BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to enclosures for holding items generally associated with smoking a cigar. More specifically, the present invention relates to cases capable of enclosing a cigar, while also integrating a humidifier, cigar cutter and lighter in the same enclosure.
Rudimentary “smoker's cases” were first introduced in the early 1800s. Such cases are useful because smoking often requires a storage vessel to transport in a secure fashion a smoking instrument, such as a cigar, cigarette or cigarillo. Such a smoker's case provides portability and allows the individual to smoke at his or her leisure while maintaining the integrity of the material and/or substance to be smoked.
Due to sensitivity to changes in humidity, it is desirable to store smoking instruments, notably cigars, in a humidor for optimal maintenance. For example, when ready to smoke a cigar, the individual needs to remove the cigar from a humidor and then cut off the tip of the cigar with a cigar cutter to facilitate smoking. The other end of the cigar is generally lit by a lighter. In prior art containers, the cigar cutter, lighter and humidor are separate from the cigar and its case. Because these items are not integrated with each other, they may easily be misplaced or lost. Because the humidor, cutter and lighter are all important for enjoying a cigar, misplacing any one of these items causes unnecessary frustration and interrupts what should be a pleasurable activity.
Accordingly, there is a need for new types of cases as described herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To meet the needs described above and others, the present invention provides a case for holding a cigar or other smoking instrument which includes a cutter, lighter and humidifier integrated within the case. In various embodiments, the cutter, lighter and/or humidifier may be permanently affixed to the case, and in others it may be removable. The case may comprise a container, attached to a lid.
Certain embodiments of this invention may employ a container with a cavity to insert and store cigars. The cigar cavity may be connected to an additional neighboring cavity which may contain a humidifier element. A cutter and a refillable lighter may also be integrated into the container. Additionally, a recess or recesses configured to contain the lighter, humidifier and/or cigars may be included within the lid. Though cigars are specified, other smoking instruments may be stored in the device, including cigarettes and cigarillos. Although smoking instruments may contain tobacco products, smoking instruments containing other materials and/or substances may also be used.
Moreover, an embodiment of this smoker's case may include a lid and/or container, which incorporate a sealing surface and locking device. The lid serves to cover the container and protects the contents of the case. In one embodiment, the lid may be attached to the container with a hinge.
In a preferred embodiment, the area where the lid contacts the container includes a gasketing material to ensure an airtight seal.
Furthermore, an embodiment of this invention may feature a sliding cutting blade that slides out of and withdraws into the case's body. In this embodiment, there may be exposed openings in the container of the case to access the cutting blade.
In another embodiment, the case may include a removable lighter.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in the description which follows and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional objects and features of the invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the Figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a case with lid closed.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a case with lid open.
FIG. 2B is a close-up view of a case, showing a container's top.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a case with lid closed.
FIG. 4 is a rear view of a case with lid closed.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a case, showing a cutter in an open position.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a case, showing cutter in a closed position.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a case, showing cutter in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Overall shape and design features are not limited by characteristics of the assembly or components described in the descriptions, summary and abstract. Certain embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following:
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a case 1 that is closed. In this embodiment, the case 1 comprises a lid 3 connected to a container 2. The lid 3 may be connected to the container 2 by the use of a hinge 4 (illustrated in FIG. 2A and others). A clasp 16 secures the lid 3 to the container 2. Particularly, the clasp 16 comprises a portion 16A and a portion 16B. The portion 16A and portion 16B interlock, sealing the container 2 shut.
As shown in FIG. 1, the interior of the container 2 may comprise a first cavity 9 configured to contain one or more smoking instruments such as cigars, a second cavity 10, configured to contain a humidifier element 6 (illustrated in FIG. 2A and others); a third cavity 11, configured to contain a lighter 19, and a fourth cavity 12 configured to contain a cutter 5. Any appropriate smoking instrument may be stored inside the first cavity 9.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cutter 5 comprises a motion guide 22, a cutting edge 24, an actuator 25, a hole 27, and a spring 33 (additional elements associated with the cutter 5 are described herein and illustrated in other Figures). An object external to the case, such as a person's finger, may depress the actuator 25 to actuate cutter 5. When actuation of the cutter 5 occurs, the spring 33 is released, the locking device 26 disengages from the actuator 25, and the cutting edge 24 slides on the motion guide 22 toward the hole 27. The hole 27 extends through the cutter 5 and the case 1. Additionally, the hole 27 may have a diameter sized to allow a cigar 18 (illustrated in FIG. 2A) to fit therein and the hole 27 may extend past the cutting edge's 24 range of motion, enabling the cutting edge 24 to slice through the tip of the cigar 18. Thus, for example if a cigar 18 is in the hole 27 when the cutting edge 24 is actuated, the cutting edge 24 cuts the tip of the cigar 18, preparing the cigar for smoking. In other embodiments, the hole 27 also may be configured to accommodate cigarettes, cigarillos and other smoking instruments.
