CIGAR HUMIDOR

Abstract

A cigar humidor includes a first tube, a second tube, and a collar. The collar connects the first tube and the second tube. The first tube, the second tube, and the collar define a cavity configured to receive a cigar.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a cigar humidor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a single cigar humidor.

Background Information

Humidors facilitate storing a cigar at a desired relative humidity to protect the integrity of the stored cigar. When the cigar is stored in a condition in which the relative humidity is too low, the cigar can dry out. When the cigar is stored in a condition in which the relative humidity is too high, the cigar can become too moist. Tabletop humidors conventionally are a wooden box with a hinged top that store a plurality of cigars. Tabletop humidors are not suitable for easily carrying or transporting a stored cigar while maintaining the stored cigar at a desired relative humidity.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a cigar humidor that facilitates portability of a stored cigar while maintaining the stored cigar at a desired relative humidity.

In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a cigar humidor includes a first tube, a second tube, and a collar. The collar connects the first tube and the second tube. The first tube, the second tube, and the collar define a cavity configured to receive a cigar.

In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a cigar humidor includes a collar, a first tube, a second tube, a first end cap, a second end cap and a hygrometer. The collar has a first end and a second end. The first tube has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first tube is threadedly connected to the first end of the collar. The second tube has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second tube is threadedly connected to the second end of the collar. The first end cap is threadedly connected to the second end of the first tube. The second end cap is threadedly connected to the second end of the second tube. The hygrometer is connected to the collar to measure a relative humidity of the cigar humidor. The first tube, the second tube and the collar define a cavity configured to receive a cigar.

Also, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed cigar humidor will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses several embodiments of a cigar humidor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cigar humidor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of the cigar humidor of FIG. 1:

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of the cigar humidor of FIG. 2 in which the end caps and sleeves are removed from the first and second tubes;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first tube and a sleeve of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 1-3:

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a collar of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 1-3:

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first tube of FIGS. 1-3:

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the first tube of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the first tube of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first end cap of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the first end cap of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second end cap of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the second end cap of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sleeve of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 1-3 in which a cigar is received by the cigar humidor:

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a conventional cigar humidor box receiving a plurality of cigar humidors of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cigar humidor in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly view of the cigar humidor of FIG. 16:

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a first end cap of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a first tube of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a second end cap of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 16 and 17; and

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the first end cap of the cigar humidor of FIGS. 16 and 17.

Throughout the drawing figures, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Selected exemplary embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a cigar humidor 10 includes a first tube 12, a second tube 14, and a collar 16, as shown in FIGS. 1-15. The collar 16 connects the first tube 12 and the second tube 14. The first tube 12, the second tube 14, and the collar 16 define a cavity 18 configured to receive a cigar 20.

The first tube 12 has a first end 12A and a second end 12B, as shown in FIGS. 6-8. A flange 22 is formed at the first end 12A of the first tube 12. The flange 22 has a first outer diameter D1. The second end 12B of the first tube 12 has a second outer diameter D2. The first outer diameter D1 is larger than the second outer diameter D2, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. A transition from the outer surface of the flange 22 to the outer surface of a sleeve receiving portion 12C of the first tube 12 defines a shoulder 12D.

As shown in FIG. 6, first internal threads 12E are disposed at the first end 12A of the first tube 12. The first internal threads 12E extend from the first end 12A approximately a length L1 of the flange 22. Second internal threads 12F are disposed on an inner surface at the second end 12B of the first tube 12. The second internal threads 12F extend a length L2 from the second end 12B of the first tube 12. Preferably, the first and second internal threads 12E and 12F of the first tube 12 have the same thread measurement and pitch, such as M28×1.25. The internal surface extends from the first end 12A to the second end 12B to define a passage through the first tube 12.

The first tube 12 is preferably made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, although the first tube 12 can be made of any suitable material. The second tube 14 is preferably substantially identical to the first tube 12 shown in FIGS. 6-8.

The collar 16 has a first end 16A and a second end 16B, as shown in FIG. 5. First external threads 16C are formed at the first end 16A. Second external threads 16D are formed at the second end 16B. The first and second external threads 16C and 16D have an outer diameter D3 less than an outer diameter D4 of the non-threaded portion 16E of the collar 16. Preferably, the first and second external threads 16C and 16D of the collar 16 have the same thread measurement and pitch, such as M28×1.25, and correspond to the thread measurement and pitch of the first and second internal threads of the first and second tubes 12 and 14. An inner surface of the collar 16 extends from the first end 16A to the second end 16B to define a passage through the collar 16.

