CIGAR SMOKING KIT

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20250127215
  • Publication Number
    20250127215
  • Date Filed
    October 23, 2023
    a year ago
  • Date Published
    April 24, 2025
    a month ago
Abstract
A cigar smoking kit includes a collapsible paper ashtray configured for being folded into a flat orientation and configured for being folded into a working ashtray, the ashtray comprising one or more flaps configured for wrapping around a cigar when in the flat orientation, one or more match strike surfaces disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray, one or more matches securely attached to the ashtray, one or more cedar spills securely attached to the ashtray, and one or more cigar spikes securely attached to the ashtray.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.


STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.


INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.


TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates generally to the tobacco industry and, more specifically, relates to the field of products and accessories for smoking tobacco.


BACKGROUND

Smoking cigars is a popular pastime for many individuals, whether it be for relaxation or socialization purposes. However, one of the biggest disadvantages of smoking cigars is the necessity for multiple devices, such as ashtrays, matches, and a match striking surface, which can be both inconvenient, costly and impact on cigar smoking experience. Firstly, finding ashtrays can be quite inconvenient for cigar smokers. Ashtrays are typically used to hold the ashes and cigar butts that accumulate during smoking. However, they can be difficult to find, and ashtrays may require frequent cleaning to prevent them from becoming unsanitary. Ashtrays can pose a fire risk if they are not emptied or cleaned regularly, particularly if they are filled with cigarette or cigar butts that are still lit. Additionally, if a smoker is on the go or outdoors, it may be difficult to find an ashtray, leading to a mess and a potentially unpleasant smoking experience. Further, public smoking facilities often do not have individual ashtrays, and if they do, they do not have enough of them for the number of smokers at one time.


Furthermore, the use of matches as a lighting source can also be disadvantageous for cigar smokers. Matches can be difficult to find, expensive and may require frequent restocking, which can add up over time. Additionally, the process of lighting a cigar with a match can be difficult and may require multiple attempts, which can be frustrating for smokers. This can also lead to a less than ideal smoking experience as the taste of the cigar may be affected by the use of a poor-quality match or lighter. Matches can also be dangerous if not used properly, as they can cause fires or burn injuries if they are mishandled or discarded improperly.


Another disadvantage of using multiple devices when smoking cigars is the necessity to carry said devices around with you. Cigar smokers must carry a set of unwieldly devices in order to complete the cigar smoking experience, which can be annoying and time consuming.


Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above, and particularly for a more efficient way of providing cigar smokers with the tools necessary for enjoying a cigar smoking experience.


SUMMARY

A cigar smoking kit is provided. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.


In one embodiment, a cigar smoking kit is provided that solves the above-described problems. The cigar smoking kits includes a collapsible paper ashtray configured for being folded into a flat orientation and configured for being folded into a working ashtray, the ashtray comprising one or more flaps configured for wrapping around a cigar when in the flat orientation, one or more match strike surfaces disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray, one or more matches securely attached to the ashtray, one or more cedar spills securely attached to the ashtray, and one or more cigar spikes securely attached to the ashtray.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various example embodiments. In the drawings:



FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of a collapsible ashtray folded into a working ashtray, according to a first embodiment.



FIG. 2 depicts another top perspective view of the collapsible ashtray folded into the working ashtray, according to the first embodiment.



FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of a cigar smoking kit including the collapsible ashtray folded into a flat orientation and attached to the cigar, according to the first embodiment.



FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of a cigar smoking kit including a collapsible ashtray folded into a flat orientation and attached to the cigar, according to a second embodiment.



FIG. 5 depicts another top perspective view of the cigar smoking kit including the collapsible ashtray folded into the flat orientation and attached to the cigar, according to the second embodiment.



FIG. 6 depicts a bottom perspective view of the cigar smoking kit including the collapsible ashtray folded into the flat orientation and attached to the cigar, according to the second embodiment.



FIG. 7 depicts a bottom perspective view of the cigar smoking kit including the collapsible ashtray folded into the flat orientation and attached to the cigar, according to the first embodiment.



FIGS. 8-14 depict different views of the collapsible paper ashtray being folded from a sheet of paper into a flat orientation configured for attachment to a cigar, according to the first embodiment.



FIGS. 15-16 depict different views of the collapsible paper ashtray being folded from the flat orientation into a working ashtray, according to the first embodiment.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the claimed subject matter may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the claimed subject matter. Instead, the proper scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the appended claims.


