U.S. patent application number 17/028861 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for smoking product humidification apparatus and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Austin Alexander. Invention is credited to Austin Alexander.
Application Number | 20210000173 17/028861 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210000173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alexander; Austin |
January 7, 2021 |
SMOKING PRODUCT HUMIDIFICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
A lid and sleeve system that creates a zero maintenance humidity
controlled, protective environment within a cigar tube is
disclosed. This invention incorporates two-way humidity control
technology while adding superior protection as well as optimal air
circulation in an optionally transparent tube, designed for but not
limited to the disposable retail packaging of a cigar.
Inventors: |
Alexander; Austin; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alexander; Austin |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/028861 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15798318 |
Oct 30, 2017 |
10779567 |
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17028861 |
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62414118 |
Oct 28, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
A24F 25/02 20060101
A24F025/02; A24F 15/12 20060101 A24F015/12; A24F 15/20 20060101
A24F015/20; B65D 85/12 20060101 B65D085/12; B65D 81/05 20060101
B65D081/05 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for packaging and storing an elongated smoking
product comprising: a. a hollow container vessel that is open at
least at one end and is sized to contain the smoking product and
having a diameter relative to the diameter of the smoking product
that is sufficient to provide space surrounding the smoking
product; b. a sealing cap assembly comprising: i. a sealing lid;
ii. an upper locating member affixed to an end of the sealing lid
wherein the upper locating member is configured to accept one end
of the smoking product so as to be sufficiently centered within the
hollow container vessel so as to provide space surrounding the
smoking product; whereby the smoking product is protected against
physical damage by the upper locating member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the smoking product is a
cigar.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper locating member
further comprises flexible material having an opening formed
therein to receive the one end of the smoking product and to hold
the one end in place.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the flexible material comprises
one or more of plastic, elastic, polymer, silicone, rubber, cork,
or adequately interwoven organic and nonorganic materials such as
but not limited to cellulose containing materials, fiber, rayon,
felt, polyester, cotton, wool, metallic wool.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the flexible material comprises
foam.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper locating member
comprises a spring member formed on an interior wall thereof that
deflects to receive the one end of the smoking product and is
biased toward a center of the lid to retain the smoking product in
place.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the spring member comprises a
metal member formed on the interior wall coupled at a top and
bottom of the interior wall and having a shape that extends away
from the top midway and then extends towards the bottom, with an
open space behind the spring member.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lid comprises a plurality
of tabs extending from a bottom of an interior wall of the lid,
such that the tabs can be deflected toward the interior wall when
the one end of the smoking product is inserted therein.
9. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the flexible material comprises
cardboard.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/414,118 filed on Oct. 28, 2016 and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/798,318
filed on Oct. 30, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of smoking
product packaging and accessories.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Cigar storage humidity control can be found in US published
patent applications; US 2015/0201673; US 2012/0031780; US
2008/0245685 and in US issued patents; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,342,185;
5,957,277; 5,957,380; 5,893,454; 6,298,857; 5,816,264; 5,936,178;
3,771,535; 2,911,983; 2,296,830; 1,997,629; 1,699,090; 1,619,306;
1,366,283 U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,749,461; 6,279,581; 8,602,210, The
content of all of the foregoing published applications and patents
is incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] Other content can be found in US published applications US
2015/0021217; and US 2015/0328584; and in US issued U.S. Pat. Nos.
8,540,075; 8,087,645; 7,565,969; 6,157,306; 6,157,306; 6,006,903;
5,881,868; 5,829,581; 5,535,763; 5,277,315; 5,277,315; 5,037,459;
5,011,009; 4,930,526; 3,137,303; 2,740,683. The content of all of
the foregoing published applications and patents is incorporated
herein by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is an assembled view of the smoking product
humidifying apparatus with a cigar in the storage position.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a view of the cigar humidifying apparatus with the
sealing lid assembly disassembled.
[0007] FIG. 3a depicts the humidity control chamber assembly.
[0008] FIG. 3b is a cross section view of the sealing lid
assembly.
[0009] FIG. 3c is a cross section view of an alternative embodiment
of the upper locating member using a winged receiving cap.
[0010] FIG. 3d is a cross section view of an alternative embodiment
of the upper locating member using a winged receiving cap shown
with a received cigar.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows 3 versions of the Boveda humidity control
packets.
[0012] FIG. 5a is a side view of an embodiment of the upper
locating member looking in from below
[0013] FIG. 5b is a side view of an embodiment of the upper
locating member looking in from above.
[0014] FIG. 5c is a top view of an embodiment of the upper locating
member.
[0015] FIG. 5b is a top view of the upper locating member.
[0016] FIG. 5d is a top view of the upper locating member
embodiment with flexible wings.
[0017] FIG. 6a is a top view of the stabilizing disc.
[0018] FIG. 6b a side view of the stabilizing disc with upright
sleeve.
[0019] FIG. 6c is a cross section view of the bottom portion of the
humidifying apparatus with upright sleeve and a cigar in stabilized
position.