In a preferred embodiment, the hole 27 may be configured so that a user's finger or fingers are safely away from the cutting edge 24 through the cutter's 5 full range of motion. The hole 27 may be designed so that the cutting edge 24 of the cutter's 5 blade 23 (illustrated in FIG. 2A and others) is recessed into the container 1. The hole 27 allows the recessed blade 23 to remain away from the surface of the case 1 and away from a user's fingers. This feature is distinct from current embodiments of cigar cutters where a user's finger is placed at a dangerously close distance to a sharp blade.
Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the cutter 5 is not removable from the container 2. The cutter 5 comprises a single moving piece of metal or other material appropriate for cutting and the frame of the cutter 5 is built into the container 2 of the case 1 such that at least a portion of the cutter 5 is fixed relative to the case 1. In this embodiment, the frame of the cutter 5 that is built into the case 1 acts as a motion guide 22. The motion guide 22 directs and restricts the motion of the blade 23, keeping the blade 23 on a fixed track. The motion guide 22 may comprise two parallel tracks (a first track and a second track). The gauge of the motion guide 22 may be configured to match the width of the blade 23. The parallel tracks may be fixed inside the container 2. The blade 23 may comprise a first end and a second end; the first end of the blade 23 may be attached to the first track of the motion guide 22 and the second end of the blade 23 may be attached to the second track. Any suitable fastening mechanism may be used to attach the blade 23 to the tracks. Suitable fastening mechanisms include but are not limited to steel fasteners. When attached, the blade 23 may slide down the motion guide's 22 tracks, stopping at the end of the track (the open position). A locking device 26 prevents the actuator 25 from releasing the blade 23 and cutting edge 24. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the locking device 26 may be placed underneath the actuator 25, holding it in place. In a preferred embodiment, the locking device 26 is only released when the actuator 25 is pushed down with sufficient force and not by a light touch.
As shown in FIG. 1, the container 2 also may feature a lighter 19 with lighter cover 21 (illustrated in FIG. 2A and others). The lighter cover 21 is designed to prevent the lighter 19 from accidentally igniting and is configured to be moved in a range of positions—including an open position—relative to the lighter 19. The lighter 19 may comprise a body, wick, spark wheel, flint and flame hole 20 (illustrated in FIG. 2A). The lighter 19 may also encompass other types of lighting devices; examples include but are not limited to devices that utilize an electric or laser heating element. In order to ignite the lighter 19, a user must first disengage the lighter cover 21, exposing the flame hole 20.
In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 2A, the open position of the lighter cover 21 may be achieved by sliding the cover 21 away from the flame hole 20, exposing the flame hole 20 to open air. A closed position refers to when the cover 21 is obstructing the flame hole 20. After the cover 21 is moved to the open position, away from the lighter's 19 flame hole 20, the user may ignite the lighter 19 by turning the spark wheel which strikes the flint, igniting the wick and generating a flame. After the cover 21 is moved to the open position, away from the lighter's 19 flame hole 20, the user may also heat the lighter 19 by activating the electric or laser heating element. The active steps necessary here moving the cover 21 away from the flame hole 20, and activating the spark wheel or heating element—provide a unique safety feature, and prevent the lighter 19 from accidentally igniting or heating while the case is closed.