The claimed subject matter improves over the prior art by providing a cigar smoking kit that includes all of the instruments and tools necessary to enjoy smoking a cigar. The claimed subject matter presents an inexpensively manufactured kit that can be folded into a small footprint device and easily carried in a pocket or in a car or other vehicle. This feature increases the usability of the device for smoking cigars. Further, the claimed subject matter is disposable and easily discarded so as not to burden the user with cleaning or carrying around devices after the cigar has been smoked. This feature facilitates situations where the smoker cannot or doesn't want to carry around devices used to smoke cigars, after a smoking session.


The claimed subject matter further improves over the prior art by addressing the current issues with public smoking facilities not having enough ashtrays for the number of smokers at one time. The claimed subject matter also eliminates the need for sharing of ashtrays with others, which could lead to spreading of diseases. The claimed subject matter adds to the convenience of travelling for cigar smokers and eliminates the need for carrying many devices to enjoy a cigar.


The claimed cigar smoking kit includes a collapsible paper ashtray configured for being folded into a flat orientation and configured for being folded into a working ashtray, the ashtray comprising one or more flaps configured for wrapping around a cigar when in the flat orientation. The kit further includes one or more match strike surfaces disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray, one or more matches securely attached to the ashtray, one or more cedar spills securely attached to the ashtray, and one or more cigar spikes securely attached to the ashtray. The kit may be disposed after a single use and is therefore classified as disposable. When folded into a flat orientation, the kit is small, mobile and easy to carry. The kit comes with all accoutrements that are needed to properly light, smoke, and responsibly dispose of the spent cigar.


A cigar is a type of tobacco product that is rolled and wrapped in tobacco leaves. Cigars are made entirely from tobacco and can range in size from small cigars, known as cigarillos, to large, thick cigars that can take hours to smoke. Cigars are typically composed of three parts: the filler, the binder, and the wrapper. The filler is the blend of tobacco leaves that is rolled into the center of the cigar, while the binder is a layer of tobacco leaves that is wrapped around the filler to hold it in place. The wrapper is the outer layer of tobacco leaves that is wrapped around the binder and gives the cigar its distinctive appearance. Cigars are often associated with luxury and sophistication and are commonly enjoyed in social settings or as a personal indulgence. Cigars are available in a variety of flavors and strengths, with many smokers preferring specific blends or brands.


A match is a tool for starting a fire. Typically, matches are made of small wooden sticks or stiff paper. A matchstick is a thin piece of wood (such as cedar) or cardboard that has been coated with a mixture of chemicals that ignite when exposed to friction. When a matchstick is made of cedar, the match is referred to as a cedar match. The matchstick is typically about two inches long and has a small red, white, or brown head that contains the ignitable mixture. The ignitable mixture is a material that can be ignited by friction generated by striking the match against a suitable surface, otherwise known as a striking surface. The ignitable mixture consists of a bead of active ingredients and binder, often colored for easier inspection. The ignitable mixture is a blend of chemicals, including potassium chlorate, sulfur, and powdered glass, which ignite when exposed to friction. The mixture is applied to the head of the matchstick and typically includes a small amount of wax to help the mixture adhere to the stick. In some cases, the matchstick may also be coated with a thin layer of sulfur to increase the ease of ignition. The sulfur coating provides an additional source of fuel to help the ignitable mixture burn more easily.


The striking surface is a rough surface that creates friction when the match is struck against it, igniting the ignitable mixture on the head of the matchstick. The striking surface is made of materials such as sandpaper, glass, red phosphorus and/or a specially treated paper.


A cedar spill is a thin strip of wood, typically made from cedar wood, which is used to light cigars or pipes. The cedar spill is lit with a match or lighter and then used to light the tobacco in the cigar or pipe. Many cigar and pipe enthusiasts prefer cedar spills because they provide a slow, even burn and do not taint the flavor of the tobacco. Cedar wood is also believed to have natural antimicrobial properties, which may help prevent the growth of mold or bacteria on the tobacco. In addition to their functional use as a fire starter, cedar spills are also sometimes used as a decorative element in the presentation of cigars or as a gift for cigar or pipe aficionados.


A cigar spike, also known as a cigar awl or cigar punch, is a small, pointed tool used to make a hole in the end of a cigar before smoking. The purpose of the cigar spike is to create an opening in the cap of the cigar, which allows for a smoother draw and better flavor. By piercing the cap of the cigar, the smoker can control the amount of air that is drawn through the cigar, resulting in a more enjoyable smoking experience. Cigar spikes come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from materials such as stainless steel, brass, or even bone. Some cigar spikes feature a retractable blade, while others are designed as a simple pointed tool. To use a cigar spike, the smoker will typically place the pointed end of the tool into the center of the cap of the cigar and gently twist or push until a small hole is created. The size of the hole will depend on the smoker's preference but should be large enough to allow for a smooth draw without compromising the structure of the cigar. A cigar spike is a useful tool for cigar smokers who want to enhance their smoking experience by ensuring a smooth, consistent draw and better flavor.


