FIELD OF INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to a smoking apparatus, and more specifically, to an adjustable cigarette holder.
BACKGROUND
Smoking cigarettes, whether filled with tobacco or cannabis, or any other substance, may be considered as a social experience for many users. More recently, smoking has expanded to use other forms of smoking paraphernalia, such as glass pipes or bongs.
When smoking occurs in a group, there is a natural tendency to want to share the cigarette with others. However, there may also be the fear of germs or cross contamination when sharing cigarettes. Furthermore, while some cigarettes are mass produced, and are hence a standard size and diameter, there are those with self-rolled cigarettes, where the diameter is different, rendering any form of smoking accessory that relies on a standard size and diameter useless.
SUMMARY
According to various aspects to the present invention, an adjustable cigarette holder including a mouthpiece, a nozzle, the mouthpiece connected to a first end of a nozzle, the mouthpiece removable from the nozzle. The adjustable cigarette holder to further include a housing linearly lined up with the nozzle, a first end of the housing connected to a second end of the nozzle. The adjustable cigarette holder to further include a horn, the horn linearly lined up with the housing, a first end of the horn connected to a second end of the housing, a hollow airway running through the horn, the housing, the nozzle and the mouthpiece. The adjustable cigarette holder to further include a clamp, the opening of the clamp is towards the second end of the horn. The adjustable cigarette holder to further include a sleeve that actuates the clamp between an open position and a closed position.
The removable mouthpiece may be connected to the nozzle using a magnet or o-rings in a sealed fit.
An air ring may also surround the nozzle, where the air ring is rotatable about the nozzle to allow an opening on the air ring to line up with the hollow airway, allowing a variable percentage of air to be mixed with the cigarette smoke.
A filter may also be placed in the housing to filter the cigarette smoke.
The clamp may include at least two fingers. The clamp may also be biased towards an open position using a spring.
The sleeve may be locked in place using a locking mechanism, or may be unlocked by the locking mechanism, allowing the sleeve to move to actuate the clamp. The locking mechanism may further lock the sleeve in pre-positioned locations allowing for preset amounts of actuation on the clamp.
The method of inserting a cigarette into adjustable cigarette holder includes moving the sleeve to actuate the clamp to an open position, inserting the cigarette into the clamp on the funnel shaped end of the horn, moving the sleeve to actuate the clamp to a closed position, the clamp holding the cigarette in place, and attaching a mouthpiece to the nozzle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example adjustable cigarette holding device.
FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the example adjustable cigarette holding device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the example adjustable cigarette holding device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example mouthpiece.
FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the example mouthpiece of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example air ring.
FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the example air ring of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example magnet.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example nozzle.
FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the example nozzle of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example housing.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example horn.
FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the example horn of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example sleeve.
FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the example sleeve of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an example clamp.
FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the example clamp of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an example pin.
FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the example pin of FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an example spring.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the example adjustable cigarette holder of FIG. 1, wherein the adjustable cigarette is in an open position allowing a cigarette to be placed into the adjustable cigarette holder.
FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the example cigarette holder in open position of FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another example adjustable cigarette holding device.
FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the example adjustable cigarette holding device of FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the example adjustable cigarette holding device of FIG. 23.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another example mouthpiece.
FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the example mouthpiece of FIG. 26.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an example o-ring.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another example nozzle.
FIG. 30 is another perspective view of the example nozzle of FIG. 29.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another example housing.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an example clamp assembly.
FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the example clamp assembly of FIG. 32.
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of another example horn.
FIG. 35 is another perspective view of the example horn of FIG. 34.
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another example sleeve.
FIG. 37 is another perspective view of the example sleeve of FIG. 36.
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of another example clamp.
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an example of three clamps in a position to hold a cigarette.
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an example locking handle.
FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the example locking handle of FIG. 40.
