US20210000173A1 - Smoking product humidification apparatus and method - Google Patents
Smoking product humidification apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210000173A1 US20210000173A1 US17/028,861 US202017028861A US2021000173A1 US 20210000173 A1 US20210000173 A1 US 20210000173A1 US 202017028861 A US202017028861 A US 202017028861A US 2021000173 A1 US2021000173 A1 US 2021000173A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cigar
- smoking product
- tube
- locating member
- humidity control
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F15/00—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor
- A24F15/12—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor for pocket use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F15/00—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor
- A24F15/20—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor with separate compartments for each cigar or cigarette
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F25/00—Devices used by the smoker for controlling the moisture content of, or for scenting, cigars, cigarettes or tobacco
- A24F25/02—Moistening devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/02—Internal fittings
- B65D25/10—Devices to locate articles in containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/26—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with means for keeping contents in position, e.g. resilient means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
- B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2069—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere
- B65D81/2076—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere in an at least partially rigid container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/22—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient in moist conditions or immersed in liquids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
- B65D81/266—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants
- B65D81/268—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants the absorber being enclosed in a small pack, e.g. bag, included in the package
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/07—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
- B65D85/08—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
- B65D85/12—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigars
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to the field of smoking product packaging and accessories.
- 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.
- FIG. 1 is an assembled view of the smoking product humidifying apparatus with a cigar in the storage position.
- FIG. 2 is a view of the cigar humidifying apparatus with the sealing lid assembly disassembled.
- FIG. 3 a depicts the humidity control chamber assembly.
- FIG. 3 b is a cross section view of the sealing lid assembly.
- FIG. 3 c is a cross section view of an alternative embodiment of the upper locating member using a winged receiving cap.
- FIG. 3 d is a cross section view of an alternative embodiment of the upper locating member using a winged receiving cap shown with a received cigar.
- FIG. 4 shows 3 versions of the Boveda humidity control packets.
- FIG. 5 a is a side view of an embodiment of the upper locating member looking in from below
- FIG. 5 b is a side view of an embodiment of the upper locating member looking in from above.
- FIG. 5 c is a top view of an embodiment of the upper locating member.
- FIG. 5 b is a top view of the upper locating member.
- FIG. 5 d is a top view of the upper locating member embodiment with flexible wings.
- FIG. 6 a is a top view of the stabilizing disc.
- FIG. 6 b a side view of the stabilizing disc with upright sleeve.
- FIG. 6 c is a cross section view of the bottom portion of the humidifying apparatus with upright sleeve and a cigar in stabilized position.
- FIG. 6 d is a cross section view of the bottom portion of the humidifying apparatus with upright sleeve and a cigar in stabilized position.
- FIG. 6 e is a cross section view of the bottom portion of the humidifying apparatus with upright sleeve and a cigar in stabilized position.
- FIG. 6 f shows the top and side views of an alternative stabilizing disc for cigars with a hole in the mouthpiece.
- FIG. 6 g - 1 is a cross section view of an alternative winged lower locating member or stabilizing disc ready for lower of the smoking product
- FIG. 6 g - 2 is a cross section view of an alternative winged lower locating member or stabilizing disc with the smoking product in place
- FIG. 6 h is a top view of an alternative winged lower locating member or stabilizing disc.
- FIG. 7 a shows a side view of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly.
- FIG. 7 b shows a top view of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly.
- FIG. 7 c shows a top view of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly shown with the blade partially closed.
- FIG. 8 a shows a top view of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, top plate.
- FIG. 8 b shows a top view of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, bottom plate.
- FIG. 8 c shows a top view of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, blade plate.
- FIG. 9 a shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly.
- FIG. 9 b shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly.
- FIG. 9 c shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly shown with the blade partially closed.
- FIG. 10 a shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, top plate.
- FIG. 10 b shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, bottom plate.
- FIG. 10 c shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, blade plate.
- FIG. 11A shows an example of an embodiment with a single attachment point for the cigar.
- FIG. 11B shows the embodiment of FIG. 11A with a humidifying apparatus.
- FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment of a cigar holding apparatus in an embodiment.
- FIG. 12B illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 12A in use.
- FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of a cigar holding apparatus.
- FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a cigar holding apparatus integrated into a humidity control apparatus in an embodiment.
- FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative stabilizing disc in an embodiment.