The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various example embodiments. The claimed cigar smoking kit will now be described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 16. FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of a collapsible ashtray 102 folded into a working ashtray, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows that the collapsible ashtray 102 is folded into a box or cubical shape that can be used as a holder or stand for a cigar 110. FIG. 1 also shows that the collapsible ashtray 102 is folded into a box or cubical shape with an internal volume 104 that can be used as a holder or receptacle for ashes, i.e., a working ashtray.



FIG. 2 depicts another top perspective view of the collapsible ashtray 102 folded into the working ashtray, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows that the cigar, when lit, produces ashes 203 on its working end. Said ashes 203 can be placed within the internal volume 104 of the collapsible ashtray 102. Thus, the collapsible ashtray 102 is folded into a box or cubical shape with an internal volume 104 that can be used as a holder or receptacle for ashes 202, i.e., a working ashtray.



FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of a cigar smoking kit 300 including the collapsible ashtray folded into a flat orientation and attached to the cigar 110, according to the first embodiment. Note the ashtray 102 comprises a pair of opposing flaps 304 configured for wrapping around the cigar 110 when in the flat orientation. In one embodiment, the pair of flaps 304 wrap around the cigar and then attach to each other using an adhesive that attaches one flap to the other opposing flap. In another embodiment, the pair of flaps 304 wrap around the cigar and attach to the cigar using an adhesive. The kit 300 further includes several matches 303 securely attached to slits in the ashtray, a cedar spill 310 securely attached to the ashtray, and two cigar spikes 307 securely attached to the ashtray (or located within the ashtray).



FIG. 3 shows that when the collapsible ashtray 102 is folded into the flat orientation, the ashtray may have a square or rectangular shape. FIG. 3 also shows that matches 303 are securely attached to the ashtray by threading the matches through pairs of orifices or slits in the collapsible ashtray 102, which is described in more detail in the following figures below.



FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of a cigar smoking kit 300 including a collapsible ashtray 102 folded into a flat orientation and attached to the cigar, according to a second embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the ashtray 102 is in the flat orientation and the pair of opposing flaps 304 wrap around, and attach to, the cigar 110. FIG. 4 also shows that the ashtray 102 itself may wrap around, and attach to, the cigar 110. FIG. 4 further shows that matches 303 are located between the ashtray 102 and the cigar 110 when the ashtray is in the flat orientation, and thereby the matches are securely attached to the ashtray. The cedar spill 310 may also be located between the ashtray 102 and the cigar 110 when the ashtray is in the flat orientation, and thereby the cedar spill is securely attached to the ashtray. The spikes 307 may also be located between the ashtray 102 and the cigar 110 when the ashtray is in the flat orientation, and thereby the spikes are securely attached to the ashtray.



FIG. 5 depicts another top perspective view of the cigar smoking kit 300 including the collapsible ashtray 102 folded into the flat orientation and attached to the cigar 110, according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, FIG. 5 shows that when the collapsible ashtray 102 is folded into the flat orientation, the ashtray may have a hexagonal or elongated hexagonal shape. An elongated hexagonal shape is a hexagonal shape wherein all sides of the hexagon have equal length, except for one pair of equal length opposing sides that are longer than the other sides. FIG. 5 also shows that matches 303 are securely attached to the ashtray by threading the matches through pairs of orifices or slits 502, 504 in the collapsible ashtray 102. One match 303 is threaded into the first slit of a pair of slits 502 and out of a second slit of the pair of slits 502 in the exterior surface of the collapsible ashtray 102, and thereby said match is securely attached to the ashtray. Another match 303 is threaded into the first slit of a pair of slits 504 and out of a second slit of the pair of slits 504 in the exterior surface of the collapsible ashtray 102, and thereby said match is securely attached to the ashtray.



FIG. 6 depicts a bottom perspective view of the cigar smoking kit 300 including the collapsible ashtray 102 folded into the flat orientation and attached to the cigar 110, according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 shows that the ashtray 102 includes match strike surfaces 602, 603, 604 disposed on a bottom exterior surface of the ashtray 102 when said ashtray is folded into a flat orientation. In another embodiment, the match strike surfaces are disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray when said ashtray is folded into a working ashtray as well. FIG. 6 shows that triangular shaped match strike surfaces 602, 604 located on opposing sides of the elongated hexagonal shape of the ashtray 102. Said triangular shaped match strike surfaces 602, 604 are located on triangular shaped portions of the ashtray 102. FIG. 6 also shows that a match strike surface 603 located on the elongated hexagonal shape of the ashtray 102. Said match strike surface 603 has a shape comprising a circular shape overlaid on top of a rectangular shape.