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an example locking pin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Smoking cigarettes, whether filled with tobacco, cannabis, or any other substance, (also known as pre-rolled smoking articles) is a past time enjoyed by many and is based on personal preference. An individual smoking a cigarette may wish to add filters to remove harmful matter, such as tar or combustible toxins, or may wish to change the ratio of air to smoke to inhale to further reduce known health impacts of consuming combustible tobacco or cannabis products. An individual may also prefer to use filters and adjust the air to smoke ratio to allow for a reduction in inhalation temperature. In addition, while some cigarettes may be mass produced and purchased, other cigarettes may be hand rolled, making each cigarette different in quantity of substance and in cigarette diameter.
Given how unique each cigarette is, and how it appeals to an individual's personal preference, it is likely that individuals will want to share their cigarettes. However, individuals may not be comfortable wish sharing their cigarettes due to germs or cross contamination. The problem is how to adjust all the preferences of personalizing cigarettes, while being able to share in a safe and convenient manner.
This disclosure relates to an adjustable cigarette holding device with changeable filters and adjustable fresh air-flow control, with a removable mouthpiece assembly to prevent that transmissions of germs when sharing a cigarette.
FIG. 1 shows an adjustable cigarette holder 100. The adjustable cigarette holder 100 may hold any cigarette, cigar, or other rolled implement for smoking. Any cylindrical tube of combustible material may be used on adjustable cigarette holder 100 and is referred to herein generically as a cigarette.
The adjustable cigarette holder 100 includes a mouthpiece assembly 104, a nozzle assembly 108, a housing 116, a horn 120, a sleeve 124, and a clamp 128.
Mouthpiece assembly 104 includes a mouthpiece 302 and a magnet 304. Mouthpiece assembly 104 acts as the point of contact between an individual's mouth and adjustable cigarette holder 100. It facilities as a replaceable module that can be detached from adjustable cigarette holder 100, thus allowing other users to use adjustable cigarette holder 100 without using the same point of contact between multiple individual's mouths. For example, if two individuals had their own mouthpiece assembly 104, and the two individuals wished to share a single adjustable cigarette holder 100, the two individuals could take turns attaching their own mouthpiece assembly 104 to adjustable cigarette holder 100 when smoking using adjustable cigarette holder 100. This prevents the spread of germs between two individuals.
FIG. 5 shows an example mouthpiece 302. In the current embodiment, mouthpiece 302 is tapered on one end to allow an individual to comfortably place their lips around mouthpiece 302, and to allow proper suction when smoking. Mouthpiece 302 is not limited to a tapered shape but can be any shape that makes contact with an individual's mouth.
On the other end of mouthpiece 302, magnet 304 is connected to mouthpiece 302. In the current embodiment, magnet 304 is shaped in a ring to allow an airway to pass through magnet 304. FIG. 8 shows an example magnet 304. Continuing in the current embodiment, mouthpiece 302 is shaped to allow magnet 304 to be inserted into mouthpiece 302. FIG. 4 shows the example mouthpiece 302 from an alternate angle, showing the insertion area on mouthpiece 302 for magnet 304. Magnet 304 is securely connected to mouthpiece 302, thus allowing an individual to remove mouthpiece assembly 104 from adjustable cigarette holder 100 easily, and reattaching mouthpiece assembly to adjustable cigarette holder 100 without the need for adhesives. Mouthpiece assembly 104 may use other readily removeable and reattachable means other than magnet 304 to connect to adjustable cigarette holder 100.
Nozzle assembly 108 includes nozzle 306 and air ring 308. The purpose of nozzle assembly 108 is to provide an individual the ability to change the air to smoke ratio prior to inhaling through mouthpiece assembly 104. FIG. 10 shows the example nozzle 306. Nozzle 306 includes an airway 1004, an airway opening 1008, and a locking indent 1012. In the current embodiment, airway 1004 is elongated and protrudes outwards from nozzle 306. When nozzle assemblyl08 is connected to mouthpiece assembly 104, airway 1004 extends through the hollow center of mouthpiece assembly 104, allowing inhalation when an individual's mouth is on mouthpiece assembly 104. Airway 1004 acts as a conduit to deliver an air smoke mixture to the individual.
Airway opening 1008 allows for air intake to mix with smoke, allowing an individual the ability to change the air to smoke ratio. Airway opening 1008 is an opening to airway 1004. The ratio of air to smoke is controlled via air ring 308, which surrounds nozzle 306 and is rotatable.