The first external threads 16C at the first end 16A of the collar 16 are configured to threadedly receive the first internal threads 12E at the first end 12A of the first tube 12. The second external threads 16D at the second end 16B of the collar 16 are configured to threadedly receive the first internal threads 14E at the first end 14A of the second tube 14.

An opening 16F is disposed in the non-threaded portion 16E of the collar 16. A wall 16G extends outwardly from an outer surface of the non-threaded portion 16E of the collar 16. The wall 16G surrounds an entirety of the opening 16F and defines a sensor receiving area 16H. The sensor receiving area 16H is configured to receive a sensor, such as a hygrometer 24, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The hygrometer 24, or any other suitable sensor, measures a parameter, such as the relative humidity, in the cavity 20 of the cigar humidor 10 through the opening 16F in the collar 16.

The collar 16 is preferably made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, although the collar 16 can be made of any suitable material.

The first end cap 26 includes a base 28 and a wall 30 extending outwardly from the base 28, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. An inner surface 28A of the base 28 and an inner surface 30A of the wall 30 define a recess 32. An outer surface 28B of the base 28 is opposite the inner surface 28A. The outer surface 28B is preferably substantially planar, as shown in FIG. 10, although the outer surface 28B can be curved.

A retaining member 34 is configured to be disposed in the recess 32 to retain a humidifying element 36 in the first end cap 26, as shown in FIG. 4. The humidifying element 36 is preferably a foam sponge, although the humidifying element 36 can be any suitable material. The retaining member 34 includes a flexible arms 34A extending inwardly from a support member 34B. The retaining member 34 is removable from the first end cap 26 for insertion and removal of the humidifying element 36. The retaining member 34 can include flexible retaining arms that engage the inner surface 30A of the wall 30 of the first end cap 26 to securely retain the retaining member 34 in the recess 32 in the first end cap 26. An opening is defined by the tips of the flexible arms 34A of the retaining member to allow a fluid, such as distilled water or a humidifier solution, to be added to the humidifying element 36 to facilitate maintaining a desired relative humidity within the cigar humidor 10. The flexible arms 34A allow for access to the humidifying element 36 with a tool, such as an eyedropper, to add the distilled water or humidifier solution to the humidifying element.

External threads 30B are preferably disposed on an outer surface of the wall 30 of the first end cap 26, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The first end cap 26 is threadedly connected to the second end 12B of the first tube 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The first end cap 26 is disposed at an opposite end of the first tube 12 from the collar 16. Alternatively, the first end cap 26 can be connected to the second end 12B of the first tube 12 by a friction, or interference, fit.

The first end cap 26 is preferably made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, although the first end cap 26 can be made of any suitable material. The external threads 30B of the first end cap 26 are configured to threadedly engage the second internal threads 12F at the second end 12B of the first tube 12.

The second end cap 38 includes a base 40 and a wall 42 extending outwardly from the base 40, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. An inner surface 40A of the base 40 and an inner surface 42A of the wall 42 define a recess 44. An outer surface 40B of the base 40 opposite the inner surface 40A is preferably curved, as shown in FIG. 12, although the outer surface 40B can be substantially planar.

External threads 42B are preferably disposed on an outer surface of the wall 42 of the second end cap 38, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The second end cap 38 is threadedly connected to the second end 14B of the second tube 14, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The second end cap 38 is disposed at an opposite end of the second tube 14 from the collar 16.

The second end cap 38 is preferably made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, although the second end cap 38 can be made of any suitable material. The external threads 42B of the second end cap 38 are configured to threadedly engage the second internal threads 14F at the second end 14B of the second tube 14.

A first sleeve 46 is disposed on an external surface of the first tube 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. A second sleeve 48 is disposed on an external surface of the second tube 14. The first and second sleeves 46 and 48 are preferably made of wood, although the first and second sleeves 46 and 48 can be made of any suitable material. The material of the first and second sleeves 46 and 48 can be selected to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the cigar humidor 10.