FIG. 7 depicts a bottom perspective view of the cigar smoking kit 300 including the collapsible ashtray 102 folded into the flat orientation and attached to the cigar 110, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 shows that the ashtray 102 includes match strike surface 702 disposed on a bottom exterior surface of the ashtray 102 when said ashtray is folded into a flat orientation. In another embodiment, the match strike surface is disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray when said ashtray is folded into a working ashtray as well. FIG. 7 shows that donut or torus shaped match strike surface 702 is located on square shape of the ashtray 102.



FIGS. 8-14 depict different views of the collapsible paper ashtray 102 being folded from a sheet of paper 802 into a flat orientation configured for attachment to a cigar, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the sheet of paper 802 comprising a square or rectangular sheet of paper including certain printed lines 804 indicating how the paper should be folded into the flat orientation or into the working ashtray. Said printed lines may include three evenly spaced parallel vertical lines, three evenly spaced horizontal lines, and seven evenly spaced parallel diagonal lines, all of which together define a set of sixteen congruent rectangles, wherein each rectangle comprises four triangles. FIG. 8 also shows the pair of slits 502 in the surface of the sheet of paper 802 and the pair of slits 504 in the surface of the sheet of paper 802. In one embodiment, in lieu of the printed lines 804, the sheet of paper 802 may include perforations, scoring or folds in place of the printed lines 804.


The sheet of paper 802 may include a protective coating on one or both sides. Said coating may be a fire retardant. Said coating may also be various materials, including kaolinite, calcium carbonate, bentonite, and talc.



FIG. 9 shows that a first fold occurs at printed line 902 at a first end 950 of the sheet of paper 802. The second fold 904 occurs at printed line 904 at the first end 950 of the sheet of paper 802, wherein line 902 is parallel to line 904. FIG. 9 also shows that a third fold occurs at printed line 912 at a second end 951 of the sheet of paper 802. The fourth fold 914 occurs at printed line 914 at the second end 951 of the sheet of paper 802, wherein line 912 is parallel to line 914. Further, lines 912, 914 are parallel to lines 902, 904. FIG. 10 shows that the folds 902, 904 continue until the distal strip is tucked under the strip created between folds 902, 904, and the result is completely flat. FIG. 10 also shows that the folds 912, 914 continue until the distal strip is tucked under the strip created between folds 912, 914, and the result is completely flat.


Next, FIG. 11 shows that the sheet of paper 802 creates a fold 1102 that is perpendicular to folds 902, 912, 904, 914, thereby creating a raised vertical element 1112. FIG. 11 also shows that the sheet of paper 802 creates a fold 1104 that is perpendicular to folds 902, 912, 904, 914, thereby creating a raised vertical element 1114. Then, in FIG. 12, parallel vertical folds 1202 occur in raised vertical element 1112, and parallel vertical folds 1204 occur in raised vertical element 1114. Said parallel vertical folds 1202, 1204 cause the creation of vertical walls 1250, thereby creating the internal volume 104.


Then, in FIG. 13A, fold 1302 (which is perpendicular to fold 1102) occurs in raised vertical element 1112, and fold 1304 (which is perpendicular to fold 1104) occurs in raised vertical element 1114. FIG. 13B shows that the folds 1302, 1304 continue until the result is completely flat. FIG. 13B shows that the resulting flat sheet of paper 802 includes a first flap 1350 directly opposed to a second flap 1352, which flaps correspond to the flaps 304 of FIG. 3.



FIG. 14 shows the collapsible ashtray 102 as it is presented to a consumer when the sheet of paper 802 is folded into the flat orientation and attached to the cigar 110, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 shows that the first flap 1350 has been peeled or curled up as is done when the flap wraps around a cigar 110. FIG. 14 also shows that the second flap 1352 has been peeled or curled up as is done when the flap wraps around a cigar 110. The first flap 1350 may be attached to the second flap 1352 using an adhesive.



FIGS. 15-16 depict different views of the collapsible paper ashtray 102 being folded from the flat orientation into a working ashtray, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 shows that the flaps 1350, 1352 are unpeeled or uncurled and pulled outwards. Flap 1350 rotates about fold 1302 and flap 1352 rotates about fold 1304, thereby exposing the internal volume 104. FIG. 16 shows that as the flaps 1350, 1352 continue to be unpeeled or uncurled and pulled outwards, the walls 1250 are set upright, and the internal volume 104 of the collapsible ashtray 102 is exposed. FIG. 16 shows the collapsible ashtray 102 folded into a working ashtray with an internal volume 104, as shown in FIGS. 1-2.