FIG. 6 shows the example air ring 308. FIG. 7 shows another view of the example air ring 308. Air ring 308 includes corresponding air ring airway opening 608 and corresponding air ring locking indent 612. In the current embodiment, an individual can rotate air ring 308, and adjust the amount of air that is introduced to airway 1004. When airway opening 1008 is lined up in a fully open position with corresponding air ring airway opening 608, then a large volume of air is introduced into airway 1004, diluting the smoke from the cigarette. When airway opening 1008 is lined up in a fully closed position with corresponding air ring airway opening 608, then no air is introduced into airway 1004. The volume of air introduced into airway 1004 is variable on the lining up of airway opening 1008 and corresponding air ring airway opening 608. Various other mechanisms are possible for introducing air into airway 1004, such as a shutter that can be open or closed along an opening connected to airway 1004, or adjustable vents built into nozzle 306.
Returning to nozzle 306, locking indent 1012 allows for a reduced range of rotation for air ring 308. FIG. 9 shows another view of the example nozzle 306, with a clearer view of locking indent 1012. Corresponding air ring locking indent 612 lines up with locking indent 1012. In the current embodiment, corresponding air ring locking indent 612 is smaller than locking indent 1012, allowing locking indent 1012 to act as a rail for corresponding air ring locking indent 612. On one end of locking indent 1012 is where air ring 308 is rotated to where airway opening 1008 lines up in an open position with corresponding airway opening 608. On the other end of locking indent 1012 is where air ring 308 is rotated to where airway opening 1008 lines up in a closed position with corresponding airway opening 608.
Nozzle 306 is connected to housing 116. In the present example, nozzle 306 is connected to housing 116 by complementary threads. Other means of fastening nozzle 306 to housing 116 are available, such as fasteners, or a snap-fit connection.
FIG. 11 shows the example housing 116. Housing 116 acts as an airway and a separator between horn 120 and nozzle assembly 108. In the present example, as indicated above, housing 116 is connected to nozzle 306 by complementary threads. On the opposite end of housing 116, housing 116 is connected to horn 120 by complementary threads. Similar to the connection between housing 116 and nozzle 306, other means of fastening housing 116 and horn 120 are available, such as fasteners or a snap-fit connection.
While not depicted, housing 116 also allows for the incorporation of a filter. The filter can remove unwanted harmful substances that come from the cigarette, such as tar, combustible toxins, gaseous carcinogens and loose tobacco or cannabis. In addition, the filter can reduce the temperature of the smoke as well. As housing 116 is replaceable, different filters can be used, depending on the type of cigarette being smoked by an individual. Different embodiments of incorporating the filter include placing the filter between nozzle 306 and housing 116, placing the filter between housing 116 and horn 120, or embedding the filter into housing 116 itself.
In other embodiments, a housing adapter (not shown) can be incorporated into housing 116 as well. The housing adapter reduces the total volume of the airway to improve laminar fluid flow patterns and lessen the inhalation effort or puff strength required by an individual. This eases the operation and overall satisfaction of using adaptable cigarette holder 100. Different embodiments of incorporating the housing adapter include placing the housing adapter between nozzle 306 and housing 116, placing the housing adapter between housing 116 and horn 120, or embedding the housing adapter into housing 116 itself.
FIG. 13 shows the example horn 120. FIG. 12 shows the example horn 120 from an alternate view. Horn 120 includes a funnel receiver 1304 on one end, pin holes 1308, 1312, 1316 and 1320, and spring holes 1324 and 1328. Funnel receiver 1304 is a resting place for the ingesting end of a cigarette. In the current embodiment, funnel receiver 1304 is shaped like a funnel to better guide the cigarette into a centered position, and to divert smoke into the airway within horn 120. This is to aid in funneling a large amount of smoke into the airway. Other shapes for funnel receiver 1304 are possible, including cones, and pyramids.