The first sleeve 46 is a substantially cylindrical member having a first end 46A and a second end 46B, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12. A passage 46C extends from the first end 46A to the second end 46B. The passage 46C is configured to receive the first tube 12, as shown in FIG. 1-3.

The second sleeve 48 is a substantially cylindrical member having a first end 48A and a second end 48B, as shown in FIG. 3. A passage 48C extends from the first end 48A to the second end 48B. The passage 48C is configured to receive the second tube 14, as shown in FIG. 1-3.

The second sleeve 48 is preferably substantially identical to the first sleeve 46. The first and second sleeves are made of any suitable material, such as wood. Outer surfaces 46D and 48D of the first and second sleeves 46 and 48 can be provided with indicia or ornamentation. The first and second sleeves 46 and 48 are secured to the first and second tubes 12 and 14, respectively, in any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive.

The assembled cigar humidor 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 15. The cigar humidor 10 can be stored in any suitable manner, such as in a table-top cigar humidor box 50, as shown in FIG. 15. The table-top cigar humidor box 50 is a conventional table-top cigar humidor box including a base 52 configured to receive a plurality of cigar humidors 10 and a lid 54 connected by hinges 56 to the base 52.

The cigar humidor 10 is assembled as shown in FIG. 3. The first sleeve 46 is received by an outer surface of the first tube 12. The first sleeve 46 is slid on the first tube 12 until the first end 46A of the first sleeve 46 engages the shoulder 12D of the first tube 12. The first sleeve 46 is secured to the first tube 12 in any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive.

The second sleeve 48 is received by an outer surface of the second tube 14, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The second sleeve 48 is slid on the second tube 14 until the first end 48A of the second sleeve 48 engages the shoulder 14D of the second tube 14. The second sleeve 48 is secured to the second tube 14 in any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive.

The first tube 12 is connected to the collar 16, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The first internal threads 12E of the first tube 12 are threadedly engaged with the first external threads 16C of the collar 16. An outer surface of the first sleeve 46 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the collar 16.

The second tube 14 is connected to the collar 16, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The first internal threads 14E of the second tube 14 are threadedly engaged with the second external threads 16D of the collar 16. An outer surface of the second sleeve 48 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the collar 16.

The first end cap 26 is connected to the second end 12B of the first tube 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The external threads 30B of the first end cap 26 threadedly engage the second internal threads 12F of the first tube 12. An outer surface of the first end cap 26 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the first sleeve 46.

The second end cap 38 is connected to the second end 14B of the second tube 14, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The external threads 42B of the second end cap 38 threadedly engage the second internal threads 14F of the second tube 14. An outer surface of the second end cap 38 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the second sleeve 48.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, the second tube 14 can be removed from the collar 16 to access the cavity 18 of the cigar humidor 10. Alternatively, the first tube 12, the first end cap 26, or the second end cap 38 can be removed from the collar 16 to access the cavity 18. The cavity 18 is accessible to insert or remove a cigar 20 to or from the cavity 18 of the cigar humidor 20. The cigar humidor 10 can be initially packaged with a tool, such as an eyedropper, disposed within the cavity 18 to provide a user with means to add a humidifying solution to the humidifying element 36.

The cigar humidor 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-15, facilitates portability of the stored cigar 20, while maintaining the desired relative humidity of the stored cigar 20. The cavity 18 of the cigar humidor 10 is preferably sized to receive a plurality of different cigar lengths and ring gauges.

As shown in FIGS. 16-21, a cigar humidor 110 in accordance with another illustrated exemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to the cigar humidor 10 of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15 except for the differences described below. Similar parts are identified with similar reference numerals, except increased by 100 (i.e., lxx, accordingly).

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the cigar humidor 110 includes a first tube 112 and a second tube 114 connected to a collar 116. A first end cap 126 is connected to an end of the first tube 112 opposite the collar 116. A coupling ring 160 is connected to an opposite side of the collar 116 from the first tube 112. The second tube 114 is connected to the coupling ring 160 opposite the collar 116. A second end cap 138 is connected to an end of the second tube 114 opposite the coupling ring 160. The collar 116 includes a sensor, such as a hygrometer 124, configured to measure a parameter, such as a relative humidity, within the cigar humidor 110.

