U.S. patent application number 15/019901 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-18 for reversible cigarette holder and methods for holding, lighting and smoking a cigarette.
The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas Paul Riederer. Invention is credited to Thomas Paul Riederer.
Application Number | 20160235118 15/019901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56620499 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160235118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Riederer; Thomas Paul |
August 18, 2016 |
Reversible Cigarette Holder and Methods for Holding, Lighting and
Smoking a Cigarette
Abstract
An improved cigarette holder, embodiments of which comprise a
tubular construction with both cigarette holding and mouthpiece
features at either or both ends of the tube, one end generally
being smaller than the other, the ends in communication with each
other through a passageway. Embodiments of the present invention
allow the holder to be reversed following smoking of a first
portion of the cigarette such that it enables smokers to light
partially-smoked cigarettes safely and easily, allows them to smoke
more of the sometimes-high-cost smokable material easily, avoid
tasting bitterness of a saliva-stained cigarette and share a
pleasurable smoke among friends as desired. Embodiments of the
present invention also include disclosure of methods for safe,
proper and efficient use of embodiments of the device to enhance
smoking pleasure.
Inventors: |
Riederer; Thomas Paul;
(Santa Barbara, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Riederer; Thomas Paul |
Santa Barbara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56620499 |
Appl. No.: |
15/019901 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62115236 |
Feb 12, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 7/00 20130101; A24F
13/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 13/02 20060101
A24F013/02; A24F 7/00 20060101 A24F007/00 |
Claims
1. A cigarette holder comprising an extended tube comprising a
first end comprising a first opening receptive to frictionally
engaging a first portion of a cigarette and a second end comprising
a second opening receptive to frictionally engaging a smaller
portion of the cigarette, said ends being in communication through
a central passageway.
2. The cigarette holder as described in claim 1, further comprising
a first mouthpiece on the first end and a second mouthpiece on the
second end, wherein the mouthpieces are configured to allow a user
to smoke the cigarette while the cigarette is frictionally engaged
in the opposite end.
3. The cigarette holder as described in claim 2 wherein the
surfaces and edges of the mouthpieces are smooth.
4. The cigarette holder as described in claim 2 further configured
to cool smoke from the cigarette prior to inhalation by the
smoker.
5. The cigarette holder as described in claim 1 wherein at least
one of the ends of the tube is composed of a material selected from
the group consisting of metals, glass, and ceramics.
6. The cigarette holder as described in claim 1, wherein said first
and second ends are configured to allow a smoker's lips to engage
and seal around at least one of said ends to allow smoking of the
cigarette.
7. The cigarette holder as described in claim 1, wherein the shape
of the entrance to the second opening is selected from the group
consisting of oval, circular, elliptical, square, trapezoidal, and
triangular.
8. The cigarette holder as described in claim 1 wherein at least
one of the openings comprises a funnel-shaped portion.
9. A cigarette holder comprising an extended tube comprising a
first end and a second end, each end comprising an opening and a
mouthpiece, said ends being in communication with each other
through a central passageway of the tube, wherein the opening of
the second end is smaller than the opening of the first end.
10. The cigarette holder as described in claim 9 wherein at least
one opening is funnel-shaped.
11. The cigarette holder as described in claim 9 wherein edges and
corners of the first and second ends are smooth.
12. A method for smoking a cigarette comprising the steps of: a.)
Inserting a first end of the cigarette into a first end of a
cigarette holder a first distance; b.) Lighting the end of the
cigarette opposite the first end of the cigarette and smoking a
first portion of the cigarette via a first mouthpiece on the end of
the holder opposite the first end of the holder; c.) Removing the
cigarette from the holder; d.) Reversing the holder and inserting
the first end of the cigarette into the end of the holder opposite
the first end of the holder a second distance; and e.) Smoking a
desired portion of the remainder of the cigarette via a second
mouthpiece on the first end of the holder; wherein the second
distance is less than the first distance.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the exterior of the first end of
the holder is round and the first mouthpiece comprises the exterior
of the first end.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the steps of inserting are
effective to substantially seal the cigarette within the
holder.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein at least one of the first end
and the opposite end of the cigarette holder is composed of a
material selected from the group consisting of metals, glass, and
ceramics.
16. The method of claim 12 further comprising at least one step of
inserting the cigarette holder into the mouth of the smoker and
holding the holder therein without the use of the smoker's hands.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a nonprovisional application of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/115,236, filed on Feb. 12,
2015,
BACKGROUND
[0002] The smoking of tobacco and other materials has been common
for much of the history of civilization. A common approach is to
roll or otherwise wrap the smokable material with a thin outer
wrapper layer of suitable material into a cigar or cigarette,
wherein the wrapper is generally ignited and smoked along with the
smokable material. The smokable material could be tobacco or any
other material smoked for pleasurable, recreational or medicinal
purposes. While both cigarettes and cigars contain tobacco or other
material the general difference is that in a cigar the smokable
material is wrapped in a natural leaf of tobacco or other smokable
material. But cigarettes contain the smokable material wrapped in
paper, or another material that does not contain a natural leaf of
smokable material. For purposes of brevity in this specification,
the words cigar and cigarette will be construed interchangeably.
Additionally the outer wrapper could be paper, or many other
materials used to wrap cigars and cigarettes, all of which are
included by reference herein as equivalent substitutes.