- a humidity controlled smoking product containing apparatus and a method of providing humidity control for a smoking product 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the present cigar humidity control apparatus has a tube for containing a cigar.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 1 shows a side view of the humidity controlled smoking product containing apparatus 10 with a cigar 8 with cigar band 8 a 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 20 a (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 14 a and a breathable humidity control chamber assembly 14 b .
- the sealing cap 14 a may be constructed of plastic and may be threaded or non-threaded.
- the breathable humidity control chamber assembly 14 b Attached to the inside of the sealing cap 14 a is the breathable humidity control chamber assembly 14 b which is formed by frame 14 b 1 and a in one embodiment a tapered, plastic mesh 14 b 2 to allow flow of humidified gas.
- the breathable humidity control chamber 14 b has an upper circular opening 14 b 3 at the top defined by a circular upper frame rim 14 b 4 and a lower circular opening 14 b 5 at the bottom defined by a circular lower frame rim 14 b 6 at the bottom and has a tapered open area between ribs 14 b 7 which therefore allow the open area to be covered by a mesh.
- the diameter of the lower circular opening 14 b 4 at the bottom is significantly smaller than the sealing cap 14 a and is closed at the bottom by the chamber upper locating member 14 c .
- the chamber upper locating member 14 c is removably fitted to the bottom of the breathable humidity control chamber 14 b such as by friction or interference fit into the circular lower frame rim 14 b 6 .
- the breathable humidity control chamber 14 b 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. 3 b for a detailed diagram of the sealing lid assembly 14 .
- the cigar 8 (with cigar band 8 a ) is positioned for storage or packaging between the upper locating member 14 b 3 near the top of the tube 12 a and the stabilizing disc with upright sleeve 20 a near the bottom of the tube 12 b .
- Humidity control packets 16 as exemplified by the Boveda packets, are contained within the breathable humidity control chamber 14 b . 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.
- FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded view of the humidity controlled smoking product containing apparatus 10 .
- the sealing lid assembly 14 with the breathable humidity control chamber 14 b contains the humidity control packet 16 which is held in the breathable humidity control chamber by the chamber upper locating member 14 c .
- 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 14 c , centering it within the tube 12 .
- the full sealing lid assembly 14 fits into the top of the tube 12 a .
- the cigar 8 fits into the stabilizing disc with upright sleeve 20 a , located near the bottom of the tube 12 b .
- 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.
- 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).
- the 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.
- FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show details of the sealing cap assembly.
- the breathable humidity control chamber 14 b is constructed of a mesh 14 b 1 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 14 b 2 which provide a strengthening structure for the chamber walls.
- a mesh being integral to the structure of the breathable humidity control chamber 14 b , it may be provided by a paper or other mesh fitted around the interior of the humidity control chamber frame.
- FIG. 3 b shows a cross section of the sealing lid assembly 14 , demonstrating how the various components fit together.
- the sealing cap 14 a of the assembly fits into the top of the cigar tube 12 a snuggly to form a seal and as downwardly fitted to securely but gently fit the cigar in place.
- the breathable humidity control chamber 14 b with frame or structural ribs 14 b 1 , mesh 14 b 2 and chamber upper locating member 14 c which closes the bottom of the chamber and holds the cut end of the cigar.
- FIGS. 3 c and 3 d show an alternate embodiment of the chamber upper locating member 14 b 4 using a winged receiving cap to be further described below.
- FIG. 3 c shows a cross section view of the winged receiving cap 14 d prior to the cigar 8 placement.
- the components of the winged receiving cap 14 d include the top mesh 14 d 1 , the sleeve 14 d 2 and the receiving wings 14 d 3 .
- FIG. 3 d shows a cross section view of the winged receiving cap 14 d after the cigar 8 is received by the cap.
- the components of the winged receiving cap 14 d include the top mesh 14 d 1 , the sleeve 14 d 2 and the receiving wings 14 d 3 .
- the flexible wings bend inward as the cigar 8 is received, forming holding and centering the cigar.
- 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% ( 16 a ) 69% ( 16 b ) and 72% ( 16 c ) 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.
- FIGS. 5 a -5 d show depictions of 2 embodiments of the chamber upper locating member 14 c .
- the central portion of each version is a mesh 14 c 1 .
- FIGS. 5 a ,5 b and 5 c show an embodiment of the upper locating member 14 b 3 allowing the cut end of the cigar to be held inside the sleeve element 14 c 2 .
- FIG. 5 a shows a side perspective view of the upper locating member 14 c of the inside of the cap revealed.
- FIG. 5 b shows a side perspective view of the upper locating member 14 c of the inside of the cap revealed. Shown are the mesh 14 c 1 and sleeve 14 c 2 elements.