FIG. 2A illustrates a view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the lid 3 of the case 1 is open. In this embodiment, a hinge 4 may connect the container 2 and lid 3. The hinge 4 may be embedded into the interior of the case 1 so that the outer portion of the case 1 is substantially planar along the hinge 4. Conversely, the hinge 4 may be designed such that a portion of the hinge 4 may protrude from the outer surface of the case 1. In addition to a hinge 4, any suitable attachment mechanism may be used to attach the lid 3 to the container 2. In this embodiment, the lid 3 is opened and closed using the hinge 4 and is secured in the close position using the locking clasp 16. As shown in FIG. 2A, portion 16B of the locking clasp 16 may be attached to the lid 3, while portion 16A may be attached to the container 2.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the clasp 16 and/or container 2 may be fitted with a gasketing material 17. The gasketing material 17 is configured to reduce the movement of air into or out of the case 1 when compressed, creating an airtight seal. This airtight seal reduces the amount of air capable of entering and exiting the case 1. Thus, the gasketing material 17 ensures that humidified air is sufficiently contained inside the case 1 to keep the smoking instrument in a suitably humidified state, while outside air is at least partly obstructed from reaching the inside of the case 1. Gasketing material 17 may be soft and pliable; examples include but are not limited to silicone or neoprene rubber. Additionally, other appropriate materials may be used.
Moreover, though a clasp 16 is used in this embodiment, any other suitable closing mechanism may be used. Additionally, the container 2 and the lid 3 may be made of any material appropriate for enclosing internal elements of the case 1, including but not limited to wood, certain plastics and certain metals.
Furthermore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A illustrates the interiors of the lid 3 and the container 2 when the case 1 is open. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the lid 3 comprises a first recess 13 configured to contain at least a portion of the cigar 18, a second recess 14 configured to contain at least a portion of the humidifier 6 and a third recess 15 configured to contain at least a portion of the lighter 19. In this embodiment, a cigar 18 is shown, but any other smoking instrument may be stored inside the first cavity 9 and first recess 13. The cavities (9, 10, 11 and 12) and recesses (13, 14 and 15) may be arranged inside the case 1 to enhance the functionality of the case 1, enabling it to store, transport, humidify, cut and light smoking instruments.
FIG. 2A shows an embodiment that is a cuboid shape, however, any suitable shape or configuration may be used to construct the case 1.
FIG. 2A also discloses a channel 30 that connects the humidifier 6 to the first cavity 9. The channel 30 is a hollow passageway built into the container 2 and lid 3. The channel 30 may have a first opening at the humidifier 6, and a second opening at the first cavity 9. Humidified air from the humidifier 6 enters the channel 30 through the first opening and exits the channel 30 through the second opening at the first cavity 9. This configuration humidifies the smoking instrument/s 18 in the first cavity 9. A close up rendering of the channel 30 is illustrated in FIG. 2B.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 2A illustrates that the humidifier 6 may comprise a capsule container 7, a removable capsule lid 8 and a humidifying agent 32. Additionally, FIG. 2B shows a close up rendering of the second cavity 10 with the capsule container 7, and removable capsule lid 8 shown. To implement the use of the humidifier 6, the capsule's lid 8 is removed, the humidifying agent 32 is inserted into the capsule container 7 and the lid 8 is rotated onto the capsule container 7. The humidifying agent 32, which may comprise silica gel, superabsorbent polymers, or other appropriate agents mixed with water, maintains optimal humidity. The capsule lid 8 may be at least semi-permeable, allowing humidity to move into the channel 30.
FIG. 2B also illustrates the lighter cover 21 in its closed position covering the flame hole, as well as a close up view of the gasketing material 17.
Next, FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the case 1, container 2 and lid 3. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the lid 3 of the case 1 is in a closed position. The clasp 16 shows portion 16A and portion 16B interlocked. The first cavity 9, second cavity 10, third cavity 11 and fourth cavity 12 are visible. Additionally, the first recess 13 and third recess 15 are shown. Furthermore, the lighter 19 is visible. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 also illustrates a front view of the cutter 5. The motion guide 22, cutting edge 24, actuator 25, hole 27 and spring 33 are all shown.