[0020] FIG. 6d is a cross section view of the bottom portion of the
humidifying apparatus with upright sleeve and a cigar in stabilized
position.
[0021] FIG. 6e is a cross section view of the bottom portion of the
humidifying apparatus with upright sleeve and a cigar in stabilized
position.
[0022] FIG. 6f shows the top and side views of an alternative
stabilizing disc for cigars with a hole in the mouthpiece.
[0023] FIG. 6g-1 is a cross section view of an alternative winged
lower locating member or stabilizing disc ready for lower of the
smoking product
[0024] FIG. 6g-2 is a cross section view of an alternative winged
lower locating member or stabilizing disc with the smoking product
in place
[0025] FIG. 6h is a top view of an alternative winged lower
locating member or stabilizing disc.
[0026] FIG. 7a shows a side view of the combination stabilizing
disc with cutter assembly.
[0027] FIG. 7b shows a top view of the combination stabilizing disc
with cutter assembly.
[0028] FIG. 7c shows a top view of the combination stabilizing disc
with cutter assembly shown with the blade partially closed.
[0029] FIG. 8a shows a top view of the cigar stabilizer with
cutter, top plate.
[0030] FIG. 8b shows a top view of the cigar stabilizer with
cutter, bottom plate.
[0031] FIG. 8c shows a top view of the cigar stabilizer with
cutter, blade plate.
[0032] FIG. 9a shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of
the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly.
[0033] FIG. 9b shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly.
[0034] FIG. 9c shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly shown with the
blade partially closed.
[0035] FIG. 10a shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of
the cigar stabilizer with cutter, top plate.
[0036] FIG. 10b shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of
the cigar stabilizer with cutter, bottom plate.
[0037] FIG. 10c shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of
the cigar stabilizer with cutter, blade plate.
[0038] FIG. 11A shows an example of an embodiment with a single
attachment point for the cigar.
[0039] FIG. 11B shows the embodiment of FIG. 11A with a humidifying
apparatus.
[0040] FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment of a cigar holding
apparatus in an embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 12B illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 12A in use.
[0042] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of a cigar
holding apparatus.
[0043] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a cigar holding
apparatus integrated into a humidity control apparatus in an
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative stabilizing disc in an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Maintaining the humidity of a storage vessel for smoking
products such as cigars is important for preserving the quality of
stored cigars. Disclosed and described herein is a humidity
controlled smoking product containing apparatus and a method of
providing humidity control for a smoking product. The described
embodiments present a low-cost, zero-maintenance, lid & sleeve
system which provides a humidity controlled, protective tube for
storing or packaging smoking products including cigars suspended
within the tube.
[0046] While the following description uses the context of cigars
as the product being protected, it is understood that the
description is applicable to all smoking products of the type
having any shape, including an elongated cylindrical, conical, or
tapered exterior surface, with a burning end and an inhaling
end.
[0047] The apparatus as described keeps the cigar centrally located
within the tube so that the circulation space around it is uniform
thereby allowing controlled continuous flow of the humidity
preserving gas and also protecting the cigar from damage such as
may be caused by transporting or simply a user carrying it. This is
done by holding the cigar in a central position inside the tube by
a holding means at each end of the cigar and where the holding
means are carefully shaped to accept the shape of the cigar
sufficiently holding it steady but preventing damage to the cigar.
It is also noted that in the cigar world per se, collecting and
preserving is a business and hobby. The present descriptions allow
for protection of cigar bands, the presence and quality condition
of which are important to the value of collectable cigars. Also, in
that context, marketing benefit is obtained by attractive visual
access to the cigar, rather than covering it with packing material.
Such packing material is usually made of plastic foam or
compressible organic material and commonly inserted into cigar
tubes between the cap and cigar to immobilize the smoking product.
It is physically obstructive and annoying for consumers to remove
said packing material in order to access the cigar. Said packing
material is also visually intrusive, which affects optimal visual
comprehension and overall marketability of the entire smoking
product. Retailers commonly use this packing material to immobilize
the cigar, which protects the cigar from internal impact with the
tube. It also prevents the cigar band from becoming dislocated from
the manufacture's originally intended positioning.
[0048] Currently available disposable cigar tubes do not maintain a
zero-maintenance humidity controlled environment. In a low humidity
environment cigar tobacco will dry out and the quality of the cigar
will deteriorate. Two-way humidity control packets have been
developed by Boveda Manufacturing Company of Minnetonka, Minn.
These packets cannot be simply inserted inside a cigar tube with a
cigar, as the cigar itself would stifle the humidity controlled air
by blocking its consistent circulation inside such a tight space.
The packet could also become easily stuck inside the tube, damaging
the fragile cigar material with internal impact such as by crushing
the packet against the cigar. The unsightly Boveda packet also
detracts from the marketing of cigars when presenting cigars in
clear tube packages.