- FIG. 5 c shows a bottom view of the upper locating member 14 c.
- FIG. 5 d shows an alternative embodiment of the chamber upper locating member 14 d with cap receiving wings 14 d 3 . Shown also is the sleeve 14 d 1 and mesh 14 d 2 .
- 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 8 a , 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.
- winged receiving cap 14 d 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.
- the stabilizing disc Near the bottom of the cigar tube is the stabilizing disc with upright sleeve 20 a (also referred to as the lower locating member). A top and side view of one embodiment of this component is shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b .
- the stabilizing disc centers the cigar 8 in the tube by positioning the rounded end of the cigar into the sleeve 20 a 1 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.
- the annular ring portion contains holes 20 b for circulating the humidified air throughout the tube so that every surface of the cigar is exposed to humidified air.
- FIGS. 6 c -6 h show cross sectional views of the lower portion of the apparatus tube showing four alternative embodiments of the stabilizing disc.
- FIG. 6 c 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. 6 d shows an alternative embodiment with a stabilizing disc with a conical or vertically upstanding sleeve 20 c
- FIG. 6 e shows an embodiment in which the cap alone is used, with no sleeve.
- FIG. 6 f shows an embodiment of a stabilizing disc 20 e with holes 20 e 2 formed in an outer region 20 e 1 , and with an upright stabilizing post 20 e 3 which can be used with cigars that have an opening at the inhaling end.
- a cigar mouth opening is positioned onto a protrusion 26 a extending upward from the disc and into the mouth opening of the cigar.
- the protrusion 20 e 3 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.
- FIGS. 6 g and 6 h show a fourth embodiment of the stabilizing disc or lower locating member 20 f from a side cross section view and a top view. This embodiment utilizes a winged receiver, similar to the winged receiving cap detailed above.
- the side cross section may be viewed, showing the elements including the cigar 8 , annular ring 20 f 1 , sleeve 20 f 3 and cigar hole 20 f 4 .
- 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.
- FIG. 6 h shows the top view including the elements annular ring 20 f 1 , ring holes 20 f 2 , cigar hole 20 f 4 and receiving wings 20 f 5 .
- 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.
- 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. 7 a 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.
- 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. 7 b shows a top view of the integrated stabilizing and cutter assembly 22 in the closed position.
- a handle 22 b 1 of the cutting blade plate can be seen on the right side of the assembly.
- the ends of the blade guide posts 22 b 3 and blade stop posts 22 b 4 can be seen in FIG. 7 b .
- FIG. 7 c shows a top view of the stabilizing and cutter assembly 22 in the partially open position.
- the sliding cutting blade 22 b 2 and blade cutting edge 22 b 5 , blade handle 22 b 1 , and blade guide slots 22 b 3 are visible.
- the blade guide slots 22 b 3 guide the cutting blade as it slides between the top disc 22 a and base disc 22 c .
- the cutter blade 22 b 2 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 22 b 2 cutting blade edge 22 b 5 is pushed through the mouth end of the cigar by a user pushing the blade handle 22 b 1 .
- FIGS. 8 a - 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. 7 a - c.
- FIG. 8 a shows a top view of the top plate 22 a .
- a notch 22 a 2 for receiving the handle 22 b 1 of the sliding cutting blade plate can be seen on the left side of the plate.
- the end holes 22 a 1 which receive the blade guide posts 22 b 3 and blade stop posts 22 b 4 can be seen in FIG. 8 a .
- FIG. 8 b shows the cutting blade plate layer 22 b . Shown in FIG. 8 b is the sliding cutting blade plate 22 with components: sliding cutting blade 22 b 2 and blade cutting edge 22 b 5 , blade handle 22 b 1 , and blade guide slots 22 b 3 .
- the blade guide slots 22 b 3 guide the cutting blade as it slides between the top disc 22 a and base disc 22 c .
- the base plate of the assembly 22 b is shown in FIG. 8 c.
- FIG. 9 a - c show an embodiment of the stabilizing and cutter assembly 24 where a cutting blade plate 24 b pivots between the top and base plates 24 a and 24 c respectively of the assembly.
- FIG. 9 a shows the side view of the pivoting cutting blade embodiment of the integrated stabilizing disc and cutting assembly 24 .
- the sleeve portion of the assembly is upright and straight.
- 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. 9 b shows a top view of the integrated stabilizing and pivot cutter assembly 24 in the closed position.
- a handle 24 b 1 of the cutting blade plate can be seen on the right side of the assembly.