FIG. 4 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the case 1. FIG. 4 illustrates a sealing surface 31 of one embodiment of the invention. The sealing surface 31 may comprise plastic, metal or another appropriate material designed to reduce airflow into and out of the case 1. The sealing surface 31 may also be used to help compress the gasketing material 17 so that the humidified air inside the case may be kept from escaping, while air from the outside may be prevented from entering the case 1. The sealing surface 31 may be present on the container 2 (illustrated in FIG. 1 and others), the lid 3 (illustrated in FIG. 1 and others) or the entire case 1. Additionally, the embodiment in FIG. 4 shows the hinge 4, cutter 5, cutting blade 24, actuator 25, motion guide 22, hole 27, spring 33 and lighter 19. FIG. 4 also illustrates a first cavity 9 (for containing the smoking instrument), second cavity 10 (for containing the humidifier) and fourth cavity 12 (for containing the cutter).
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view from the bottom of the case 1. Notably, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the cutter 5 (illustrated in FIG. 1 and others) is in an extended, or open, position. In this position, the blade 23 is fully extended and sticks out of the exterior opening 29 on the bottom of the case 1. While in this embodiment the opening 29 is on the bottom of the case 1, it may be located elsewhere in the case 1 in other embodiments. In the open position, the cutting edge 24 has moved down the motion guide 22 and past the hole 27. Additionally, the bottom edge 28 of the cutter 5, actuator 25 and spring 33 are visible in FIG. 5.
The embodiment of the cutter shown in FIG. 5 is designed so that the cutting edge 24 of the blade 23 is unable to pass through the bottom edge 28 of the cutter 5. This feature protects a user from inadvertent contact with the sharp cutting edge 24 of the cutting blade 23. Consequently, only the bottom edge 28, which is not sharp, can be touched.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the cutter's full range of motion is illustrated. Specifically, in the open position, the cutter 5, including blade 23 and bottom edge 28, is fully extended and cannot move further down the motion guide 22 because it has reached the end of the motion guide's 22 track. To move the cutter 5 back into its originally recessed (closed) position, a person pushes on the bottom edge 28 and forces the cutter 5 to move back up the motion guide 22 and recede into the case 1. When the cutter 5 is in the closed position, the locking device 26 (illustrated in FIG. 1 and others) locks the cutter 5 in place, and prevents it from moving until it is actuated again. In various embodiments, the locking device 26 is a latching mechanism, but any suitable mechanism which safely holds the blade 23 in place may be used.
In use, the cutter 5 may be moved from the closed position, wherein locking device 26 (illustrated in FIG. 1 and others) is engaged and cutting the blade 23 is fully recessed into the case 1, to the open position, wherein the cutter 5 is not able to move farther down the motion guide 22 and may protrude from the bottom edge 28, as in FIG. 5.
FIG. 5 also shows the first cavity 9, first recess 13, second cavity 10, second recess 14 and third cavity 11 (with lighter 19 inside). In this embodiment, clasp 16 is shown with portion 16A interlocked with portion 16B and when the clasp 16 is closed, the container 2 and lid 3 are releasably sealed together.
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the case 1 with the cutter 5 in the closed (fully retracted) position. The cutter shown in FIG. 6 comprises a motion guide 22, blade 23, cutting edge 24, actuator 25, locking device 26, hole 27, bottom edge 28 and spring 33.
FIG. 6 shows how, when in the fully retracted and locked position, the cutting edge 24 is situated above the hole 27. The locking device 26 holds the actuator 25 in place, and stops the blade 23 and cutting edge 24 from extending until an external force activates the actuator 25. FIG. 6 also shows the third cavity 11, the third recession 15, the first cavity 9, the second cavity 10, the fourth cavity 12, and the channel 30.
FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the case 1 with the cutter in the open (fully extended position). The embodiment shows the first cavity 9, second cavity 10, third cavity 11, third recession 15 and channel 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the blade 23 is fully extended so the bottom edge 28 protrudes from the case 1. Additionally, the actuator 25 is disengaged from the locking device 26, and the spring 33 is fully extended. Because the spring 33 is fully extended, the blade 23 has reached the end of the motion guide 22. Finally, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the cutting edge 24 has moved past the hole 27. Thus, if a smoking instrument is placed inside the hole 27 when the cutter 5 is in the closed position (see FIG. 6), and remains in the hole 27 through actuation of the cutter 5 to the open position (see FIG. 7), the smoking instrument will be cut.
While the best mode for carrying out the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains recognize that various alternative designs and embodiments other than those claimed below may fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention.
Patent Application
20180192696