Embodiments may be described above with reference to functions or acts, which comprise methods. The functions/acts noted above may occur out of the order as shown or described. For example, two functions/acts shown or described in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the functions/acts may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. While certain embodiments have been described, other embodiments may exist. Further, the disclosed methods' functions/acts may be modified in any manner, including by reordering functions/acts and/or inserting or deleting functions/acts, without departing from the spirit of the claimed subject matter.


Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims
  • 1. A cigar smoking kit, comprising: a) a collapsible paper ashtray configured for being folded into a flat orientation and configured for being folded into a working ashtray;b) the ashtray comprising one or more flaps configured for wrapping around a cigar when in the flat orientation;c) one or more match strike surfaces disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray;d) one or more matches securely attached to the ashtray;e) one or more cedar spills securely attached to the ashtray; andf) one or more cigar spikes securely attached to the ashtray.
  • 2. The cigar smoking kit of claim 1, wherein the collapsible paper ashtray comprises a sheet of paper with a protective coating.
  • 3. The cigar smoking kit of claim 2, wherein the one or more flaps comprise a pair of opposing flaps configured for wrapping around the cigar.
  • 4. The cigar smoking kit of claim 3, wherein the one or more match strike surfaces comprise red phosphorus.
  • 5. The cigar smoking kit of claim 4, wherein the one or more match strike surfaces are disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray when said ashtray is folded into a flat orientation or into a working ashtray.
  • 6. The cigar smoking kit of claim 5, wherein the ashtray comprises one or more slits.
  • 7. The cigar smoking kit of claim 6, wherein the one or more matches are located within the one or more slits and thereby securely attached to the ashtray.
  • 8. The cigar smoking kit of claim 7, wherein the one or more cedar spills are located between the ashtray and the cigar when in the flat orientation, and thereby securely attached to the ashtray.
  • 9. The cigar smoking kit of claim 8, wherein the one or more cigar spikes are located between the ashtray and the cigar when in the flat orientation, and thereby securely attached to the ashtray.
  • 10. The cigar smoking kit of claim 9, wherein the sheet of paper includes printed lines indicating how the paper should be folded into the flat orientation or into the working ashtray.
  • 11. A cigar smoking kit, comprising: a) a cigar;b) a collapsible paper ashtray configured for being folded into a flat orientation and configured for being folded into a working ashtray;c) the ashtray comprising one or more flaps configured for wrapping around the cigar when in the flat orientation;d) one or more match strike surfaces disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray;e) one or more matches securely attached to the ashtray;f) one or more cedar spills securely attached to the ashtray; andg) one or more cigar spikes securely attached to the ashtray.
  • 12. The cigar smoking kit of claim 11, wherein the collapsible paper ashtray comprises a sheet of paper with a protective coating.
  • 13. The cigar smoking kit of claim 12, wherein the one or more flaps comprise a pair of opposing flaps configured for wrapping around the cigar.
  • 14. The cigar smoking kit of claim 13, wherein the one or more match strike surfaces comprise red phosphorus.
  • 15. The cigar smoking kit of claim 14, wherein the one or more match strike surfaces are disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray when said ashtray is folded into a flat orientation or into a working ashtray.
  • 16. The cigar smoking kit of claim 15, wherein the ashtray comprises one or more slits.
  • 17. The cigar smoking kit of claim 16, wherein the one or more matches are located within the one or more slits and thereby securely attached to the ashtray.
  • 18. The cigar smoking kit of claim 17, wherein the one or more cedar spills are located between the ashtray and the cigar when in the flat orientation, and thereby securely attached to the ashtray.
  • 19. The cigar smoking kit of claim 18, wherein the one or more cigar spikes are located between the ashtray and the cigar when in the flat orientation, and thereby securely attached to the ashtray.
  • 20. A cigar smoking kit, comprising: a) a cigar;b) a collapsible paper ashtray folded into a flat orientation and configured for being folded into a working ashtray;c) the ashtray comprising one or more opposing flaps configured for wrapping around the cigar when in the flat orientation;d) one or more match strike surfaces disposed on an exterior surface of the ashtray;e) one or more matches securely attached to slits in the ashtray;f) one or more cedar spills located within the ashtray; andg) one or more cigar spikes securely attached to the ashtray.