- the ends of the blade pivot post 24 b 3 (or hinge point) and blade stop post 24 b 4 can be seen in FIG.
- FIG. 9 c 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 24 b 2 and pivot blade cutting edge 24 b 5 , and blade handle 24 b 1 are visible.
- the cutter blade 24 b 2 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 24 b 2 cutting blade edge 24 b 5 is pushed through the mouth end of the cigar by a user pushing the blade handle 24 b 1 .
- the pivot cutter blade 24 b 3 pivots around the blade pivot post 24 b , which acts as a single hinge point for the blade as it slides between the top plate 24 a and base plate 24 c.
- FIGS. 10 a - c show top views of the 3 plate layers of the stabilizer and pivot cutter assembly 24 .
- FIG. 10 a shows a top view of the top plate 24 a .
- a notch 24 a 2 for receiving the handle 24 b 1 of the pivoting cutting blade plate 24 b can be seen on the left side of the plate 24 a .
- the end holes 24 a 1 which receive the blade pivot post 24 b 3 (or hinge point), and blade stop post 24 b 4 can be seen in FIG. 10 a .
- FIG. 10 b shows the pivot cutting blade plate layer 24 b . Shown in FIG. 10 b is the pivot cutting blade plate 24 b with components: pivot cutting blade 24 b 2 and pivot blade cutting edge 24 b 5 , and pivot blade handle 24 b 1 .
- the base plate 24 c of the assembly 24 is shown in FIG. 10 c.
- All components of the apparatus 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- nitrogen may be added to the tube chamber to enhance preservation of the cigar in a two-way humidity controlled, nitrogen sealed cigar tube.
- the sealing lid provides a hermetic seal.
- the walls of the breathable chamber may be constructed of fabric or woven metal.
- 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.
- a second breathable chamber is located on the opposite end of the tube, and the tube may be opened or closed from either end.
- 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.
- the bottom (mouth end) of the cigar is stabilized by a holding point integrated into the structure of the tube itself.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the breathable chamber portion of the apparatus may protrude outwardly from the vessel instead of being inserted.
- a vapor permeable membrane lines the inside of the vessel and is filled with a two-way humidity controlling compound.
- 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.
- FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment with a single point of attachment of the cigar in the holder.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. 6 a -6 b as well.
- Elements 1203 and 1302 can represent the tip of the smoking product and/or a holder of the smoking product.
- 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.
- 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.
- the cap may be a child-proof cap or a child safety cap. Such a cap could fit over element 1102 and FIG. 3 a or any embodiment with a cap.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the tube could include a slot for receiving the smoking product holder and keeping it in place.
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.
Description
- 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.
- The invention relates generally to the field of smoking product packaging and accessories.
- 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.
- 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.
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FIG. 1 is an assembled view of the smoking product humidifying apparatus with a cigar in the storage position. -
FIG. 2 is a view of the cigar humidifying apparatus with the sealing lid assembly disassembled. -
FIG. 3a depicts the humidity control chamber assembly. -
FIG. 3b is a cross section view of the sealing lid assembly. -
FIG. 3c is a cross section view of an alternative embodiment of the upper locating member using a winged receiving cap. -
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. -
FIG. 4 shows 3 versions of the Boveda humidity control packets. -
FIG. 5a is a side view of an embodiment of the upper locating member looking in from below -
FIG. 5b is a side view of an embodiment of the upper locating member looking in from above. -
FIG. 5c is a top view of an embodiment of the upper locating member. -
FIG. 5b is a top view of the upper locating member. -
FIG. 5d is a top view of the upper locating member embodiment with flexible wings. -
FIG. 6a is a top view of the stabilizing disc. -
FIG. 6b a side view of the stabilizing disc with upright sleeve. -
FIG. 6c is a cross section view of the bottom portion of the humidifying apparatus with upright sleeve and a cigar in stabilized position. -
FIG. 6d is a cross section view of the bottom portion of the humidifying apparatus with upright sleeve and a cigar in stabilized position. -
FIG. 6e is a cross section view of the bottom portion of the humidifying apparatus with upright sleeve and a cigar in stabilized position. -
FIG. 6f shows the top and side views of an alternative stabilizing disc for cigars with a hole in the mouthpiece. -
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 -
FIG. 6g -2 is a cross section view of an alternative winged lower locating member or stabilizing disc with the smoking product in place -
FIG. 6h is a top view of an alternative winged lower locating member or stabilizing disc. -
FIG. 7a shows a side view of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly. -
FIG. 7b shows a top view of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly. -
FIG. 7c shows a top view of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly shown with the blade partially closed. -
FIG. 8a shows a top view of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, top plate. -
FIG. 8b shows a top view of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, bottom plate. -
FIG. 8c shows a top view of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, blade plate. -
FIG. 9a shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly. -
FIG. 9b shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly. -
FIG. 9c shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the combination stabilizing disc with cutter assembly shown with the blade partially closed. -
FIG. 10a shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, top plate. -
FIG. 10b shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, bottom plate. -
FIG. 10c shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the cigar stabilizer with cutter, blade plate. -
FIG. 11A shows an example of an embodiment with a single attachment point for the cigar. -
FIG. 11B shows the embodiment ofFIG. 11A with a humidifying apparatus. -
FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment of a cigar holding apparatus in an embodiment. -
FIG. 12B illustrates the apparatus ofFIG. 12A in use. -
FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of a cigar holding apparatus. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a cigar holding apparatus integrated into a humidity control apparatus in an embodiment. -
FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative stabilizing disc in an embodiment. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- As described below in more detail with respect to the drawings the present cigar humidity control apparatus has a tube for containing a cigar.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Various embodiments of the cigar humidifying apparatus are described here by a description of the drawings and the identified parts of the apparatus.