[0049] Available humidor equipped tubes are not designed to be
disposable, they do not incorporate maintenance free 2-way humidity
control technology and they do not suspend cigars in a centralized
position. In contrast the disclosed storage tube suspension system
not only optimally protects the cigar but also allows even
circulation of humidity controlled air to constantly flow around
the entire cigar.
[0050] If one were to simply place a 2-way humidity control packet
inside of a standard cigar tube it could easily become stuck,
inhibit air circulation, make for poor visual marketing and pose a
threat of physical damage to the delicate cigar material, via free
floating internal impact. The only currently available disposable
retail cigar packaging that does incorporate 2-way humidity control
technology comes in the form of a foil-lined sealed plastic bag
that holds a free floating cigar and free floating humidity control
packet inside the pouch together. That system offers inconsistent
airflow and inadequate protection of the cigar itself, from both
internal & external impacts, while eliminating visual
comprehension, thus limiting the cigar's overall marketability. The
present invention provides superior protection and optimal air
circulation in an optionally transparent tube, designed for but not
limited to the disposable retail packaging of a cigar.
[0051] As stated above, disposable cigar tubes do not maintain a
zero maintenance humidity controlled environment, so that they lead
to a dry and depreciated product. An effective two-way humidity
control technology are the packets made by Boveda. however, these
packets cannot be simply inserted inside a cigar tube with a cigar,
as the cigar itself would stifle the humidity controlled air by
blocking its consistent circulation inside such a tight space.
Also, the packet could also become easily stuck inside the tube and
or damage the fragile cigar material with internal impact between
the packet and the cigar itself. The packet also interferes with
the marketing presentation of the cigar if used within a clear
tube. The disclosed invention described and claimed here solves
this problem.
[0052] As described below in more detail with respect to the
drawings the present cigar humidity control apparatus has a tube
for containing a cigar.
[0053] In the disclosed invention, a sealing lid has an attached
tapered chamber, which contains two-way humidity control
technology. A small circular upper locating member (also referred
to as a upper locating member) attached to the bottom of the
humidity chamber, slips over the tip of the cigar, keeping it in
place on the top, while at the bottom of the tube; there is another
stabilizing disk and sleeve component, which holds the opposite end
of the cigar securely at the center, in line with the top sleeve.
Downward pressure created by sealing the lid pushes these two
centralized holding points closer together enough to not crush but
centrally immobilize the cigar and suspend it within the tube. The
tube circumference itself is larger than the cigar and the tapered
humidity control chamber, allowing two-way humidity controlled air
to consistently circulate around the entire surface area of the
centrally suspended cigar. No currently available system evenly
controls the humidification of a cigar with zero maintenance, in a
disposable cigar tube; utilizing off-the-shelf two-way
humidification packets. Current use of the packets is problematic
as the packets may easily become stuck inside of cigar tubes and
detract from visual aspects of marketing. Current use of these
packets inside cigar tubes may damage the delicate cigar material
via free floating impact between the packet and the cigar itself.
The current invention allows for even humidification while
eliminating the obstacle of packet removal as well as the packet's
unappealing visual aesthetic, and securely protects the cigar from
any potential internal impact from the packet and tube walls. The
current invention also effectively immobilizes the cigar, which
alleviates the need for retailers to insert packing materials into
the tube between the cap and the cigar. Such packing material is
usually made of plastic foam or compressible organic material. It
is physically obstructive and annoying for consumers to remove said
packing material in order to access the cigar. Packing is also
visually intrusive, which effects optimal visual comprehension and
overall marketability of the entire smoking product. Retailers
commonly use this packing material to immobilize the cigar, which
protects the cigar from internal impact with the tube. It also
prevents the cigar band from becoming dislocated from its
originally intended position.
[0054] Available humidor tubes are not designed to be disposable,
and they do not provide maintenance free two-way humidity control
technology, while suspending cigars in a centralized position. The
only currently available disposable retail cigar packaging that
does incorporate two-way humidity control technology comes in the
form of a foil-lined sealed plastic bag that holds a free floating
cigar and free floating humidity control packet inside the pouch
together. This foil bag system suffers from inconsistent airflow
and inadequate protection of the cigar itself from both internal
and external impacts. The foil bag system also prevents viewing the
cigar, limiting the overall marketability.
[0055] Available humidor tubes are typically bulky and utilize
sponges that need to be constantly maintained by the user, leading
to inconstant humidity levels and no chance for the functional
application of a humidity controlled retail shelf-life environment,
which would be optimal for a pre-packaged cigar. The foil-lined,
plastic sealed bag utilizing 2-way humidity control technology
inadequately protects the delicate cigar from internal impact with
the humidity control packet as well as from external impacts and
both systems shroud the cigar itself, limiting its overall
marketability.
[0056] Various embodiments of the current disclosed invention
provide a disposable storage or packaging system for cigars in an
optionally transparent tube with air circulation optimized two-way
humidity control, physical protection of the cigar and an optional
incorporated cutting tool. The miniature incorporated cigar cutter
that fits in a cigar tube in an embodiment with a modified version
of the stabilizing disk and sleeve component as shown in the
drawings to be described below.