[0003] The use of a cigarette holder has been common throughout the
ages to facilitate holding of the cigarette. Many cigarette holders
grasp the proximal, unlit, end to allow convenient and safe
lighting of the distal end. There are a variety of other reasons
for holding the cigarette, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 150,000 (Dale, 1874). Some smokers dislike the taste of the
wrapper which is often bitter, or the feel of the wrapper on their
lips, especially once it has been partially smoked and saliva from
the smoker's mouth combines with it. Some smokers may have wet or
dirty hands that could degrade a cigarette. Some smokers prefer a
hard mouthpiece instead of the soft wrapper. Some holders protect
the proximal end of the cigarette from damage, for example as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,944 (Banoczi, 1972). Some holders
contain a filter, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,137,303 (Shaw, 1964) while others are secured to a filter
inherent to the cigarette. Most holders have features for capturing
and engaging a cigarette in one end of the holder by using various
methods of, for example, funnels, ridges, stepped diameters and the
like. The exterior of the other end of the holder comprises a
mouthpiece, which may be simple or elaborate, for allowing the
smoker to seal the holder with his lips and smoke the cigarette.
The interior of the mouthpiece end is simply a passageway to
communicate the smoke from the cigarette to the smoker.
[0004] Cigarette holders of the prior art suffer from numerous
shortcomings. It is noted that many smokers nowadays prefer to make
their own cigarettes due to cost or convenience, and that some
smokers are not fully competent at doing so. It is noted that many
paper wrapper types are thin and fragile, most being much thinner
than, for example, writing or printer paper. The various methods
used to apply a wrapping material around smokable material in order
to form a central channel urging longitudinal flow of air and smoke
therein through a cigarette comprise means including rolling,
pinching, twisting, raveling, weaving and the like. For purposes of
brevity in this specification all such methods shall be included
herein when reference is made to rolling, as in the phrase rolling
a cigarette or rolling a wrapper around the cigarette.
[0005] Rolling followed by twisting of the ends of the wrapper of
the cigarette is a common method to make a cigarette. This can
induce flaws such as non-constant, non-circular and non-standard
diameter, as well as untwisting of the ends of the cigarette and
the like, allowing smokable material to leak out. Many holders do
not hold such flawed cigarettes well. Some holders of the prior art
tear the fragile wrapper. In addition, when a cigarette such as one
which is hand-rolled is held in the mouth and smoked, the smokers
saliva can combine with the cigarette, causing poor taste for the
smoker as well as contaminating the smokable material.
[0006] It is noted that some smokable materials are expensive and
it is often desirable to smoke nearly the full entirety of the
material within the cigarette. As such it is difficult to smoke
nearly the full entirety of a, for example, hand-rolled cigarette
because the cigarette becomes much smaller as it is smoked thereby
becoming much more difficult to hold. Often the smoker will pinch
the proximal, i.e. mouth end of the partially smoked cigarette so
that the end is rather flat and smokable material will not leak out
allowing more of the full entirety of the smokable material to be
smoked. These factors make it difficult to smoke a small,
partially-smoked cigarette by holding it with the fingers and the
mouth only. Therefore it is often desirable to use a cigarette
holder.
[0007] Holders that allow a small-diameter or tapered cigarette to
be deeply inserted into a socket within their body can prevent the
cigarette from being fully smoked, resulting in undesired waste and
expense. Additionally, attempting to smoke the portion of the
cigarette inserted deeply into the holder can cause melting,
combustion or degradation of the holder itself, contaminating the
smoke and possibly exposing the smoker to poisonous chemical
byproducts. Further, due to the stickiness of non-combusted residue
derived from smoking the cigarette, the cigarette may easily become
stuck inside the holder. Some such aforementioned holders are made
of plastic or rubber or other materials susceptible to melting,
degradation or combustion. Other such holders are made of ceramic
or glass and may be prone to breakage when dropped or suddenly
heated due to internal thermal stresses, such as when lighting a
partially-smoked cigarette where the flame is close to the
holder.
[0008] Some holders are made with an integral pre-configured
wrapper so the smoker inserts the smokable material into the open
end of the holder/wrapper intended to be lit. Such holders suffer
from problems including fragility of the unfilled wrapper and a
size which is larger and less convenient in storage and transit
than a pack of, for example, folded wrapping papers. Such
holder/wrappers are also more expensive than the wrappers alone. It
is also difficult to make a cigarette of a size other than that for
which the pre-made holder/wrapper is intended, should a smoker wish
to do so out of choice or necessity. Such holder/wrappers also
suffer from the problem of combustion or degradation of the holder
itself, contaminating the smoke.
[0009] Some holders, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,341,609 (Morris, 2002), comprise "alligator-jaw" or
"clothespin-like" devices to provide a suitable jaw-holding
mechanism to secure the cigarette and to provide a handhold for
easily passing and sharing a smoke between friends. It is noted
that when a cigarette is partially smoked it is sometimes referred
to as a "roach" due to its similarity in size, shape and color to a
common household cockroach. Such jaw-holding devices are hence
commonly referred to as "roach clips", and while useful to hold a
small, partially smoked cigarette to attempt to fully smoke the
material these devices suffer from additional problems. The jaw can
pierce or tear the wrapper of the cigarette, causing air to bypass
the smoking material and dilute the smoke or result in
extinguishment of the cigarette or to allow it to become disengaged
and fall, all of which are generally unfavorable to the smoker.
Also the roach clip precludes any desire to avoid touching the
smoker's lips to the cigarette during smoking.