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FIG. 1 shows a side view of the humidity controlled smokingproduct containing apparatus 10 with acigar 8 withcigar band 8 a stored by the apparatus. The humidity controlled smoking product containing apparatus is constructed of thetube 12, a sealinglid assembly 14, and a stabilizingdisc 20 a (also referred to as the lower locating member) the shown embodiment having an upright sleeve. The sealinglid assembly 14 is constructed of a sealingcap 14 a and a breathable humiditycontrol chamber assembly 14 b. The sealingcap 14 a may be constructed of plastic and may be threaded or non-threaded. Attached to the inside of the sealingcap 14 a is the breathable humiditycontrol chamber assembly 14 b which is formed byframe 14 b 1 and a in one embodiment a tapered,plastic mesh 14 b 2 to allow flow of humidified gas. The breathablehumidity control chamber 14 b has an uppercircular opening 14 b 3 at the top defined by a circular upper frame rim 14 b 4 and a lowercircular opening 14 b 5 at the bottom defined by a circularlower frame rim 14 b 6 at the bottom and has a tapered open area betweenribs 14 b 7 which therefore allow the open area to be covered by a mesh. The diameter of the lowercircular opening 14 b 4 at the bottom is significantly smaller than the sealingcap 14 a and is closed at the bottom by the chamberupper locating member 14 c. The chamberupper locating member 14 c is removably fitted to the bottom of the breathablehumidity control chamber 14 b such as by friction or interference fit into the circularlower frame rim 14 b 6. As can be seen, because the breathablehumidity control chamber 14 b 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. SeeFIG. 3b for a detailed diagram of the sealinglid assembly 14. - Near the bottom of the
tube 12 b is the stabilizing disc withupright sleeve 20 a. The cigar 8 (withcigar band 8 a) is positioned for storage or packaging between the upper locatingmember 14 b 3 near the top of thetube 12 a and the stabilizing disc withupright sleeve 20 a near the bottom of thetube 12 b.Humidity control packets 16 as exemplified by the Boveda packets, are contained within the breathablehumidity control chamber 14 b. As shown by the arrows inFIG. 1 , correctly humidified air is allowed to circulate around theentire 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 inFIG. 1 , the actual flow will be in the nature of randomized flow. -
FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded view of the humidity controlled smokingproduct containing apparatus 10. This figure shows how the various assemblies and parts as described above fit together. At the top, the sealinglid assembly 14 with the breathablehumidity control chamber 14 b contains thehumidity control packet 16 which is held in the breathable humidity control chamber by the chamberupper locating member 14 c. The humidity control packets are typically a water vapor permeable pouch and a thickened saturated salt solution, the Boveda product being exemplary. Acigar 8 with cigar band fits into the bottom of the chamberupper locating member 14 c, centering it within thetube 12. The fullsealing lid assembly 14 fits into the top of thetube 12 a. Thecigar 8 fits into the stabilizing disc withupright sleeve 20 a, located near the bottom of thetube 12 b. The sealinglid assembly 14 may be snapped onto the top of thetube 12 or threaded onto thetube 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 sealinglid 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. -
FIGS. 3a and 3b show details of the sealing cap assembly. InFIG. 3a , the sealingcap 14 a and the breathablehumidity control chamber 14 b is shown. The breathablehumidity control chamber 14 b is constructed of amesh 14 b 1 which may be a plastic mesh. a, woven thread mesh, or a metallic mesh. The breathable chamber may also include a frame orstructural ribs 14 b 2 which provide a strengthening structure for the chamber walls. Instead of a mesh being integral to the structure of the breathablehumidity control chamber 14 b, it may be provided by a paper or other mesh fitted around the interior of the humidity control chamber frame. -