[0057] Various embodiments of the cigar humidifying apparatus are
described here by a description of the drawings and the identified
parts of the apparatus.
[0058] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the humidity controlled smoking
product containing apparatus 10 with a cigar 8 with cigar band 8a
stored by the apparatus. The humidity controlled smoking product
containing apparatus is constructed of the tube 12, a sealing lid
assembly 14, and a stabilizing disc 20a (also referred to as the
lower locating member) the shown embodiment having an upright
sleeve. The sealing lid assembly 14 is constructed of a sealing cap
14a and a breathable humidity control chamber assembly 14b. The
sealing cap 14a may be constructed of plastic and may be threaded
or non-threaded. Attached to the inside of the sealing cap 14a is
the breathable humidity control chamber assembly 14b which is
formed by frame 14b1 and a in one embodiment a tapered, plastic
mesh 14b2 to allow flow of humidified gas. The breathable humidity
control chamber 14b has an upper circular opening 14b3 at the top
defined by a circular upper frame rim 14b4 and a lower circular
opening 14b5 at the bottom defined by a circular lower frame rim
14b6 at the bottom and has a tapered open area between ribs 14b7
which therefore allow the open area to be covered by a mesh. The
diameter of the lower circular opening 14b4 at the bottom is
significantly smaller than the sealing cap 14a and is closed at the
bottom by the chamber upper locating member 14c. The chamber upper
locating member 14c is removably fitted to the bottom of the
breathable humidity control chamber 14b such as by friction or
interference fit into the circular lower frame rim 14b6. As can be
seen, because the breathable humidity control chamber 14b is
tapered in form from its top to its bottom, the full area of its
open sides is available for flow of the humidifying gas into the
tube. See FIG. 3b for a detailed diagram of the sealing lid
assembly 14.
[0059] Near the bottom of the tube 12b is the stabilizing disc with
upright sleeve 20a. The cigar 8 (with cigar band 8a) is positioned
for storage or packaging between the upper locating member 14b3
near the top of the tube 12a and the stabilizing disc with upright
sleeve 20a near the bottom of the tube 12b. Humidity control
packets 16 as exemplified by the Boveda packets, are contained
within the breathable humidity control chamber 14b. As shown by the
arrows in FIG. 1, correctly humidified air is allowed to circulate
around the entire cigar 8 to optimally preserve the tobacco or
organic material composing the cigar. Although the arrows show flow
down on one side and up on the other in FIG. 1, the actual flow
will be in the nature of randomized flow.
[0060] FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded view of the humidity
controlled smoking product containing apparatus 10. This figure
shows how the various assemblies and parts as described above fit
together. At the top, the sealing lid assembly 14 with the
breathable humidity control chamber 14b contains the humidity
control packet 16 which is held in the breathable humidity control
chamber by the chamber upper locating member 14c. The humidity
control packets are typically a water vapor permeable pouch and a
thickened saturated salt solution, the Boveda product being
exemplary. A cigar 8 with cigar band fits into the bottom of the
chamber upper locating member 14c, centering it within the tube 12.
The full sealing lid assembly 14 fits into the top of the tube 12a.
The cigar 8 fits into the stabilizing disc with upright sleeve 20a,
located near the bottom of the tube 12b. The sealing lid assembly
14 may be snapped onto the top of the tube 12 or threaded onto the
tube 12 or they may be ribbed for fit, in alternate embodiments,
the closure being effective as a hermetic sealing of the entire
interior of the tube. To assembly the apparatus with a cigar in
place, the cigar is positioned onto the lower stabilizing disc and
then the sealing lid assembly 14 is applied to the top of the cigar
and tube (which is sized according to a particular cigar). As the
lid seals against the top of the tube, the cigar is fixed between
the cap sleeve and stabilizing disc, suspending it with almost its
entire surface exposed to the humidifying air and is protected from
physical damage within the tube. Suspending the smoking product
between the upper locating member and stabilizing disc also
protects it from any movement, which in the case of a cigar would
assist in keeping the cigar band in place during shipping and
general movement of the packaging. Suspending the cigar between the
upper locating member and the stabilizing disc not only physically
protects the smoking product from damage incurred internal impact
with the tube walls but it also replaces the need for manufacturers
or retailers to stuff their tubes with less than desirable packing
materials in order the to keep the cigar band in place.
[0061] FIGS. 3a and 3b show details of the sealing cap assembly. In
FIG. 3a, the sealing cap 14a and the breathable humidity control
chamber 14b is shown. The breathable humidity control chamber 14b
is constructed of a mesh 14b1 which may be a plastic mesh. a, woven
thread mesh, or a metallic mesh. The breathable chamber may also
include a frame or structural ribs 14b2 which provide a
strengthening structure for the chamber walls. Instead of a mesh
being integral to the structure of the breathable humidity control
chamber 14b, it may be provided by a paper or other mesh fitted
around the interior of the humidity control chamber frame.