[0010] Should the partially smoked cigarette require re-lighting
due to being extinguished after partial smoking, additional
problems ensue. It is noted that generally the most reliable method
of lighting or re-lighting a cigarette is to hold a flame at the
desired point of combustion, typically the distal end of the
cigarette, while simultaneously inhaling through it, such that the
flame is drawn into the smokable material along with air comprising
oxygen to combust the material. If this technique is used with a
roach clip with a small, partially smoked cigarette, the resulting
position of the flame can be dangerously close to the smoker's
face, possibly causing burns.
[0011] A method in which the smoker tries to light the partially
smoked cigarette away from the face and then quickly move it to the
mouth for inhaling and combustion is often not successful. These
problems are compounded when the partially smoked cigarette becomes
smaller as it is further smoked. Additionally, holding the
partially smoked cigarette becomes more problematic as it is
further smoked. An unsmoked cigarette of typical size can be held
between the lips while a lighter or match is utilized to light it
resulting in a one-handed operation. When the partially smoked
cigarette becomes small due to further smoking it must be held in
the other hand during lighting, resulting in a two-handed
operation. This requires the smoker to cease whatever activity was
being performed with the second hand, such as holding a cup of
coffee, which can be disruptive and inconvenient.
[0012] Embodiments of this invention eliminate these and other
problems.
SUMMARY
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention are intended to further
the art in reference with respect to holding, lighting and smoking
a cigarette including a hand-rolled cigarette.
[0014] Embodiments of the invention relate to the art of cigarette
holding and cigarette lighting and smoking and in particular to
holding, lighting, and smoking cigarettes. In particular,
embodiments of the invention relate to a cigarette comprised of
tobacco or another smokable material contained within a generally
thin wrapper rolled around the smokable material. It should be
noted that cigarettes of alternative constructions may also benefit
from aspects of embodiments of this invention. Constructions such
as the use of a tubular wrapper, a material coating around the
exterior of the smokable material forming the wrapper, a smokable
material with an inherent wrapper or a smokable material with
inherent flow channels precluding the use of the wrapper, or their
equivalents without limitation, may all benefit from use of
embodiments of this invention. For purposes of brevity in this
specification, the word wrapper is used to describe any and all of
such constructions and their equivalents.
[0015] In a first embodiment, the invention is a device that
comprises an elongated thin-walled tube constructed of flame
resistant material generally a couple inches or so long. The tube
has two ends which communicate through the central passageway of
the tube. The characteristics of each end are different, such that
each end is used in a different manner at different times
throughout portions of the period or periods in which the cigarette
is lighted and smoked.
[0016] A first end may comprise a generally cylindrical opening
free of sharp edges, corners or projections with an entrance shaped
to accept, receive and frictionally engage a generally elongated
cigarette comprising a wrapper with a proximal end which may be
tapered in a cone shaped manner to a small opening through which
the material within the cigarette is smoked. The proximal end of
the cigarette is inserted into the device through the opening of
the first end and pushed into the device until the periphery of the
opening of the first end extends over the outer circumferential
surfaces of the wrapper sufficiently such that the cigarette is
secured internally with friction. The inside receiving portion of
the device is smooth to avoid tearing or cutting the wrapper. In
the case of a hand-rolled cigarette the circumferential wall of the
opening of the first end secures the rolled wrapper upon insertion
and additionally keeps it from becoming further unrolled. The
predominance of the cigarette extends out from the first end such
that the non-inserted distal end of the cigarette is exposed and
can be lit and the cigarette smoked.
[0017] The surfaces and edges of the outside of the first end may
be smooth or textured such that this end comprises a mouthpiece in
subsequent smoking actions.
[0018] The second end of the device comprises a generally oval,
round, elliptical, or similarly shaped exterior with an opening
also generally oval, round, elliptical, or similarly shaped, free
of sharp edges, corners or projections. The opening extends into
the interior hollow portion of the tube wherein it communicates
with the first end as well as cooperatively with a cigarette
installed in and received by the first end. In the first manner of
use of the device wherein the cigarette is inserted into the
opening of the first end, the second end comprises a mouthpiece for
the smoker such that the outside surface and edges of the second
end are smooth and suitable for such use.
[0019] To light a cigarette which has been inserted into the first
end of the device, the smoker grasps the exterior of the device
using his hand or lips, holds the mouthpiece of the second end in
his mouth, inhales gently through the device and hence through the
cigarette while holding a flame at the distal end of the cigarette
such that the cigarette becomes lit. The smoker then further
inhales or puffs and enjoys the smoke while conveniently holding
the device in hand or by mouth only, through the first portion of
the period in which the cigarette is smoked.
[0020] The periphery of the opening of the first end also generally
seals the device around the cigarette such that when the smoker
inhales there is little if any bypassing of air around the
cigarette; rather substantially all inhalation effort is utilized
to generally smoke the smokable material. Alternative embodiments
may comprise features to allow bypassing of air around the
cigarette if so desired by the smoker. Such bypassing could be
controlled by the smoker.
[0021] Once the cigarette has been partially smoked it can be
removed from the first end of the device, by the smoker. The
cigarette may be lit or extinguished at this moment. It is noted
that the by-products of the combustion of the wrapper or smokable
material of the cigarette tend to cause the folds and leaves of the
wrapper to stick to each other avoiding further unrolling. The
smoker may desire to pinch the non-combusted proximal end of the
cigarette flat to avoid leaking smokable material while still
providing sufficient flow area for further smoking.