FIG. 3b shows a cross section of the sealinglid assembly 14, demonstrating how the various components fit together. The sealingcap 14 a of the assembly fits into the top of thecigar tube 12 a 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 breathablehumidity control chamber 14 b with frame orstructural ribs 14 b 1, mesh 14 b 2 and chamber upper locatingmember 14 c which closes the bottom of the chamber and holds the cut end of the cigar. Shown is thecap portion 14 -
FIGS. 3c and 3d show an alternate embodiment of the chamberupper locating member 14 b 4 using a winged receiving cap to be further described below.FIG. 3c shows a cross section view of the winged receivingcap 14 d prior to thecigar 8 placement. The components of the winged receivingcap 14 d include thetop mesh 14 d 1, thesleeve 14 d 2 and the receivingwings 14 d 3.FIG. 3d shows a cross section view of the winged receivingcap 14 d after thecigar 8 is received by the cap. The components of the winged receivingcap 14 d include thetop mesh 14 d 1, thesleeve 14 d 2 and the receivingwings 14 d 3. As can be seen, the flexible wings bend inward as thecigar 8 is received, forming holding and centering the cigar. -
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% (16 a) 69% (16 b) and 72% (16 c) 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. -
FIGS. 5a-5d show depictions of 2 embodiments of the chamberupper locating member 14 c. The central portion of each version is amesh 14 c 1.FIGS. 5a,5b and 5c show an embodiment of the upper locatingmember 14 b 3 allowing the cut end of the cigar to be held inside thesleeve element 14 c 2.FIG. 5a shows a side perspective view of the upper locatingmember 14 c of the inside of the cap revealed.FIG. 5b shows a side perspective view of the upper locatingmember 14 c of the inside of the cap revealed. Shown are themesh 14 c 1 andsleeve 14 c 2 elements.FIG. 5c shows a bottom view of the upper locatingmember 14 c. -
FIG. 5d shows an alternative embodiment of the chamberupper locating member 14 d withcap receiving wings 14 d 3. Shown also is thesleeve 14 d 1 and mesh 14 d 2. 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 thecigar band 8 a, which is prone to sliding up and down the shaft of thecigar 8 on impact when the cigar is held too loosely inside a tube or pouch. - One advantage of the winged receiving
cap 14 d 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. - Near the bottom of the cigar tube is the stabilizing disc with
upright sleeve 20 a (also referred to as the lower locating member). A top and side view of one embodiment of this component is shown inFIGS. 6a and 6b . The stabilizing disc centers thecigar 8 in the tube by positioning the rounded end of the cigar into thesleeve 20 a 1 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 containsholes 20 b for circulating the humidified air throughout the tube so that every surface of the cigar is exposed to humidified air. -
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 verticallyupstanding sleeve 20 cFIG. 6e shows an embodiment in which the cap alone is used, with no sleeve.FIG. 6f shows an embodiment of a stabilizingdisc 20 e withholes 20 e 2 formed in anouter region 20 e 1, and with anupright stabilizing post 20 e 3 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 26 a extending upward from the disc and into the mouth opening of the cigar. In one embodiment, theprotrusion 20 e 3 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 inFIG. 6f are optional.FIGS. 6g and 6h show a fourth embodiment of the stabilizing disc or lower locatingmember 20 f from a side cross section view and a top view. This embodiment utilizes a winged receiver, similar to the winged receiving cap detailed above. InFIG. 6g , the side cross section may be viewed, showing the elements including thecigar 8,annular ring 20 f 1,sleeve 20 f 3 andcigar hole 20 f 4. 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 elementsannular ring 20 f 1, ring holes 20 f 2,cigar hole 20 f 4 and receivingwings 20 f 5. 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 ofFIG. 6H is illustrated inFIG. 15 . Thedisc 1500 hastabs 1501 with each tab having adownward bending tip 1502 to receive the tip of the smoking product and retain it. - 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 cuttingassembly 22. In this embodiment, the sleeve portion of the assembly is upright and straight. As previously described byFIGS. 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 andcutter assembly 22 in the closed position. Ahandle 22 b 1 of the cutting blade plate can be seen on the right side of the assembly. The ends of the blade guide posts 22 b 3 and blade stop posts 22 b 4 can be seen inFIG. 