The first end cap 126 includes external threads 130B configured to threadedly engage internal threads 112F disposed at a second end 112B of the first tube 112, as shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 19. A first end 112A of the first tube 112 is configured to engage a projection 116C of the collar 116 in any suitable manner, such as by a friction or interference fit.

The coupling ring 160 includes internal threads 160B configured to threadedly engage external threads 116D of the collar 116, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The external threads 116D are disposed at an opposite end of the collar 116 from the projection 116C. A projection 160A of the coupling ring 160 is configured to engage a first end 114A of the second tube 114 in any suitable manner, such as by a friction or interference fit.

The second end cap 138 includes a projection 170 configured to engage a second end of the second tube 114, as shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 20. The projection 170 can be a cigar punch that extends outwardly from the second end cap 138 to punch a stored cigar. Alternatively, the cigar punch 170 can be disposed concentrically within a projection configured to engage the second tube 114. Alternatively, the cigar punch 170 can be disposed on the first end cap 126.

A wall 142A extends outwardly from a base 128 of the first end cap 126, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 21, to define a recess 142. A humidifying element 136 is disposed in the recess 142 to maintain the parameter, such as the relative humidity, of the cigar humidor 110 at a desired value.

The cigar humidor 110 of FIGS. 16-21 facilitates portability of the stored cigar, while maintaining the desired relative humidity of the stored cigar. The cavity of the cigar humidor 110 is preferably sized to receive a plurality of different cigar lengths and ring gauges.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various exemplary embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of the exemplary embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.

Also, it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”, “mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cigar humidor, comprising: a first tube;a second tube; anda collar connecting the first tube and the second tube,the first tube, the second tube and the collar defining a cavity configured to receive a cigar.

2. The cigar humidor according to claim 1, wherein a hygrometer is connected to the collar to measure a relative humidity of the cigar humidor.

3. The cigar humidor according to claim 1, wherein the first tube, the second tube and the collar are made of a metallic material.

4. The cigar humidor according to claim 3, wherein a first sleeve is disposed on an external surface of the first tube, and a second sleeve is disposed on an external surface of the second tube.

5. The cigar humidor according to claim 4, wherein the first and second sleeves are made of wood.

6. The cigar humidor according to claim 1, wherein first ends and second ends of each of the first and second tubes have internal threads.

7. The cigar humidor according to claim 6, wherein a first end cap is connected to the second end of the first tube opposite the collar, and a second end cap is connected to the second end of the second tube opposite the collar.

8. The cigar humidor according to claim 7, wherein the first end cap is threadedly connected to the second end of the first tube opposite the collar, and the second end cap is threadedly connected to the second end of the second tube opposite the collar.

9. The cigar humidor according to claim 8, wherein first and second ends of the collar have external threads.

10. The cigar humidor according to claim 9, wherein the first and second ends of the collar threadedly receive the threaded first ends of the first and second tubes.

11. The cigar humidor according to claim 1, wherein a humidifying element is disposed in the first end cap.

12. The cigar humidor according to claim 11, wherein the humidifying element is a foam sponge.

13. The cigar humidor according to claim 10, wherein the first end cap includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base, the wall defining a recess.

14. The cigar humidor according to claim 13, wherein a retaining member is disposed in the recess to retain the humidifying element in the first end cap.

15. The cigar humidor according to claim 7, wherein a cigar punch extends outwardly from the second end cap.

16. A cigar humidor, comprising: a collar having a first end and a second end;a first tube having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first tube being threadedly connected to the first end of the collar;a second tube having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second tube being threadedly connected to the second end of the collar;a first end cap threadedly connected to the second end of the first tube;a second end cap threadedly connected to the second end of the second tube; anda hygrometer connected to the collar to measure a relative humidity of the cigar humidor,the first tube, the second tube and the collar defining a cavity configured to receive a cigar.

17. The cigar humidor according to claim 16, wherein the first end cap includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base, the wall defining a recess,a humidifying element is disposed in the first end cap, anda retaining member is disposed in the recess to retain the humidifying element in the first end cap.

18. The cigar humidor according to claim 16, wherein a first sleeve is disposed on an external surface of the first tube, and a second sleeve is disposed on an external surface of the second tube.

19. The cigar humidor according to claim 18, wherein the first and second sleeves are made of wood.

20. The cigar humidor according to claim 19, wherein the first and second tubes are made of metal.