[0022] The device is then reversed such that the second end now
becomes the cigarette holding end and the uncombusted tip of the
partially smoked cigarette is inserted into the opening of that
second end of the holder. The inside of the second end can be
shaped as a funnel, either round, oval, oblong, or any shape such
that it will accept a generally flattened or rounded tip of the
rolled wrapper and hold and engage the cigarette frictionally while
substantially sealing it as desired. In this embodiment the opening
in the second end is smaller than the first end such that only the
tip and a small portion of the cigarette needs to be inserted
before the cigarette is frictionally engaged and sealed to allow
smoking. The cigarette is thus held with little intrusion into the
opening of the holder such that most of the cigarette is exposed,
allowing the preponderance of the full entirety of the smokable
material to eventually be smoked. The material of the opening of
the second end is smooth and sufficiently rigid such that when the
tip of the wrapper of the cigarette is inserted, the wrapper can be
made to conform to fit the inside of the funnel opening. In this
manner the internal periphery of the opening of the second end
forms a seal with the external periphery of the tip of the wrapper
to prevent undesired bypass of air around smokable material inside
the cigarette, as desired.
[0023] The smoker, following reversal of the holder, now uses the
mouthpiece of the first end to engage the holder and can inhale,
while re-lighting if necessary, the partially smoked cigarette as
it is held conveniently and safely away from the smoker's face. As
during the first portion of smoking, the smoker can conveniently
hold the device with his fingers or his mouth only, with the
cigarette secured therein, while the cigarette becomes ever smaller
as it is smoked. The second end of the device is shaped wherein it
can hold a very small partially smoked cigarette such that nearly
the full amount of smokable material can be smoked. As has been
noted, some tobacco or other smokable materials are quite expensive
such that the desire of the smoker to smoke nearly the full
entirety of the material can be realized with embodiments of this
invention.
[0024] The mouthpiece of the first end of the device is thus used
for the second portion of the smoking of the cigarette and the
external edges and surfaces of the first end are smooth and formed
to allow a convenient and pleasurable smoke.
[0025] The differences of embodiments of this invention over the
prior art are significant. Whereas in the prior art cigarette
holding devices generally comprise a cigarette-holding, e.g. socket
end and a mouthpiece end. The relevant features of the holding end
are generally located inside of that end, since the outside of that
end is generally nonfunctional. Conversely the relevant features of
the mouthpiece end are generally located outside of that end
wherein the inside of the mouthpiece functions only to communicate
smoke from the holding end where the cigarette is located.
[0026] By contrast, both the inside and outside of each end of
embodiments of this invention may contain relevant features which
function to further the convenience of smoking and the art of the
field. Both ends have interior features to receive and engage a
cigarette, albeit differently from the opposite end. Both ends also
have exterior features which comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpieces
may be simple or elaborate, identical or different.
[0027] Embodiments of this invention have benefits over other prior
art that is intended to allow smoking of virtually all smokable
material within the cigarette, such as a "roach clip", disclosed
previously. Some embodiments, without limitation, embrace the lack
of the sharp pinching jaws of the roach clip which can cause damage
to the thin wrapper or insecure holding. Further, embodiments of
the present invention do not require the smoker to touch the
partially smoked cigarette with their lips which can cause poor
taste in the mouth, burning of the lips from a hot small cigarette
as well as damage to the wrapper from the smoker's saliva.
[0028] In addition, while using a roach clip, a small partially
smoked extinguished cigarette must be held near to the smokers face
to allow the smoker to inhale gently while re-lighting the
cigarette. Should the smoker wish to light the partially smoked
cigarette away from his face, the success of the lighting process
is generally compromised. Whereas the present embodiment of the
invention allows the smoker to hold the partially smoked cigarette
conveniently within the device and away from the face, gently
inhaling while lighting the cigarette in a much more efficient and
successful manner. This safer and more efficient lighting procedure
is obtained without sacrificing the convenience of easily holding
and passing the cigarette when it is desired to, for example, share
its smoking with a partner.
[0029] Other benefits of embodiments of the invention include
without limitation a simple design which can be easily manufactured
inexpensively. For example the device could be made entirely of one
piece of metal tubing, with the ends formed as desired using
commonly available manufacturing methods.
[0030] The methods and apparatus of embodiments of the present
invention can be applicable to many types of smokable instruments
including cigars and cigarettes of various styles and types. The
features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention are
most readily understood when presented in the non-limiting context
of hand-rolled cigarettes comprising the smokable material within a
thin wrapper.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0031] The foregoing features of embodiments of the invention will
be more readily understood with reference to the accompanying
figures.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand-rolled cigarette
showing a partially-twisted end.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partially-smoked cigarette
showing a flattened end.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of a reversible cigarette holder.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a reversible cigarette holder.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a reversible cigarette holder with an
unsmoked hand-rolled cigarette frictionally engaged and in position
to be lit.
[0037] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a reversible cigarette holder
with a partially-smoked cigarette frictionally engaged and in
position to be lit by a smoker.
[0038] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a reversible cigarette holder
overwound with wrapping papers.
[0039] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a reversible cigarette holder
with an overmolded feature.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of a reversible
cigarette holder with a simple mouthpiece on one end and a more
elaborate mouthpiece on the other end.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Disclosed herein are embodiments of apparatus and methods
for holding, lighting and smoking cigarettes.