Pin holes 1308, 1312, 1316 and 1320 provide anchoring points for pins 316 and 320. FIG. 18 shows the example pin 316 and pin 320. FIG. 19 shows an alternate view of example pin 316 and pin 320. For example, pin hole 1308 allows one end of pin 316 to be inserted, and pin hole 1312 allows the second end of pin 316 to be inserted. This allows pin 316 to act as a pivot point perpendicular to the length of pin 316 for clamp 128. The same is applied to pin hole 1316 and 1320 and pin 320. Clamp 128 and its pivoting action will be described further below. Further to the present example, pin 316 is inserted into pin hole 1308 by complementary threads, and pin 316 is held in place in pin hole 1312 by its cylindrical shape. Connections between pins 316 and 320 to their respective pin holes 1308, 1312, 1316 and 1320 may also include other forms of fasteners, such as a snap fit connection.
Spring holes 1324 and 1328 provide anchoring points for springs 312 and 314. FIG. 20 shows the example spring 312. In the present embodiment, a first end 2004 of spring 312 is inserted into spring hole 1324. The second end 2008 of spring 312 pushes against clamp 128 to provide a bias to an open position for clamp 128. Clamp 128 will be described further below. Further to the present embodiment, spring 312 is a coiled spring, in which pin 316 may run through the hollow center of spring 312.
Clamp 128 is a mechanism that holds the cigarette in place in adjustable cigarette holder 100. Clamp 128 may be incrementally controlled by an individual from a fully open position to a fully closed position. By incrementally or variably adjusting clamp 128 between the fully open position and fully closed position, varying diameters of cigarettes can be accommodated by adjustable cigarette holder 100. FIGS. 21 and 22 show the example adjustable cigarette holder 100A and clamp 128 in its fully open position, while FIGS. 1 and 2 show the example adjustable cigarette holder 100 and clamp 128 in its fully closed position.
In the present embodiment, clamp 128 includes two fingers: finger 324 and finger 328. FIG. 16 shows the example finger 324. FIG. 17 shows an alternate view of the example finger 324. Finger 324 and finger 328 are symmetrical and provide a clamping force on the cigarette when smoking. In the present embodiment, finger 324 includes finger pin hole 1604, finger pin hole 1608 and finger spring hole 1612. Finger pin hole 1604 and finger pin hole 1608 allow pin 316 to run through, thus allowing finger 324 to pivot on pin 316. Continuing with the present embodiment, finger spring hole 1612 allows second end 2008 of spring 312 to be inserted. This provides an anchor point for spring 312 to provide a bias force onto finger 324, biasing the finger into an open position with the pivot point being pin 316.
In the current embodiment, finger 324 may also include a bulbous shape on grabbing end. The bulbous shape is to provide additional surface area in grabbing the cigarette when in a closed position, and to aid in preventing smoke from escaping. Alternate shapes may also be used for finger 324 and finger 328.
As indicated above, in the current embodiment, finger 324 and finger 328 are connected to horn 120 by pin 316 and pin 320, respectively. Finger 324 and finger 328 are also connected to sleeve 124 by complementary threads.
Sleeve 124 is a mechanism that allows an individual to incrementally move clamp 128 between an open position and a closed position. Sleeve 124 encloses clamp 128. FIG. 14 shows the example sleeve 124. FIG. 15 shows an alternate view of the example sleeve 124. By rotating sleeve 124 along the threads, sleeve 124 may advance towards the cigarette end of adjustable cigarette holder 100 or may retreat away from the cigarette end of adjustable cigarette holder 100. When sleeve 124 is rotated and advances towards the cigarette end of adjustable cigarette holder 100, the cylindrical shape of sleeve 124 forces clamp 128 to pivot inwards on pin 316 and 320 towards a closed position. When sleeve 124 is rotated in the opposite direction and retreats away from the cigarette end of adjustable cigarette holder 100, the cylindrical shape of sleeve 124 retreats from clamp 128, and spring 312 and spring 314 bias clamp 128 towards an open position.