7b .FIG. 7c shows a top view of the stabilizing andcutter assembly 22 in the partially open position. In this view ofassembly 22, the slidingcutting blade 22 b 2 andblade cutting edge 22 b 5, blade handle 22 b 1, andblade guide slots 22 b 3 are visible. Theblade guide slots 22 b 3 guide the cutting blade as it slides between thetop disc 22 a andbase disc 22 c. To operate the assembly, after thecigar 8 and stabilizing disc andcutter assembly 22 are removed from thetube 12 by turning over the tube (the cigar and disc will fall out of the tube), a) thecutter blade 22 b 2 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) thecutter blade 22 b 2cutting blade edge 22 b 5 is pushed through the mouth end of the cigar by a user pushing the blade handle 22 b 1. -
FIGS. 8a-c show top views of the 3 plate layers of the stabilizer andcutter assembly 22. Note that the orientation of the assembly and assembly plate layers are reversed fromFIG. 7a -c. -
FIG. 8a shows a top view of thetop plate 22 a. Anotch 22 a 2 for receiving thehandle 22 b 1 of the sliding cutting blade plate can be seen on the left side of the plate. The end holes 22 a 1 which receive the blade guide posts 22 b 3 and blade stop posts 22 b 4 can be seen inFIG. 8a .FIG. 8b shows the cuttingblade plate layer 22 b. Shown inFIG. 8b is the slidingcutting blade plate 22 with components: sliding cuttingblade 22 b 2 andblade cutting edge 22 b 5, blade handle 22 b 1, andblade guide slots 22 b 3. Theblade guide slots 22 b 3 guide the cutting blade as it slides between thetop disc 22 a andbase disc 22 c. The base plate of theassembly 22 b is shown inFIG. 8 c. -
FIG. 9a-c show an embodiment of the stabilizing andcutter assembly 24 where acutting blade plate 24 b pivots between the top andbase plates -
FIG. 9a shows the side view of the pivoting cutting blade embodiment of the integrated stabilizing disc and cuttingassembly 24. In this embodiment, the sleeve portion of the assembly is upright and straight. As previously described byFIGS. 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 andpivot cutter assembly 24 in the closed position. Ahandle 24 b 1 of the cutting blade plate can be seen on the right side of the assembly. The ends of theblade pivot post 24 b 3 (or hinge point) and blade stoppost 24 b 4 can be seen inFIG. 9b .FIG. 9c shows a top view of the stabilizing andcutter assembly 24 in the partially open position. In this view ofassembly 24, thepivot cutting blade 24 b 2 and pivotblade cutting edge 24 b 5, and blade handle 24 b 1 are visible. - To operate the assembly, after the
cigar 8 and stabilizing disc andpivot cutter assembly 24 are removed from thetube 12 by turning over the tube (the cigar and disc will fall out of the tube), a) thecutter blade 24 b 2 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) thecutter blade 24 b 2cutting blade edge 24 b 5 is pushed through the mouth end of the cigar by a user pushing the blade handle 24 b 1. In this embodiment, thepivot cutter blade 24 b 3 pivots around theblade pivot post 24 b, which acts as a single hinge point for the blade as it slides between thetop plate 24 a andbase plate 24 c. -
FIGS. 10a-c show top views of the 3 plate layers of the stabilizer andpivot cutter assembly 24.FIG. 10a shows a top view of thetop plate 24 a. Anotch 24 a 2 for receiving thehandle 24 b 1 of the pivotingcutting blade plate 24 b can be seen on the left side of theplate 24 a. The end holes 24 a 1 which receive theblade pivot post 24 b 3 (or hinge point), and blade stoppost 24 b 4 can be seen inFIG. 10a .FIG. 10b shows the pivot cuttingblade plate layer 24 b. Shown inFIG. 10b is the pivotcutting blade plate 24 b with components: pivot cuttingblade 24 b 2 and pivotblade cutting edge 24 b 5, and pivot blade handle 24 b 1. Thebase plate 24 c of theassembly 24 is shown inFIG. 10 c. - Manufacture of the Apparatus
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In an alternate embodiment, the breathable chamber portion of the apparatus may protrude outwardly from the vessel instead of being inserted.
- In an alternate embodiment, a vapor permeable membrane lines the inside of the vessel and is filled with a two-way humidity controlling compound.
- 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.