Embodiments of the Apparatus
[0042] Referring first to FIG. 1, a typical hand-rolled cigarette
100 is shown. A paper wrapper is rolled around smokable material
such as to encompass it within and avoid spillage or leakage of the
material. As is common with inexperienced hand rollers, the ends of
the cigarette are difficult to form perfectly such that often times
the twisted ends comprising folds and layers tend to become
partially untwisted such as the end 101 shown in FIG. 1.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 2 a typical partially smoked cigarette 200
is shown. The partially smoked cigarette comprises a proximal end
through which smoke is inhaled 201 and a distal, combusted end 202
generally comprising ash, with the balance of the smokable material
inside. It can be seen that the folds and layers that were
partially untwisted in, for example, the end 101 of the unsmoked
cigarette 100 of FIG. 1 have now become bonded due to the ingress
of sticky byproducts of combustion during the smoking process.
[0044] It is noted, and illustrated in FIG. 2, that when smoking a
cigarette such as one hand-rolled with a smokable material
contained within a thin wrapper, the end toward the smoker, i.e.
the uncombusted proximal end 201, is sometimes made flat or
oval-shaped. This is to generally provide a channel for sufficient
flow of air and smoke while preventing grains of smokable material
from leaking out of the cigarette, which is undesirable due to the
high cost of some smokable materials. A round, cone shaped wrapper
end with a sufficiently small opening may provide equivalent
protection against leakage but with possibly less flow area.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a perspective illustration and a
longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the present
invention are shown. The reversible cigarette holder 300 comprises
a first end 301 and a second end 302, both ends comprising openings
in communication with each other through a tubular central
passageway, as is seen in the sectional view of FIG. 4.
[0046] In some embodiments the opening in the first end 301 of the
reversible cigarette holding device 300 is generally round or
conical and is sized appropriately to receive and accept a first
portion of the cigarette 100. A cigarette which is hand-rolled with
a wrapper is often not perfectly rolled and the folds and layers
are not completely secured, wherein the wrapper is prone to
untwisting at the end 101.
[0047] With embodiments of this invention, the wrapper of the end
101 can be twisted and then quickly guided and inserted into the
opening in the first end 301 of the cigarette holding device 300
which will securely capture the partially untwisting wrapper before
it can untwist to the extent that smokable material leaks out.
Generally as the cigarette 100 is smoked, byproducts of the smoking
process are released. Some of these byproducts are generally sticky
in nature and act to bond folds and layers of the wrapper to
themselves within the invention, wherein following the first
portion of the smoking process the wrapper is no longer prone to
untwisting and the cigarette can be removed from the first end 301
without further untwisting or leakage. In this manner embodiments
of the invention serves to correct for the untwisting, which is a
solution for a common problem for novice or hurried cigarette
rollers.
[0048] Additionally the mouthpiece 303 of the first end 301 has
corners, surfaces, and edges which are substantially smooth, even
and continuous, to allow a smoker to engage, seal his lips around
and inhale through the mouthpiece 303 of end 301 during certain
other portions of the smoking process, wherein undesired air does
not bypass the cigarette nor the holder, as desired. The mouthpiece
303 of end 301 may contain ridges, grooves, protrusions, knurling,
or similar additional features to aid in its use.
[0049] The second end 302 of this embodiment comprises a generally
tapered funnel-like opening of a generally oval- or
elliptical-shaped cross-section with generally smooth internal
corners and surfaces to allow the end 302 to insertably receive,
frictionally engage, and hold a partially smoked cigarette 200
without tearing or otherwise damaging it. Additionally the
mouthpiece 304 of the second end 302 has corners, surfaces, and
edges which are smooth, to allow a smoker to engage, seal his lips
around, and inhale through the mouthpiece 304 of end 302 during
certain other portions of the smoking process, wherein undesired
air does not bypass the cigarette nor the holder, as desired. The
mouthpiece 304 of end 302 may contain ridges, grooves, protrusions,
knurling, or similar additional features to aid in its use.
[0050] Embodiments of the present invention, specifically the
second end 302 of the embodiment, comprise interior structure
wherein insertion of the cigarette into this end generally
constrictingly urges and forms a desirable oval or flattened shape
onto the end 201 of the partially smoked cigarette 200. Other
embodiments may have a more conically-shaped funnel opening. In
addition, the constriction of the funnel is shaped such that the
periphery of the inside surface of the opening, in conjunction with
the external surface of the wrapper, seals the cigarette as desired
to avoid allowing air to bypass the smoking material and dilute the
smoke or result in extinguishment of the cigarette or to allow it
to become disengaged and fall, all of which are generally
unfavorable to the smoker.
[0051] The opening may be tapered and the dimensions of the root
401 of the opening are sized such that sufficient friction and
sealing of the partially smoked cigarette 200 with the holder is
achieved without completely constricting the end of the cigarette,
which could block flow and prevent smoking. As such, the air and
smoke flow can be maintained by the smoker upon inhalation.
[0052] It is noted that untwisting of the ends of a cigarette can
result in the smokable material leaking out and becoming wasted. It
is common for a smoker, when hand-rolling a cigarette, to twist the
distal, to-be-lit, end of the cigarette 100 tightly to avoid any
leaking during handling, transit or storage. This also seals the
end from airflow but this blockage is soon removed when that end is
lit and combustion of the wrapper unseals the end and allows
airflow ingress, combustion and smoking.
