CIGARETTE LIGHTER CASE WITH REPLACEABLE POKER AND TAMPER

Abstract

The invention is a cigarette lighter case the includes a housing, a replaceable and removable tamper assembly and a removable and replaceable poker assembly disposed within the walls of the housing.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This invention is related to a cigarette lighter cover that includes a removable and replaceable poker and tamper.

Description of the Related Art

A tobacco pipe smoker constantly runs into the problem of cleaning the pipe after use. Most people clean the pipe using a paperclip or bobby pin. This takes a significant amount of time and is messy. Current products have poker tools that are exposed to the elements, which can smell and transfer residue onto a user's hands. Current products also do not have a removable poker that can reach hard to reach areas. Current products must also be cleaned as they do not have a replaceable poker. Existing products also do not have a compacting tool that can be both removed and replaced.

What also differentiates the present invention is that the present cigarette lighter cover includes a poker, which allows a tobacco pipe smoker to both light the tobacco and to clean the tobacco pipe using one integrated tool. The claimed cigarette lighter cover allows a user to always have a poker handy and allows the user to keep their hands clean while cleaning the pipe.

SUMMARY

These and other objects are addressed by the presently described cigarette lighter case that has a detachable poker for cleaning tobacco pipes and also has a tamper tool for compacting the contents of a tobacco pipe.

In one embodiment, the claimed cigarette lighter case includes a housing having inner walls forming at least one aperture there through and an outer wall, the housing is adapted to accept a cigarette lighter within the aperture, a removable and replaceable tamper assembly disposed about the outer wall of the housing, the tamper assembly comprising a removable and replaceable tamper head and a means for securing the tamper to the housing, a removable and replaceable poker assembly removably disposed within the walls of the housing, the poker assembly comprising a poker shaft, poker storage within the housing, a poker handle, the poker storage adapted to fully encase the poker shaft within its walls during storage, the poker handle being removably attached to the housing, a means for securing the cigarette lighter within the inner wall of the housing, and a receiving means for removably attaching the means for securing the tamper to the housing, the receiving means attached to an outer wall of the housing.

In another embodiment, the claimed cigarette lighter case includes a housing having inner walls forming at least one aperture there through and an outer wall, the housing adapted to accept a cigarette lighter within the aperture, whereby the housing is comprised of a first part and a second part, a removable and replaceable tamper assembly disposed about the outer wall of the housing, the tamper assembly comprising a removable and replaceable tamper head and a means for securing the tamper to the housing, the tamper head being generally conical in shape, a removable and replaceable poker assembly removably disposed within the walls of the housing, the poker assembly comprising a poker shaft, poker storage within the housing, a poker handle, the poker storage adapted to fully encase the poker shaft within its walls during storage, the poker handle being removably attached to the housing, a means for securing the cigarette lighter within the inner wall of the housing, wherein the means comprise at least one screw that is adapted to go through apertures in the first part and the second part of the housing, and a receiving means for removably attaching the means for securing the tamper to the housing, the receiving means attached to an outer wall of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the invention of the cigarette lighter cover the invention, with a cigarette lighter therein.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the Figures, the invention is a novel cigarette lighter case that comprises a housing 2 comprised of part 1 and part 3, housing 2 having inner walls forming at least one aperture 30 there through, an inner wall 31, and an outer wall 32, housing 2 adapted to accept a cigarette lighter (not illustrated) within the aperture 30, a removable and replaceable tamper assembly 16 disposed about an outer wall 32 of housing 2, the tamper assembly 16 comprising a removable and replaceable tamper head 17 and a means 20 for securing the tamper to housing 2, a removable and replaceable poker assembly 4 disposed within the walls 34 of housing 2. As used herein “tamper” is synonymous with “compactor” and the terms may be used interchangeably. Poker assembly 4 comprises a removable poker shaft 9, poker storage 5 disposed within housing 2, poker handle 13, and means for connecting poker shaft 9 to the poker handle 11. Poker storage 5 is adapted to fully encase and restrain poker shaft 9 during storage. During storage, poker handle 13 is removably attached to poker storage 5.

Housing 2 comprises receiving means 18 for removably attaching tamper assembly 16 to housing 2. Receiving means 18 is attached to an outer wall 32 of housing 2 by any known means for attachment.

With reference to FIG. 1, and in one embodiment of the invention, housing 2, includes part 1 and part 3. Part 1 and part 3 are connected to each other by at least one connecting means 25, thereby forming housing 2. Connecting means 25 may be any means 25 that allows at least two part 1 and part 3 to be detachably connected to each other, including but not limited to at least one screw.