-
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment with a single point of attachment of the cigar in the holder. Referring toFIG. 11A theapparatus 1100 comprises atube 1101,lid 1102, andholder 1103. Theholder 1103 is integrated with thelid 1102 and holds acigar 1104 at a single attachment point. The cigar “floats” withintube 1101 and is located away from the sides and bottom of thetube 1101.Elements 1102 may be manufactured from a single component or may be separate components. -
FIG. 11B illustrates a version with a humiditycontrol chamber assembly 1105 such as described inFIG. 3A . Theassembly 1105 includes anintegrated holder 1103 on the bottom thereof for retaining thecigar 1104 in place. -
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an example holder for a cigar in an embodiment. Aninsert 1201 that can be integrated with a lid has a slot orhole 1202 formed therein. Theinsert 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 orholder 1203 can then be pressure fitted into theopening 1202 as shown inFIG. 12B . Theopening 1202 expands somewhat to receive thetip 1203 and retain it in place. Thetip 1203 could be any shape and theopening 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. Theinsert 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. -
FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of a holder. Theinsert 1301 can be integrated with a lid has acompression member 1301 formed therein that can deform when a cigar tip orholder 1302 is inserted therein. Themember 1301 then has a spring effect fromflexible compression strips 1303 to grip the cigar tip orholder 1302 and keep it in place, as shown inFIG. 13B . This embodiment may be used with or without a humidity control system. The embodiment may be used with the embodiments ofFIGS. 6a-6b as well.Elements -
FIG. 14 illustrates a holder integrated into a humidity control apparatus. Theholder 1400 comprises alid 1404 andhumidification chamber 1403 that includes a holding apparatus comprising a plurality of leaves 11401 that are angled towards the center of the interior of theapparatus 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. - 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.
- In one embodiment, the cap may be a child-proof cap or a child safety cap. Such a cap could fit over
element 1102 andFIG. 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. - 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.
- 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.
Claims (9)
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.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/028,861 US20210000173A1 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2020-09-22 | Smoking product humidification apparatus and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201662414118P | 2016-10-28 | 2016-10-28 | |
US15/798,318 US10779567B1 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2017-10-30 | Smoking product humidification apparatus and method |
US17/028,861 US20210000173A1 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2020-09-22 | Smoking product humidification apparatus and method |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US15/798,318 Continuation-In-Part US10779567B1 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2017-10-30 | Smoking product humidification apparatus and method |
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US20210000173A1 true US20210000173A1 (en) | 2021-01-07 |
Family
ID=74066655
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US17/028,861 Abandoned US20210000173A1 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2020-09-22 | Smoking product humidification apparatus and method |
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US (1) | US20210000173A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD947682S1 (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2022-04-05 | Brendon Shade | Pre-roll with packaging |
US20220193635A1 (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2022-06-23 | Cannterp Inc. | Method and apparatus to infuse dried cannabis sativa |
EP4173992A1 (en) * | 2021-10-19 | 2023-05-03 | Gaplast GmbH | Container assembly |
US20230192381A1 (en) * | 2021-12-20 | 2023-06-22 | Travis Honda | Packaging system |
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US3346135A (en) * | 1964-08-10 | 1967-10-10 | Richardson Merrell Inc | Dual function stopper |
US5409374A (en) * | 1993-09-30 | 1995-04-25 | Liard; Michel | Clipping attachment for lighters |
US20150090274A1 (en) * | 2012-05-28 | 2015-04-02 | G.D Societa' Per Azioni | Filter-tipped cigarette with a removable cap, and relative manufacturing method and machine |
-
2020
- 2020-09-22 US US17/028,861 patent/US20210000173A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US3346135A (en) * | 1964-08-10 | 1967-10-10 | Richardson Merrell Inc | Dual function stopper |
US5409374A (en) * | 1993-09-30 | 1995-04-25 | Liard; Michel | Clipping attachment for lighters |
US20150090274A1 (en) * | 2012-05-28 | 2015-04-02 | G.D Societa' Per Azioni | Filter-tipped cigarette with a removable cap, and relative manufacturing method and machine |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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USD947682S1 (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2022-04-05 | Brendon Shade | Pre-roll with packaging |
US20220193635A1 (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2022-06-23 | Cannterp Inc. | Method and apparatus to infuse dried cannabis sativa |
EP4173992A1 (en) * | 2021-10-19 | 2023-05-03 | Gaplast GmbH | Container assembly |
US20230192381A1 (en) * | 2021-12-20 | 2023-06-22 | Travis Honda | Packaging system |
US11851259B2 (en) * | 2021-12-20 | 2023-12-26 | Travis Honda | Packaging system |
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