Methods for Holding, Lighting, and Smokinga Cigarette Using the
Apparatus Acccording to Several Embodiments
[0053] The apparatus according to an embodiment as disclosed herein
is used to hold, light, and smoke cigarettes especially cigarettes
which are hand-rolled, or those constructed without a filter. FIG.
5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an un-smoked
cigarette 100 inserted and received by the cigarette holder 300.
The cigarette 100 is firstly held and the proximal first end 101 is
grasped and any untwisted or unsecured folds or layers are twisted
or secured longitudinally such that damage to them is prevented,
and a continuous flow channel inside the cigarette 100 is
preserved, while the cigarette 100 is inserted into the first end
301 and received by the apparatus 300. The cigarette 100 is then
further inserted into the apparatus 300 until the circumferential
surface of the inside of the holder 300 frictionally receives the
outer circumferential surface of the cigarette 100.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows a generally cylindrical tubular construction of
the holder 300, in section, and a generally tapered elongated
construction of the cigarette 100, frictionally engaged therein.
Alternative embodiments may comprise, for example without
limitation, an inwardly tapered funnel-shaped first end 301 to
allow proper frictional reception of cigarettes of different
outside diameters. The holder 300 may further be used with a
cigarette 100 comprising a cylindrical or tapered elongated shape.
Further, embodiments of the apparatus can be constructed of various
alternate sizes, such that an even larger range of cigarette sizes,
shapes and cross sectional patterns can be accommodated.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a holder 300 which is of elongated shape and
generally circular tubular cross-section.
[0056] Other cross sectional shapes may be utilized, for example
without limitation, octagonal, square, or the like. FIG. 5 further
shows a generally smooth central tubular chamber, though it may be
desirable to have projections protruding inwardly to further the
security of the reception of the cigarette 100, or to arrest its
reception at a particular longitudinal location. Similarly, the
cigarette 100 shown in FIG. 5 is generally circular in cross
section, though other sectional shapes may be utilized as
desired.
[0057] Once the cigarette 100 is inserted into the holder 300 the
smoker can control, as desired, the extent to which the inside
chamber of the holder 300 frictionally seals the outer
circumferential surface of the cigarette by forcing the cigarette
further into the chamber resulting in interference and constriction
of the circumferential surface of the cigarette, without damage to
the wrapper of the cigarette 100. This step also controls the
security of the holding of the cigarette within the holder such
that extraneous external forces will not cause the cigarette to
fall out of the holder. This effect is further enhanced due to a
large portion of the length of the cigarette being encompassed
within the holder such that the likelihood of the cigarette being
bent or broken at the position corresponding to the first end 301
of the holder 300, resulting in the cigarette or a portion thereof
falling from the holder is significantly reduced. The cigarette is
now in a position to be lit and smoked.
[0058] The smoker grasps the holder 300 and holds the second end
302 in his mouth for smoking. It is noted that the holder 300,
being of generally rigid construction, can be held securely solely
by the smoker's lips or teeth without requiring the use of a hand.
The distal end of the cigarette 100 can now be lit with a match,
lighter, ember, candle or the like. It is noted that for lighting
with a lit candle or the like the use of a hand is potentially not
required at all. The cigarette 100 is now received and secured
inside the cigarette holder 300 and the smoker can enjoy the
smoke.
[0059] Once the cigarette has been partially smoked, it may be
desirable to the smoker to attempt to smoke virtually the entirety
of the smokable material within the cigarette, as the cost of some
smokable materials can be high. Further, to maintain cleanliness of
the inside tubular passageway within the holder 300 and prevent its
contamination with sticky byproducts of the smoking process, it may
be desirable to preclude the combustion of the smokable material
from entering within the passageway. To accomplish this the smoker
simply removes the now partially smoked cigarette 200 from the
holder 300, reverses the holder 300 end-for-end, and inserts the
proximal end 201 of the partially smoked cigarette 200 into the
opening of the second end 302. It is noted that the partially
smoked cigarette 200 may be extinguished or it may remain lit
during this portion of the procedure.
[0060] Similar to the step portrayed previously describing holding
of an unsmoked cigarette 100, the smoker can control, as desired,
the extent to which the inside surface of the second end 302 of the
holder 300 frictionally seals the outer circumferential surface of
the proximal end 201 of the partially smoked cigarette 200 by
forcing the cigarette further into the reception area of the second
end 302, resulting in interference and constriction of the
circumferential surface of the cigarette, without damage to the
wrapper of the cigarette. This step also controls the security of
the holding of the cigarette within the holder such that extraneous
external forces will not cause the cigarette to fall out of the
holder. This effect is further enhanced due to the shorter length
of the partially smoked cigarette 200 such that the likelihood of
it being bent or broken or falling from the holder 300 is
significantly reduced.
[0061] FIG. 3 shows a generally oval-shaped entrance to the second
end 302 of the holder 300. Alternative embodiments could utilize an
alternatively-shaped entrance configuration such as circular,
elliptical, square, trapezoidal, triangular, or other without
limitation, in conjunction with a partially smoked cigarette of
alternatively-shaped proximal end 201. In other embodiments the
opening could comprise a blending of one shape to another
longitudinally within the opening. An embodiment could comprise an
extended lower jaw for easier insertion and more secure holding of
the partially smoked cigarette. Some smokers may choose to roll a
cigarette of such size that only the second end 302 is used to hold
such cigarette in both unsmoked or partially smoked
configurations.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a generally funnel-shaped tubular construction
of the second end 302 of the holder 300, in longitudinal cross
section. The entrance to the second end 302 is of sufficient size
and appropriately-shaped such that the proximal end 201 of the
partially smoked cigarette 200 is easily inserted therein. The size
of the root 401 of the funnel shaped opening, the root 401 being
the longitudinal point of least transverse cross sectional area of
the opening within the second end 302, is sufficiently small to
allow frictional security of the reception of the partially smoked
cigarette 200. The size of the root 401 is also sufficiently large
to allow the desired flow of smoke and air to communicate between
the two ends of the holder 300.
