600 of FIG. 6A surrounding the device 100 of
FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
disclosure. The sleeve 600 can entirely surround the electronic
cigarette 100 or a portion thereof as shown. Typically, the sleeve
600 can be weighted such that the cigarette 100 does not tip over.
An interior circular channel can be provided within the sleeve 600
to insert cigarette 100.
[0045] FIG. 7A is an exemplary sleeve 700 having a square cross
section in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
disclosure. The square cross sectional sleeve 700 can also be slid
onto the electronic cigarette 100 through the battery side or the
cartridge side of the cigarette 100. FIG. 7B is the exemplary
sleeve 700 of FIG. 7A surrounding the device of FIG. 1 in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The
square cross section of the sleeve 700 can also prevent the
cigarette 100 from rolling. The sleeve 700 can entirely surround
the electronic cigarette 100 or a portion thereof. Typically, the
sleeve 700 can be weighted such that the cigarette 100 does not tip
over. An interior circular channel can be provided within the
sleeve 700 to insert cigarette 100.
[0046] FIG. 8A is an exemplary sleeve 800 having a flared end
section 802 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
disclosure. The sleeve 800 can include a circular interior channel
for insertion of the electronic cigarette 100. The end section 802
can flare out like a trumpet having a circular or square base. When
slid on the electronic cigarette 100 through the battery or
cartridge end, the cigarette 100 can be stood up in a vertical
manner. FIG. 8B is the exemplary sleeve 800 of FIG. 8A surrounding
the device of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present disclosure. A portion, or the entirety, of the electronic
cigarette 100 can be covered by the sleeve 800.
[0047] Those features described above can be combined in the
presented sleeves. As noted above, the sleeves can be provided in a
distinctive color so as to make it clear that it is not a
traditional cigarette. It can also be desired to imprint on the
sleeve a trademark either of the device manufacturer or of a sports
team, corporation or the like. It can also be desired to put a logo
or other visual image on the sleeve, whether alone or in
combination with a mark or name.
[0048] Furthermore, the sleeves can be made of a variety of
materials and is not limited to the rubber-like sleeves described
above. FIG. 9 is an exemplary sleeve 900 having a snap-on
configuration in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
disclosure. The sleeve 900 can be made of plastic or similar rigid
material. To place the sleeve 900 over the electronic cigarette
100, the sleeve 900 can surround the cigarette 100 and shut tight
forming a seal between a top half and bottom half of the sleeve
900.
[0049] FIG. 10 is an exemplary sleeve 1000 capable of storing
refill cartridges in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present disclosure. Appendages 1002 can be permanently coupled to
the sleeve 1000 or separable therefrom. In one embodiment, the
sleeve 1000 can be removed before use or be part of the electronic
cigarette 100 when operating the device.
[0050] While various features and functions for the sleeves were
described above, a number of additional benefits can exist by using
the sleeves. By way of a non-limiting illustration, the sleeve can
provide additional flavoring to the aerosol provided by the
electronic cigarette 100. Cigar flavoring can be provided within
the sleeves of the present disclosure. When used, the sleeves, or a
portion on the cartridge side where the user's mouth is, can add a
flavor to the mist created by the cigarette 100. Furthermore, a
number of designs and patterns can be placed onto the sleeve. These
patterns and designs can distinguish the electronic cigarette 100
from typical cigarettes.
[0051] The sleeve can also be used to emit a fragrance, or other
smell, when the sleeve is on the electronic cigarette 100. The
fragrance can be placed onto the sleeve. Instead of a light being
emitted, the fragrance from the sleeve can be activated, and in one
embodiment, using the power emitted from the light at the end of
the cigarette 100. A heating element can be placed at the end of
the sleeve and activated when the light goes on in the cigarette
100. Different fragrances can be used dependent on the situation in
which the cigarette 100 is used.
[0052] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments
described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and
generic principles defined herein can be applied to other
embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the
full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein
reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean
"one and only one" unless specifically stated, but rather "one or
more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of
the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that
are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in
the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and
intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing
disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the
claims.
* * * * *