In other embodiments, sleeve 124 may operate in a sliding motion. By sliding sleeve 124 towards the cigarette end of adjustable cigarette holder 100, it will have a similar effect of the cylindrical shape of sleeve 124 forcing clamp 128 to pivot inwards on pin 316 and 320 towards a closed position. Similarly, by sliding sleeve 124 away from the cigarette end of adjustable cigarette holder 100, clamp 128 will be biased towards an open position. An embodiment where a sleeve operates in a sliding motion will be discussed further below.
In other embodiments, clamp 128 may include more than two fingers. Additional fingers may be used to grab the cigarette.
In other embodiments, there may be notches embedded in the threads between sleeve 124 and horn 120, to provide recommended fixed positions to rotate sleeve 124. Preset notches may provide recommended positions to grab cigarettes of different diameters and may result in grabbing cigarettes with clamp 128 with a recommend force. The same notches can be embedded if sleeve 124 is of the sliding design.
FIG. 3 shows the example adjustable cigarette holder 100 in an exploded view. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the mouthpiece assembly 104, nozzle assembly 108, housing 116, and horn 120 are connected linearly, such that there is an airway leading from the funnel receiver 1304 on one end of adjustable cigarette holder 100 to mouthpiece assembly 104 on the opposite end of adjustable cigarette holder 100.
All components of adjustable cigarette holder 100 may be made of a varying range of non-flammable, heat tolerant materials. In the current embodiment, surgical stainless steel is used for all components, with the exception of magnet 304, in which a magnetic material is used.
Other embodiments of adjustable cigarette holder 100 are available. For example, FIG. 23 shows adjustable cigarette holder 2300, an alternate embodiment of adjustable cigarette holder 100. FIG. 24 shows adjustable cigarette holder 2300 from an alternate angle. Adjustable cigarette holder 2300 includes mouthpiece assembly 2304, nozzle assembly 2308, housing 2312, horn 2328, sleeve 2316 and clamp 2324. Adjustable cigarette holder 2300 further includes locking assembly 2320 used to lock and unlock sleeve 2316 when adjusting the fingers of clamp 2324.
Referring to FIG. 25, mouthpiece assembly 2304 includes mouthpiece 2504, o-rings 2508 and 2512. In the example adjustable cigarette holder 100 depicted in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5, mouthpiece 302 is connected to magnet 304, where the magnet allows for mouthpiece 302 to be held in place, while also easily detachable for new mouthpiece to be connected and used. Returning to FIG. 25, mouthpiece 2504 is connected to the nozzle assembly 2308 through two o-rings, 2508 and 2512. O-rings 2508 and 2512 provide mouthpiece 2504 with a sealed fit against nozzle assembly 2308, but also allow mouthpiece 2504 to be easily removed. Mouthpiece 2504 can be replaced with another user's mouthpiece by pulling mouthpiece 2504 off adjustable cigarette holder 2300, and installing a different mouthpiece with o-rings 2508 and 2512 in place. An example o-ring 2508 can be seen in FIG. 28.
As indicated above, and as can be seen in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, mouthpiece 2504 is not limited to a specific shape. In this embodiment, mouthpiece 2504 is an elongated shape with a lip to allow better contact with a user's mouth.
Returning to FIG. 25, nozzle assembly 2308 includes nozzle 2516 and o-ring 2520. There are also grooves 2908 and 2912 along the body of nozzle 2516 for holding o-rings 2508 and 2512 in place. More specifically, groove 2908 provides a holding place for o-ring 2508 and groove 2912 provides a holding place for o-ring 2512. The o-rings 2508 and 2512 match the diameter of grooves 2908 and 2912 respectively, so as to stay in place, both while adjustable cigarette holder 2300 is in use, but also when removing mouthpiece 2504 from adjustable cigarette holder 2300 or connecting mouthpiece 2504 to adjustable cigarette holder 2300. As previously mentioned, other means of keeping a seal between mouthpiece 2504 and nozzle 2516, while being able to easily replace mouthpiece 2504 are available, such as a snap fit, or a latching mechanism to connect mouthpiece 2504 tightly with nozzle 2516.