[0062] FIG. 3b shows a cross section of the sealing lid assembly
14, demonstrating how the various components fit together. The
sealing cap 14a of the assembly fits into the top of the cigar tube
12a snuggly to form a seal and as downwardly fitted to securely but
gently fit the cigar in place. Shown in the cross-sectional
diagram, the breathable humidity control chamber 14b with frame or
structural ribs 14b1, mesh 14b2 and chamber upper locating member
14c which closes the bottom of the chamber and holds the cut end of
the cigar. Shown is the cap portion 14
[0063] FIGS. 3c and 3d show an alternate embodiment of the chamber
upper locating member 14b4 using a winged receiving cap to be
further described below. FIG. 3c shows a cross section view of the
winged receiving cap 14d prior to the cigar 8 placement. The
components of the winged receiving cap 14d include the top mesh
14d1, the sleeve 14d2 and the receiving wings 14d3. FIG. 3d shows a
cross section view of the winged receiving cap 14d after the cigar
8 is received by the cap. The components of the winged receiving
cap 14d include the top mesh 14d1, the sleeve 14d2 and the
receiving wings 14d3. As can be seen, the flexible wings bend
inward as the cigar 8 is received, forming holding and centering
the cigar.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows images of 3 exemplar Boveda 2-way humidity
control packets. The shown packets are marketed by Boveda and as
marked, these exemplar packets are designed to maintain the
relative humidity at 62% (16a) 69% (16b) and 72% (16c) by either
absorbing excess moisture or releasing moisture as needed to
maintain the desired level of humidity. Different strains of
organic material composing the cigar, including tobacco strains,
may be optimally preserved by different humidity control
packets.
[0065] FIGS. 5a-5d show depictions of 2 embodiments of the chamber
upper locating member 14c. The central portion of each version is a
mesh 14c1. FIGS. 5a,5b and 5c show an embodiment of the upper
locating member 14b3 allowing the cut end of the cigar to be held
inside the sleeve element 14c2. FIG. 5a shows a side perspective
view of the upper locating member 14c of the inside of the cap
revealed. FIG. 5b shows a side perspective view of the upper
locating member 14c of the inside of the cap revealed. Shown are
the mesh 14c1 and sleeve 14c2 elements. FIG. 5c shows a bottom view
of the upper locating member 14c.
[0066] FIG. 5d shows an alternative embodiment of the chamber upper
locating member 14d with cap receiving wings 14d3. Shown also is
the sleeve 14d1 and mesh 14d2. The receiving wings function to
softly receive the cigar, but to firmly hold the cigar in place
centering it in the tube. This winged receiving cap, which holds
the humidity control compound takes the place of what would
otherwise be soft packing materials, which are incorporated to
resist internal movement of the smoking product and thus the cigar
band 8a, which is prone to sliding up and down the shaft of the
cigar 8 on impact when the cigar is held too loosely inside a tube
or pouch.
[0067] One advantage of the winged receiving cap 14d is that it
eliminates the need for packing materials, which could be
considered physically obtrusive and annoying to remove while also
eliminating the visual distraction of such materials within the
tube itself, improving the smoking product marketability by
providing a superior overall visual presentation.
[0068] Near the bottom of the cigar tube is the stabilizing disc
with upright sleeve 20a (also referred to as the lower locating
member). A top and side view of one embodiment of this component is
shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The stabilizing disc centers the cigar 8
in the tube by positioning the rounded end of the cigar into the
sleeve 20a1 portion of the disc. The sleeve extends upwards from
the circumference of the central hole and is surrounded by an
annular ring portion of the disc. In the shown embodiment, the
annular ring portion contains holes 20b for circulating the
humidified air throughout the tube so that every surface of the
cigar is exposed to humidified air.
[0069] FIGS. 6c-6h show cross sectional views of the lower portion
of the apparatus tube showing four alternative embodiments of the
stabilizing disc. FIG. 6c shows an alternative embodiment with a
stabilizing disc where the sleeve is slanted upwardly and outwardly
to mate with the rounded mouth end of the cigar. FIG. 6d shows an
alternative embodiment with a stabilizing disc with a conical or
vertically upstanding sleeve 20c FIG. 6e shows an embodiment in
which the cap alone is used, with no sleeve. FIG. 6f shows an
embodiment of a stabilizing disc 20e with holes 20e2 formed in an
outer region 20e1, and with an upright stabilizing post 20e3 which
can be used with cigars that have an opening at the inhaling end.
In this embodiment, a cigar mouth opening is positioned onto a
protrusion 26a extending upward from the disc and into the mouth
opening of the cigar. In one embodiment, the protrusion 20e3 can be
a hollow post larger than the diameter of the cigar, so that the
cigar may fit within the post and the post becomes a receiving
sleeve instead of a penetrative post. The receiving sleeve may have
a decreasing diameter so that a smoking product will be retained
with a pressure fit. In one embodiment the smoking product is
tapered and creates a pressure fit as the wider portion enters the
receiving sleeve. The holes illustrated in FIG. 6f are optional.