[0063] The angular taper of the opening at the second end 302
between entrance and root 401 is small enough to afford sufficient
friction for holding the received and inserted partially smoked
cigarette 200. On the other hand the angular taper is large enough
to minimize the extent of the partially smoked cigarette 200 which
must be inserted to afford a sufficient frictional seal between the
inside surface of the funnel-shaped opening in the end 302 and the
proximal end 201 of the partially smoked cigarette 200. It is noted
that the partially smoked cigarette 200 is generally squeezably
compliant radially and often tapered conically between the proximal
end 201 and the distal end 202. Further it was noted previously
that the proximal end 201 can be flattened. The smoker can thus
form the combination of the frictional reception, circumferential
seal and protrusion of the partially smoked cigarette 200 as
desired.
[0064] Since the holding of the partially smoked cigarette 200 is
of the proximal end 201 and not its body, this portion of the
smoking process easily accommodates cigarettes of different
original outside diameters. Further, embodiments of the apparatus
can be constructed of various alternate sizes, such that an even
larger range of cigarette sizes and shapes can be accommodated.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the smoker 601 grasps the holder
300 and now holds the first end 301 in his mouth for smoking. It is
again noted that the holder 300 can be held securely solely by the
smoker's lips or teeth without requiring the use of a hand. The
distal end of the partially smoked cigarette 202 can now be re-lit,
if required, with a match, lighter, ember, candle or the like. It
is again noted that for lighting with a lit candle or the like the
use of a hand is potentially not required at all. The partially
smoked cigarette 200 is now received and secured inside the
cigarette holder 300 and the smoker can enjoy the smoke.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, the distal end 202 of the partially
smoked cigarette 200 is horizontally disposed and well removed from
the position directly below the smoker's nose, and away from the
smoker's lips. Hence a flame can be held at or below the distal end
202 which is not in a position to burn or injure the nose or lips
of the smoker 601.
Construction of Embodiments of the Apparatus
[0067] Embodiments of the device could be made in various sizes
depending on the desire of the smoker, the size of the wrapper, and
the nature of the material to be smoked. Common sizes of cigarettes
range from, for example without limitation, at least about 1/8 of
an inch diameter to 1 inch or more in diameter for a large cigar.
Noncircular cross sections of cigarettes could also be easily
accommodated by embodiments of the device.
[0068] The basic embodiment of an elongated tube could be modified
easily for decorative or functional purposes. For example, the
device could be constructed of a tube with a partial arcuate
shape.
[0069] Alternately, embodiments of the device could have one or
more bends. A shape with two symmetric and opposite bends, for
example, may represent a zigzag pattern, commonly desirable with
some smokers. Such bends, in addition to being decorative, also
provide functions such as, for example without limitation,
prevention of rolling of the device on a flat surface.
[0070] The material of which embodiments of the apparatus is
constructed could be one or more of many different types of metal,
including for example without limitation, brass, steel, aluminum,
copper, titanium, silver, or even gold as a special embodiment, and
alloys or combinations thereof. The device could comprise many
different types of finish treatments or coatings or plating, or no
finishing at all. Other materials, such as heat-resistant ceramic
and glass and the like without limitation, and their relative
manufacturing processes, may also be suitable to resist the
temperature of the smoking material and appeal to the smoker as
mouthpiece or handhold.
[0071] Embodiments of such a device could be designed wherein
features could be added to protect the holder from breakage if
dropped. Most all of these materials may additionally prove to be
durable and long lasting following the smoking of many cigarettes.
Further, embodiments of the apparatus could be constructed from
materials and thicknesses which may be selected to construct a very
inexpensive reversible cigarette holder which could presumably be
discarded after only one or a few uses.
[0072] Contrarily the materials and their thickness and finish may
be selected to provide an attractive and long-lasting reversible
cigarette holder. Additional details could be included in the
design of the device for function or appearance. Such details could
include without limitation knurling or other details to enhance the
grip of the device by the user. Embodiments of the device could be
cast, 3-D printed, or otherwise constructed wherein both the
function and appearance are built-in.
[0073] An advantage of embodiments constructed from hard materials
is that, during smoking when an ash is produced at the distal end
of the cigarette, a generally small tap of the holder against a
hard ashtray results in a high g-force within the device which
tends to part the ash from the tip of the cigarette more easily
than, say, a soft cigarette holder tapping on a resilient
surface.
[0074] Should it be desirable to clean the device after use it may
be advantageous to select materials and/or finish treatments which
are nonstick and/or resistant to any suitable cleaning compound.
The basic embodiment allows cleaning of the internal surfaces with
a standard pipe cleaner or q-tip and suitable solvent such as,
without limitation, alcohol, or possibly no solvent at all. Other
shapes could be designed to keep or enhance this feature. The root
401 of the funnel of the second end 302 can be made sufficiently
large to allow a pipe cleaner to pass through it without affecting
the performance of the device as previously disclosed. The basic
embodiment further allows similar easy cleaning of the external
surfaces such as, for example, before or after sharing the device
and smoke with a fellow smoker.