In the current embodiment of adjustable cigarette holder 2300, nozzle 2516 includes airway 2904 as seen in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30. Airway 2904 allows air and smoke product to flow to mouthpiece 2504. The shape of nozzle 2516 also acts as an adapter between the mouthpiece 2504 and housing 2312 which may have different diameters. Furthermore, where the opening to airway 2904 between nozzle 2516 and mouthpiece 2504 is located, the diameter of the opening is smaller than that of the opening between nozzle 2516 and housing 2312. The smaller diameter acts as a secondary mouthpiece. Should a user wish to share a cigarette, but there is no replacement mouthpiece 2504 available, a user can remove their mouthpiece 2504, and the second user can use the secondary mouthpiece on nozzle 2516.
In this current embodiment, nozzle 2516 does not include an airway opening, nor does nozzle assembly 2308 include an air ring. However, as shown in nozzle assembly 108 and nozzle 306, an air ring and airway opening may be added.
Returning to FIG. 25, housing 2312 can be seen connected to nozzle 2516. O-ring 2520 allows a sealed fit between nozzle 2516 and housing 2312, ensuring air and smoke product is not leaked outwards. O-ring 2520 is similar to previously mentioned o-ring 2508, which can be seen in FIG. 28. In FIG. 30, groove 2916 provides a holding place for o-ring 2520, upon which housing 2312 inserted to create a sealed fit. As previously mentioned, other means of connecting nozzle 2516 and housing 2312 are available, such as fasteners, a snap-fit connection, or housing 2312 and nozzle 2516 may contain threads, so housing 2312 may be screwed into nozzle 2516.
FIG. 31 shows example housing 2312. Similar to example housing 116 in adjustable cigarette holder 100, example housing 2312 acts as an airway and a separator between horn 2328 and nozzle assembly 2308.
For ease of explanation, components of adjustable cigarette holder 2300 may be considered as part of an upper assembly 3200. FIG. 32 shows an example upper assembly 3200 of adjustable cigarette holder 2300. FIG. 33 shows the same example upper assembly 3200 from another angle. In the current embodiment, upper assembly 3200 includes horn 2328, sleeve 2316, clamp 2324 and locking assembly 2320. Upper assembly 3200 functions as the module of adjustable cigarette holder 2300 that allows a user to adjust the device to accommodate cigarettes of different diameters. A user can unlock sleeve 2316 at locking assembly 2320, move sleeve 2316 along the length of horn 2328, and move clamp 2324 between different positions, where the different positions allow for different diameters of cigarettes to be held in clamp 2324, and then re-lock sleeve 2316 using locking assembly 2320 once the proper diameter has been reached.
FIG. 34 shows example horn 2328. FIG. 35 shows the example horn 2328 from an alternate view. In this embodiment, horn 2328 includes airway 3404, finger holder 3408, finger bolt hole 3416, adjustable position divots 3412 and funnel receiver 3420.
Similar to previously discussed horn 120 and funnel receiver 1304, horn 2328 includes funnel receiver 3420. Airway 3404 runs along the length of horn 2328, and has an opening that leads to housing 2312, and a second opening that is funnel receiver 3420. As indicated above, funnel receiver 3420 aids in diverting smoke into airway 3404 within horn 2328.
Finger holder 3408 and finger bolt hole 3416 are used to hold fingers of clamp 2324 in place and connect them to horn 2328. In the current embodiment, there are three fingers for clamp 2324, and while not shown due to the angle of the view in FIG. 34, there are three finger holders 3408 and three finger bolt holes 3416 on horn 2328, one finger holder 3408 and one finger bolt hole 3416 for each finger.
In the current embodiment, finger holder 3408 allows for the insertion of a finger of clamp 2324. Finger holder 3408 prevents the inserted finger from unintentional shifts or movement in the wrong direction when adjusting the fingers to hold onto cigarettes.
A bolt can then then be inserted through finger bolt hole 3416 to secure the finger to horn 2328. Other forms of securing fingers of clamp 2324 to horn 2328 are available, such as fasteners, or screws.
Adjustable position divots 3412 work in conjunction with locking assembly 2320 and will be further discussed below.