FIGS. 6g and 6h show a fourth embodiment of the stabilizing disc or
lower locating member 20f from a side cross section view and a top
view. This embodiment utilizes a winged receiver, similar to the
winged receiving cap detailed above. In FIG. 6g, the side cross
section may be viewed, showing the elements including the cigar 8,
annular ring 20f1, sleeve 20f3 and cigar hole 20f4. The wings may
be bent in a downward direction, defining a receiving location for
the smoking product that prevents damage to the smoking product
upon insertion. In one embodiment, a spring is located beneath the
stabilizing disc to urge the smoking product out of the tube for
easier removal. FIG. 6h shows the top view including the elements
annular ring 20f1, ring holes 20f2, cigar hole 20f4 and receiving
wings 20f5. This embodiment for the lower locating member has the
same advantages as the winged receiving cap detailed above. When
used in conjunction with each other, both winged components provide
ideal shock absorption to optimally preserve the physical state of
the cigar and the originally intended cigar band location. An
embodiment of the stabilizing disc of FIG. 6H is illustrated in
FIG. 15. The disc 1500 has tabs 1501 with each tab having a
downward bending tip 1502 to receive the tip of the smoking product
and retain it.
[0070] In certain embodiments, a miniature cigar cutter is
integrated into the stabilizing disc. Two embodiments of such a
stabilizing disc/cutter assembly are detailed in FIGS. 7-10. Both
embodiment versions are configured by sandwiching 3 layers of the
assembly: a top and base disc with a middle cutting blade plate
which slides or pivots between the top and base discs. FIG. 7a
shows the side view of the sliding cutting blade embodiment of the
integrated stabilizing disc and cutting assembly 22. In this
embodiment, the sleeve portion of the assembly is upright and
straight. As previously described by FIGS. 6c-e, the stabilizing
disc may have alternative embodiments with no sleeve or a conical
section sleeve (slanted to mate with the rounded mouth end of the
cigar) or a stabilizing post. FIG. 7b shows a top view of the
integrated stabilizing and cutter assembly 22 in the closed
position. A handle 22b1 of the cutting blade plate can be seen on
the right side of the assembly. The ends of the blade guide posts
22b3 and blade stop posts 22b4 can be seen in FIG. 7b. FIG. 7c
shows a top view of the stabilizing and cutter assembly 22 in the
partially open position. In this view of assembly 22, the sliding
cutting blade 22b2 and blade cutting edge 22b5, blade handle 22b1,
and blade guide slots 22b3 are visible. The blade guide slots 22b3
guide the cutting blade as it slides between the top disc 22a and
base disc 22c. To operate the assembly, after the cigar 8 and
stabilizing disc and cutter assembly 22 are removed from the tube
12 by turning over the tube (the cigar and disc will fall out of
the tube), a) the cutter blade 22b2 is slid to an open position, b)
the cigar mouth end is placed back into the cigar hole in the
center of the assembly and c) the cutter blade 22b2 cutting blade
edge 22b5 is pushed through the mouth end of the cigar by a user
pushing the blade handle 22b1.
[0071] FIGS. 8a-c show top views of the 3 plate layers of the
stabilizer and cutter assembly 22. Note that the orientation of the
assembly and assembly plate layers are reversed from FIG. 7a-c.
[0072] FIG. 8a shows a top view of the top plate 22a. A notch 22a2
for receiving the handle 22b1 of the sliding cutting blade plate
can be seen on the left side of the plate. The end holes 22a1 which
receive the blade guide posts 22b3 and blade stop posts 22b4 can be
seen in FIG. 8a. FIG. 8b shows the cutting blade plate layer 22b.
Shown in FIG. 8b is the sliding cutting blade plate 22 with
components: sliding cutting blade 22b2 and blade cutting edge 22b5,
blade handle 22b1, and blade guide slots 22b3. The blade guide
slots 22b3 guide the cutting blade as it slides between the top
disc 22a and base disc 22c. The base plate of the assembly 22b is
shown in FIG. 8c.
[0073] FIG. 9a-c show an embodiment of the stabilizing and cutter
assembly 24 where a cutting blade plate 24b pivots between the top
and base plates 24a and 24c respectively of the assembly.
[0074] FIG. 9a shows the side view of the pivoting cutting blade
embodiment of the integrated stabilizing disc and cutting assembly
24. In this embodiment, the sleeve portion of the assembly is
upright and straight. As previously described by FIGS. 6c-e, the
stabilizing disc may have alternative embodiments with no sleeve or
a conical section sleeve (slanted to mate with the rounded mouth
end of the cigar) or stabilizing posts. FIG. 9b shows a top view of
the integrated stabilizing and pivot cutter assembly 24 in the
closed position. A handle 24b1 of the cutting blade plate can be
seen on the right side of the assembly. The ends of the blade pivot
post 24b3 (or hinge point) and blade stop post 24b4 can be seen in
FIG. 9b. FIG. 9c shows a top view of the stabilizing and cutter
assembly 24 in the partially open position. In this view of
assembly 24, the pivot cutting blade 24b2 and pivot blade cutting
edge 24b5, and blade handle 24b1 are visible.