Any number of connecting means 25 may be employed in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. In the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a plurality of connecting means 25 are employed. In the specific embodiment illustrated part 1 and part 2 are combined to form housing 2 by three screws 25. In another specific embodiment six screws 25 are employed to connect part 1 and part 3, but any number that sufficiently holds part 1 and part 3 together may be employed. Housing 2 opens to allow a cigarette lighter to enter therein. Part 1 and part 3 are connected by detachable connection 25 there between allows a user to insert a cigarette lighter therein and to easily remove and insert the cigarette lighter when desired.

In specific embodiments of the invention, poker shaft 9 requires a restraint means 15, which is adapted to secure poker assembly 4 within walls 34 of housing 2. However, and with reference to FIG. 1, restraint means 15 is not present or necessary. Poker shaft 9 snaps into poker storage 5 and stays securely via kinetic force.

In certain embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, a restraint means 15 is removably attached to a lower portion 10 of housing 2 in a manner that allows restraint means 15 to be secured over poker handle 13 to secure the poker assembly 16 in place.

In use, a cigarette lighter is inserted into aperture 30, aperture 30 being formed by a connection between part 1 and part 3 of housing 2, through the upper portion 8 of housing 2. When the lighter runs out of fluid, it can be readily replaced. In the specific embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3, restraint means 15 is a spring specifically adapted to retain a cigarette lighter at least partially inside the inner cavity 30 of housing 2.

Housing 2 includes a poker assembly 4, which includes poker storage 5 for removably storing poker shaft 9. Existing products employ pokers that swing out from a pivotal connection, like a pocket knife, or employ a poker that slides down the middle about two inches and slides back up, but has an opening in the bottom of the lighter cover. Other existing products have an empty chamber for a cigarette and another middle chamber that can hold a medal poker that is held in place with a magnet. The poker assembly 4 of the invention, however comprises a poker shaft 9 that is fully encased within the poker storage 5 and housing 2. The invention comprises poker shaft 9, poker handle 13 and means 11 for connecting the poker shaft 9 to the poker handle 13. Shaft 9 is completely removed from poker storage 5 and housing 2 when in use and thereby completely detached from housing 2 during use.

When housed, poker shaft 9 is completely enclosed within poker storage 5. No part of poker shaft 9 is visible when inserted into poker storage 5, in accordance with the invention. The means 11 for connecting the shaft 9 to the handle 13 can be any connecting means that is adapted to secure poker shaft 9 inside poker storage 5 when not in use and to connect to poker shaft 9 to handle 13 when in use. Poker shaft 9 and poker handle 13 are specifically adapted to connect detachably in a manner that allows the user to clean a tobacco pipe.

At least one poker storage 5 is attached about the wall of housing 2. Poker 9 is secured within poker storage 5 by mechanical pressure, i.e. snapping poker 9 into storage 5. One skilled in the art would know other means for removably securing poker 9 within poker storage 5, and embodiments utilizing other security means are contemplated within the scope of this invention.

The poker shaft 9 of the invention may be of any material sturdy enough to allow a user to clean a tobacco pipe without losing the structural integrity of the poker. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the poker shaft 9 is metal, the connector 11 is metal, and may be brass, and the handle 13 is of a hard and flexible material, including, but not limited to plastic. Those skilled in the art understand that the materials of manufacture may be any material that meet the need of the present invention.

In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the poker shaft 9, comprises a water-proof substance that allows a user to remove residue that is transferred during cleaning a tobacco pipe.

In certain embodiments of the invention an attachment means 7 is attached to an outer wall 32 of housing 2. Attachment means 7 is a clip in one specific embodiment. In another embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, attachment means 7 is a spring adapted to hold a cigarette lighter in place. Any attachment means that adequately secures a cigarette lighter inside housing 2 is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

In certain other embodiments, the invention lacks attachment means 7. Poker shaft 9 does not require any means for attachment 7 in these particular embodiments (illustrated in FIG. 1)

The invention comprises a tamper assembly 16, which includes receiver 18, tamper head 17, and a means 20 for removably securing tamper head 17 onto housing 2. Tamper head 17 may be generally circular in shape as illustrated in FIG. 2. However, tamper head 17 may be any shape, including generally cone-shaped as illustrated in FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 2, receiver 18 is generally the mirror image of receiver 19, and is specifically adapted and shaped to securely receive at least a portion of the means 20 for removably securing the tamper head onto housing 2 within its walls. In some embodiments of the invention, receiver 18 is a semi-circle, however the shape of receive 18 is adapted to means 20. Receiver 18 is attached to part 1. Receiver 19 is attached to part 3. When part 1 and part 3 and attached, receiver 19 and receiver 18 form a unified receiver that is adapted to accept means 20, which in some embodiments is the head 20 of screw 21. The unified receiver formed by receiver 18 and receiver 19 is uniquely shaped to totally encompass head 20, or any other suitable means 20, so that no part of it is protrudes from the inner portion of receiver 19 and receiver 18. The outer wall of head 20 lies in static contact with the inner walls of inner portion 19, when tamper head 17 is secured to housing 2. In certain embodiments of the invention, spacer 19 is positioned over screw 21 so that the threads 22 of screw 21 protrude through the aperture within spacer 19. A clip 28 may optionally be employed to restrain the cigarette lighter within housing 2.