[0075] Additional features which could be added to embodiments of
the device include without limitation aspects to enhance the ease
of using, holding or passing the device such as an external
protrusion to act as a handle, a hole in such protrusion suitable
for securing the device in a keychain or necklace, a protrusion
such as a "kick stand" to form a tripod or otherwise act to prevent
the lit end of the cigarette from touching a surface upon which it
is placed, a protrusion shaped as a ring finger holder, a clip or
opening in a protrusion designed to attach a cigarette lighter or
one of many other functional features. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary
embodiment wherein an unused wrapping paper 701 comprises
perforations 702 allowing it to be detached from a storage roll 703
of additional wrapping papers rolled around the device for
convenient storage.
[0076] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration showing an embodiment
of the present invention comprising the reversible cigarette holder
300 overmolded or otherwise adorned with, for example without
limitation, a thumb tab 801 for convenient gripping of the
apparatus.
[0077] FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of a reversible
cigarette holder with an elaborate mouthpiece 901 on one end and a
simpler mouthpiece 303 on the other end. The elaborate mouthpiece
could be overmolded, cast, spun, formed, or otherwise manufactured
into the holder. In some embodiments the mouthpiece could be made
to slide from one end to the other such that a single mouthpiece
could function at either end. The simpler mouthpiece could be as
simple as that of a drinking straw, where the outside surface and
edges are smooth and allow the smoker to seal his lips on it as
desired.
[0078] The material of such an overmolded or otherwise adorned
mouthpiece or feature may comprise plastic, rubber, glass, paper,
ceramic, or one or more of many other materials, or the like.
Embodiments of such a device could be designed wherein such feature
is not exposed to the high temperatures of combustion, furthering
the range of material selection.
[0079] Details to enhance the appearance of the device could
include without limitation attractive paint or other finish
material, attractive labeling, or many other decorative artistic
features to improve the attractiveness of the device.
[0080] These details, whether for function or appearance, could be
standardized and mass-produced economically as part of the
manufacturing process. Contrarily, these details could be
customized for one or more smokers. Customization processes
including without limitation 3-D printing could be employed to
manufacture the device alone, the device with additional details,
or just the additional features, for subsequent assembly.
[0081] Another benefit of embodiments of the present invention is
that the smoke may become cooled during the period that it is
inside of the device prior to inhalation by the smoker's mouth.
Such cooling may be desirable to the smoker. Further, such cooling
may allow the condensation or separation of undesirable byproducts
of the smoking process, such as tar-like substances. Such
substances may condense on the interior walls of the device where
they can be later cleaned instead of being imbibed into the
smoker's mouth. Further, such cooling may be controlled by the
length, diameter or other size of the chamber or of the device or
through the use of fins, materials having thermal conductivity
and/or specific heat as desired such as metal or ceramic, or other
features which control the amount of heat dissipated during that
duration of the smoking process. Such fins or features may be
located internal to the device or externally.
[0082] A further embodiment of the device comprises a separate
mouthpiece comprising a socket in which either end of the
reversible cigarette holder is inserted, such that this embodiment
does not require the smoker to touch the cigarette-holding portion
of the device to his lips. An embodiment such as this may be
desirable when sharing the smoke.
[0083] Further embodiments may comprise elements for holding a
cigarette lighter or for storage within elements of a cigarette
lighter. Yet further embodiments may comprise an element such as a
wire clip which may have multiple positions such that it is useful
for storing the lighter and/or wrappers, flexibly clipping on to an
external edge or surface for storage, or holding the cigarette in a
position to avoid contact with other surfaces. Such an embodiment
may comprise elements which allow it to be folded for storage.
[0084] Further embodiments may comprise an accumulation chamber
within the central tubular passageway of the device of sufficient
size to store a desired volume of smoke. This accumulation chamber
may comprise a small hole which can be covered or uncovered by a
finger functioning as a valve to allow unsmoked air to be drawn
into the chamber and evacuate the smoke to the smoker upon
inhalation. Still further embodiments may comprise an additional
chamber or other means in communication with the central tubular
passageway of the device wherein substances intended to provide
flavoring, stimulation, or some other desired effect can be located
and controllably inserted into the smoke stream. A valve or similar
means of control could be utilized between this chamber and the
central tubular passageway.
[0085] Still further embodiments may comprise a mechanism to
controllably eject the cigarette before, during or after partial
smoking. Such a mechanism may further comprise means for retracting
points or barbs inside the first end 301 of the device 300, such
that these points or barbs are retracted at which time the
cigarette can then be ejected.
[0086] The terms "a," "an," "the" and similar referents used in the
context of describing the invention (especially in the context of
the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the
singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values
herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended
merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No
language in the specification should be construed as indicating any
non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0087] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations.
Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in
any combination with other members of the group or other elements
found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group
may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of
convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or
deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group
as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush
groups used in the appended claims.
[0088] Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein,
including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the
invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments
will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled
artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the
inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than
specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes
all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in
the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law.
Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all
possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless
otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context.
[0089] Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents
and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the
above-cited references and printed publications are individually
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0090] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented
in order to best explain the present invention and its practical
application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the
art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and
examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and
example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the
forthcoming claims.
* * * * *