[0075] To operate the assembly, after the cigar 8 and stabilizing
disc and pivot cutter assembly 24 are removed from the tube 12 by
turning over the tube (the cigar and disc will fall out of the
tube), a) the cutter blade 24b2 is pivoted to an open position, b)
the cigar mouth end is placed back into the cigar hole in the
center of the assembly and c) the cutter blade 24b2 cutting blade
edge 24b5 is pushed through the mouth end of the cigar by a user
pushing the blade handle 24b1. In this embodiment, the pivot cutter
blade 24b3 pivots around the blade pivot post 24b, which acts as a
single hinge point for the blade as it slides between the top plate
24a and base plate 24c.
[0076] FIGS. 10a-c show top views of the 3 plate layers of the
stabilizer and pivot cutter assembly 24. FIG. 10a shows a top view
of the top plate 24a. A notch 24a2 for receiving the handle 24b1 of
the pivoting cutting blade plate 24b can be seen on the left side
of the plate 24a. The end holes 24a1 which receive the blade pivot
post 24b3 (or hinge point), and blade stop post 24b4 can be seen in
FIG. 10a. FIG. 10b shows the pivot cutting blade plate layer 24b.
Shown in FIG. 10b is the pivot cutting blade plate 24b with
components: pivot cutting blade 24b2 and pivot blade cutting edge
24b5, and pivot blade handle 24b1. The base plate 24c of the
assembly 24 is shown in FIG. 10c.
[0077] Manufacture of the Apparatus
[0078] All components of the apparatus (other than the humidity
control packet) may be constructed of any material, including
metal, biodegradable materials including cardboard, plastic, and
the like. The sealing and humidity control chamber as well as the
upper locating member component along with the stabilizing disk and
sleeve component are produced from molded plastic to create the
primary items. They are made using a plastic injection mold
apparatus. After these components are created, the two-way humidity
control packet is inserted in the sealing cap & humidity
control chamber component. The upper locating member, which seals
the humidity control packet inside the humidity control chamber can
be sealed with adhesive or a tongue & grove type fitting, which
allows the male end of the sleeve & cap to be snapped into the
female end of the humidity control chamber. Once these pieces are
assembled, the stabilizing disk and sleeve component is placed
inside the cigar tube, followed by the cigar, which is followed by
the preassembled humidity control unit that is pressed or screwed
down until sealed. In various embodiments, a glass cigar tube can
be hand made by a glass blower or made from a glass-molding device.
It is obviously pre-existing technology and can be procured from
almost any test-tube manufacturer. In one embodiment, the tube can
be made of any material, including metal, biodegradable materials
including cardboard, plastic, and the like. The tube may be round
bottomed, flat bottomed, or have any suitable shape. The cross
section of the tube and corresponding internal components may be of
any shape as well, including, but not limited to, triangular, prism
shaped, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and
the like.
[0079] The two-way humidity control packet typically contains a
salt compound and a thickening compound. A currently available
source for such packets is the Boveda company. Any suitable
humidity control substance may be used, including glycerin,
gelatin, and water such as by IntegraBoost.
[0080] In an alternative embodiment nitrogen may be added to the
tube chamber to enhance preservation of the cigar in a two-way
humidity controlled, nitrogen sealed cigar tube. In various
embodiments, the sealing lid provides a hermetic seal.
[0081] In alternate embodiments, the walls of the breathable
chamber may be constructed of fabric or woven metal. In an
alternate embodiment, a small pin could also be attached to the
center of the upper locating member, which would be inserted into
the cigar. This variation improves and simplifies centering the
cigar to mate with the sleeve ends during assembly and may aid in
the overall stability of cigar within the apparatus.
[0082] In an alternate embodiment, a second breathable chamber is
located on the opposite end of the tube, and the tube may be opened
or closed from either end.
[0083] In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus features a
centrally stabilizing, breathable, rigid mesh, cylindrical chamber
within the tube. Between the walls of the tube and this rigid mesh
chamber, one could insert two-way humidity control packets to
surround the cigar. Inside the rigid mesh chamber would only be the
centrally stabilized cigar, which would be segregated from the
two-way humidity control packets. Stabilizing sleeves on the top
and bottom of the tube could also be added to this
configuration.
[0084] In an alternate embodiment, the bottom (mouth end) of the
cigar is stabilized by a holding point integrated into the
structure of the tube itself.
[0085] In an alternate embodiment, the centralized stabilization of
the cigar could also be achieved from multiple points of support
connected to walls of the tube and resting upon the cigar
itself.
[0086] In an alternate embodiment, a free-floating, separate
cylindrical humidity control chamber component could be placed
inside the tube. This component could also feature a stabilizing
sleeve and the cigar could be held in place by the closing pressure
of the cap.
[0087] In an alternate embodiment, the container vessel may be an
elongated cuboid or any other hollow shaped container which is
capable of incorporating corresponding components detailed in the
above disclosed embodiments.