FIG. 36 shows example sleeve 2316. FIG. 37 shows example sleeve 2316 from an alternate angle. Sleeve 2316 operates in a sliding motion to adjust clamp 2324. Sleeve 2316 includes locking mechanism hole 3604, and protrusions 3608, 3612 and 3616.
Locking mechanism hole 3604 allows the connection and mounting of locking assembly 2320. Locking mechanism hole 3604 will be further discussed below.
Protrusions 3608, 3612 and 3616 are spaced equidistant from each other along the top edge circumference of sleeve 2316. Protrusions 3608, 3612 and 3616 provide a smooth surface area upon which the fingers of clamp 2324 may run along when sleeve 2316 is slid to adjust clamp 2324 around the cigarette. The protrusions 3608, 3612 and 3616 prevent wear and tear of the edges of the fingers, and provide a uniform force along the flat surface of the fingers of clamp 2324. In the current embodiment, there are three fingers in clamp 2324, which leads to three protrusions (3608, 3612 and 3616).
FIG. 38 shows an example single finger 2536 of clamp 2324. FIG. 39 shows fingers 2536, 2540 and 2544 of clamp 2324. As indicated previously, there are multiple configurations possible for clamp 2324, where the number of fingers is variable, the shape of the fingers are different, and the area of the finger that comes into contact with the cigarette may be different. As can be seen, clamp 128 has a rounded edge that comes into contact with the cigarette, whereas the fingers of clamp 2324 have flat surfaces to grab onto the cigarette.
At the bottom of finger 2536, there is edge 3804. Edge 3804 is inserted into finger holder 3408 as mentioned above. Finger 2536 also includes cutout 3808. Cutout 3808 helps secure finger 2536 within finger holder 3408. Other forms of securing finger 2536 within finger holder 3408 are available, such as tabs to insert into finger holder 3408, or a bolt hole to secure finger 2536.
FIG. 39 shows an embodiment of clamp 2324, where there are three fingers 2536, 2540 and 2544, in a configuration where they are equally spaced around the circumference of horn 2328 to grab a cigarette.
Returning to FIG. 32, where upper assembly 3200 includes locking assembly 2320, locking assembly 2320 can be unlocked or locked to allow the movement of sleeve 2316 to adjust clamp 2324. Locking assembly 2320 includes locking handle 2528 and locking pin 2532.
FIG. 40 shows an example locking handle 2528. FIG. 41 shows example locking handle 2528 from an alternate angle. Locking handle 2528 can be of any shape, and allows a user to grab onto locking handle 2528 to unlock and lock the adjustment of clamp 2324. Locking handle 2528 includes locking pin connector hole 4004. Locking pin connector hole 4004 is connected to locking pin 2532, allowing any turning motion on locking handle 2528 to translate to locking pin 2532. This will be further discussed below.
FIG. 42 shows an example of locking pin 2532. Locking pin 2532 includes threads 4204 and dimple 4208. Threads 4204 allow locking pin 2532 to be screwed into locking mechanism hole 3604. By virtue of threads 4204, as locking pin 2532 is rotated, it will move dimple 4208 towards or away from horn 2328. This allows dimple 4208 to be screwed into one of the adjustable position divots 3412 on horn 2328 when locking handle 2528 is turned. A locked position would be where dimple 4208 were fully screwed into one of the adjustable position divots 3412, hence preventing sleeve 2316 from moving. When dimple 4208 is moved away from the adjustable position divots 3412, sleeve 2316 is free to slide. The adjustable position divots 3412 represent three locked positions for sleeve 2316, which allow for three different clamp 2324 positions, representing three different adjustable positions for grabbing cigarettes with different diameters. The number of adjustable position divots 3412 is variable, where the more adjustable position divots 3412 on horn 2328, the more variation in the adjustment of clamp 2324.
All components of adjustable cigarette holder 2300 may be made of a varying range of non-flammable, heat tolerant materials. In the current embodiment, surgical stainless steel is used for all components.
It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above can be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the figures are not to scale and may have size and shape exaggerated for illustrative purposes.
Patent Application
20210289835