When secured to housing 2, tamper head 17 is in contact with spacer 19, threads 22, and head 20 of screw 21. The spacer 19 is a washer in specific embodiments of the invention. Spacer 19 stays in place once tamper head 17 is removably attached to housing 2.

Receiver 18 and screw 20 each comprise an aperture there through for receiving a securing means 23. Securing means 23 is a pin in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Pin 23 helps to add additional security to screw 23, or any other means for securely attaching the tamper assembly 16 to housing 2. Pin 23 is not removable in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3. Pin 23 is permanently placed through the aperture of receiver 18 and screw 21, regardless of whether tamper head 17 is attached to the tamper assembly 16.

Tamper assembly 16 is attached onto the outer wall of housing 2 and extends beyond housing 2, which enables a user to utilize tamper head 17 without transferring tobacco residue onto the user. Tamper assembly 16 comprises tamper head 17 and a means for detachably attaching tamper head 17 to housing 2. In the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, tamper assembly 16 is comprised of a screw 21, a spacer 19, and a tamper head 17. Screw 21 includes an aperture extending horizontally there through, which is adapted to accept pin 23. Pin 23 is permanently secured through the aperture of receiver 18 and the aperture of screw 21. Any adhesive may be used to secure the pin through the apertures of receiver 18 and screw 21. It is contemplated that other means for retaining pin 23 inside the apertures may be employed in accordance with the invention.

This novel design enables use of tamper assembly 16 without transferring any residue from a tobacco pipe to a user's hands. Tamper head 17 may be removed for use and replaced at the will of the user. Tamper head 17 is removed for use simply by detaching it from the securing means which holds it onto housing 2. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, Tamper head 17 is removed by unscrewing screw 20. Screw 20 may also be a bolt, nail, or the like.

Various modifications to the embodiments described herein are obvious and contemplated to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A cigarette lighter case comprising: a housing having inner walls forming at least one aperture there through and an outer wall, the housing adapted to accept a cigarette lighter within the aperture;a removable and replaceable tamper assembly disposed about the outer wall of the housing, the tamper assembly comprising a removable and replaceable tamper head and a means for securing the tamper to the housing;a removable and replaceable poker assembly removably disposed within the walls of the housing, the poker assembly comprising a poker shaft, poker storage within the housing, a poker handle;the poker storage adapted to fully encase the poker shaft within its walls during storage;the poker handle being removably attached to the housing;a means for securing the cigarette lighter within the inner wall of the housing; anda receiving means for removably attaching the means for securing the tamper to the housing, the receiving means attached to an outer wall of the housing.

2. The cigarette lighter case of claim 1 wherein the poker storage is adapted to restrain the poker shaft solely using kinetic energy.

3. The cigarette lighter case of claim 1 wherein the means for securing the cigarette lighter within the inner wall of the housing is at least one spring.

4. The cigarette lighter case of claim 1 wherein the tamper head is cone-shaped.

5. The cigarette lighter case of claim 1 wherein the tamper head is circular-shaped.

6. The cigarette lighter case of claim 1 wherein the tamper assembly comprises a tamper head and a screw.

7. The cigarette lighter case of claim 1 wherein the housing is comprised of two parts.

8. The cigarette lighter case of claim 1 wherein the means for securing the cigarette lighter within the inner wall of the housing comprises a clip.

9. A cigarette lighter case comprising: a housing having inner walls forming at least one aperture there through and an outer wall, the housing adapted to accept a cigarette lighter within the aperture, whereby the housing is comprised of a first part and a second part;a removable and replaceable tamper assembly disposed about the outer wall of the housing, the tamper assembly comprising a removable and replaceable tamper head and a means for securing the tamper to the housing, the tamper head being generally conical in shape;a removable and replaceable poker assembly removably disposed within the walls of the housing, the poker assembly comprising a poker shaft, poker storage within the housing, a poker handle;the poker storage adapted to fully encase the poker shaft within its walls during storage,the poker handle being removably attached to the housing;

10. The cigarette lighter case of claim 9 further comprising a spring adapted to restrain the cigarette lighter within the housing.