[0088] In an alternate embodiment, the breathable chamber portion
of the apparatus may protrude outwardly from the vessel instead of
being inserted.
[0089] In an alternate embodiment, a vapor permeable membrane lines
the inside of the vessel and is filled with a two-way humidity
controlling compound.
[0090] In an alternate embodiment, rods are placed within the tube,
surrounding the cigar to create breathable passages for the two-way
humidity controlled air to circulate throughout the tube.
[0091] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment with a single
point of attachment of the cigar in the holder. Referring to FIG.
11A the apparatus 1100 comprises a tube 1101, lid 1102, and holder
1103. The holder 1103 is integrated with the lid 1102 and holds a
cigar 1104 at a single attachment point. The cigar "floats" within
tube 1101 and is located away from the sides and bottom of the tube
1101. Elements 1102 may be manufactured from a single component or
may be separate components.
[0092] FIG. 11B illustrates a version with a humidity control
chamber assembly 1105 such as described in FIG. 3A. The assembly
1105 includes an integrated holder 1103 on the bottom thereof for
retaining the cigar 1104 in place.
[0093] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an example holder for a cigar
in an embodiment. An insert 1201 that can be integrated with a lid
has a slot or hole 1202 formed therein. The insert 1201 can be made
of a firm but resilient material, such as rubber, elastic, polymer,
silicone, plastic, foam, cork, and the like. Adequately interwoven
organic and nonorganic materials such as but not limited to
cellulose containing materials, fiber, rayon, felt, polyester,
cotton, wool, metallic wool, and the like could also be used as
flexible compression materials A cigar tip or holder 1203 can then
be pressure fitted into the opening 1202 as shown in FIG. 12B. The
opening 1202 expands somewhat to receive the tip 1203 and retain it
in place. The tip 1203 could be any shape and the opening 1202
could be any corresponding shape to retain the tip appropriately.
Although the opening is shown with square edges in cross section,
the edges could be curved to allow easier insertion of the
cigar/tip. This embodiment may be used with or without a humidity
control system. The insert 1201 and lid may be a single element
instead of two elements as desired. The lid and insert can be made
of a single piece of metal, wood, plastic, glass, rubber,
cardboard, foam, cork, and the like. The smoking product may
include, in one embodiment, a flexible smoking tip such as are
commonly wrapped within pre-rolls. In cross section, the smoking
tips may be spiral, folded, or open tube, or any suitable cross
section. Compressible cotton-like filters may be used as well.
[0094] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of a holder. The
insert 1301 can be integrated with a lid has a compression member
1301 formed therein that can deform when a cigar tip or holder 1302
is inserted therein. The member 1301 then has a spring effect from
flexible compression strips 1303 to grip the cigar tip or holder
1302 and keep it in place, as shown in FIG. 13B. This embodiment
may be used with or without a humidity control system. The
embodiment may be used with the embodiments of FIGS. 6a-6b as well.
Elements 1203 and 1302 can represent the tip of the smoking product
and/or a holder of the smoking product.
[0095] FIG. 14 illustrates a holder integrated into a humidity
control apparatus. The holder 1400 comprises a lid 1404 and
humidification chamber 1403 that includes a holding apparatus
comprising a plurality of leaves 11401 that are angled towards the
center of the interior of the apparatus 1400. The leaves deflect
outward when a cigar or cigar holder tip is inserted, but are
biased inward to apply pressure to the cigar to hold it in place
during user. The bias is sufficient to hold the cigar in place but
not so strong as to prevent withdrawal of the cigar without
damaging the cigar.
[0096] As used herein, the term "cigar" is generically defined as
any consumer smoking product which is lit at one end of the
product, and from which smoke is inhaled from the other end.
Various organic materials may comprise the entirety of the product,
or the product may be constructed of multiple burnable products
including organic core material and a burnable wrapping material,
such as a cigarette. Any organic material which is smoked by
consumers may comprise the core of the product, including but not
limited to, tobacco or cloves.
[0097] In one embodiment, the cap may be a child-proof cap or a
child safety cap. Such a cap could fit over element 1102 and FIG.
3a or any embodiment with a cap. In addition, the apparatus may be
implemented with a tube that can be opened at both ends as desired,
with one end including a holder and the other end a cap to close
off the tube. In one embodiment, the sachet of humidity control
product could be inserted through the bottom opening and disposed
below the stabilizing disc. The cap is then attached to retain the
sachet in place.
[0098] In one embodiment, the tube could be tapered to an opening
to receive a tip of a smoking product to act as the holding point
of the smoking product. In this manner the tube does not require
additional apparatus, but the shape and size of the tube itself
retains the holder or tip to provide the stabilization. In one
embodiment, the tube could include a slot for receiving the smoking
product holder and keeping it in place.
[0099] What has been described herein is considered merely
illustrative of the principles of this invention. Accordingly, it
is well within the purview of one skilled in the art to provide
other and different embodiments within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *