ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE SLEEVE

Abstract

Generally described, the present disclosure relates to an electronic alternative smoking device and more particularly, to an electronic cigarette sleeve. In an illustrative embodiment, the sleeve can include a tubular member enclosing an electronic smoking device. The tubular member can extend the entire length of the device or a portion thereof. The sleeve can be slid over the electronic smoking device. The sleeve can cover the mouth portion of the electronic smoking device to protect it from dirt or touching a surface. The sleeve can come in a number of variations which are described in the present disclosure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to microelectronic alternative smoking devices, and more particularly, to a sleeve for the devices.

BACKGROUND

Electronic cigarettes currently available on the market are an increasingly popular smoking alternative for users of traditional cigarettes. These cigarettes are designed to feel and mimic a traditional cigarette, that is, having a colored filtered portion with a white tip. However, in many situations, it would be desirable to have a product that does not look like a traditional cigarette. By way of a non-limiting example, an electronic cigarette might be disruptive if it was perceived to be a traditional cigarette within such settings including a club or stadium where traditional cigarettes have been banned but where electronic cigarettes can be permitted. The use of a sleeve, particularly one having a distinctive color, would enable a user to distinguish the product as not being a traditional cigarette.

Electronic cigarettes are also typically placed on a counter or other surface when not in use. Often times, because of its multi-use capabilities, there are instances where a user of an electronic cigarette would wish to protect a mouthpiece portion from becoming contaminated through dirt or other airborne substances. Electronic cigarettes can also freely roll back and forth which can further cause issues for those users. An electronic cigarette sleeve is therefore needed that overcomes, these as well as other related challenges, which will become evident from the description provided below.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a sleeve is provided. The sleeve can include an enclosure surrounding an electronic alternative smoking device disguising traditional cigarette features found within the electronic alternative smoking device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided. The system can include an electronic cigarette and a sleeve for the electronic cigarette providing a plurality of features to the electronic cigarette.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for removing traditional cigarette features on an electronic alternative smoking device is provided. The method can include inserting a sleeve around the electronic alternative smoking device covering at least a portion of the electronic alternative smoking device to disguise the traditional cigarette features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary electronic smoking device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary electronic smoking device of FIG. 1 having an illustrative sleeve;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary electronic smoking device of FIG. 1 having a cap sleeve;

FIG. 4A is an exemplary sleeve for surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 4A fitted around the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4C is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 4A completely surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is an exemplary sleeve having a covered end surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is an exemplary sleeve reflecting light from a tip of the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is an exemplary sleeve having a triangular cross section for surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 6A surrounding the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is an exemplary sleeve having a square cross section for the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7B is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 7A surrounding the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is an exemplary sleeve having a flared end section for surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8B is the exemplary sleeve of FIG. 8A surrounding the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary sleeve having a snap-on configuration surrounding the device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 is an exemplary sleeve capable of storing refill cartridges surrounding the device of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Generally described, the present disclosure relates to an electronic alternative smoking device and more particularly, to an electronic cigarette sleeve. In an illustrative embodiment, the sleeve can include a tubular member enclosing an electronic smoking device. The tubular member can extend the entire length of the device or a portion thereof. The sleeve can be slid over the electronic smoking device. The sleeve can cover the mouth portion of the electronic smoking device to protect it from dirt or touching a surface. The sleeve can come in a number of variations which will be described below.

A number of advantages can be provided through the sleeve described above. The sleeve can be easy to clean and can provide a sanitary enclosure for the electronic alternative smoking device. The sleeve can also prevent the cartridge from touching an unclean surface. The sleeve can add a number of visually pleasing features to the electronic cigarette as well as disguising traditional cigarette features. These features can distinguish an electronic cigarette from ordinary cigarettes, allowing use within facilities that ban cigarettes, for example, at a club or restaurant. Other advantages will become apparent from the discussion provided below.

A typical electronic alternative smoking device will be described in FIG. 1. FIGS. 2 through 10 will then provide exemplary sleeves for fitting over the device. For purposes of this disclosure, the sleeve can be referred to as a cover, envelope, mask and guard, to name a few. Furthermore, the electronic cigarette can referred to as an electronic alternative smoking device, device or cigarette. Other terminologies can be used and will become apparent from the description provided below.

Turning to FIG. 1, a typical microelectronic alternative smoking device 100, or electronic cigarette, having a plurality of components in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In a typical configuration, the electronic cigarette 100 can include a battery 104 and a cartridge 102. The battery 104 can be charged through a USB charging cord or through another method, or can be a pre-charged, disposable type of device that is not rechargeable.

The electronic cigarette 100 can come as a multi-use device where the cigarette 100 can be reused. Typically, the multi-use cigarette 100 has a replaceable/rechargeable battery 104 along with an evaporable substance in the cartridge 102, which can also be replaced. Alternatively, the electronic cigarette 100 can be provided as a single-use device. The single-use cigarette 100 can be disposable. Typically, the battery 104 and the cartridge 102 are not replaceable within the single-use cigarette 100 and those components are sealed in a single tubing or conduit. Many different configurations of electronic cigarettes 100 can be provided.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary sleeve 200 for surrounding the microelectronic alternative smoking device 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. A sleeve 200 can be placed over the device 100 or a portion thereof. The sleeve 200 can be simply slid onto the electronic cigarette 100. The sleeve can protect a seal between the battery 104 and cartridge 102.

The sleeve 200 can be made of a number of different types of materials. By way of non-illustrating examples, the sleeve 200 can be composed of silicone or neoprene. Synthetic rubber can also be used for the sleeve 200. The sleeve 200 can also be made of harder materials such as plastic. The harder materials can be snapped onto the electronic cigarette. In one embodiment, the sleeve 200 made of the harder material can be slid on as well. Other variations will become apparent from the description provided below.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 200 can be made of phosphorescence. The phosphorescent material does not immediately re-emit the radiation it absorbs. The absorbed radiation can be re-emitted at a lower intensity for up to several hours after the original excitation. This can provide a glow-in-the-dark feature that can light up the entire sleeve 200.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 200 can include a gripable surface on an exterior portion that allows a user of the electronic cigarette 100 to readily handle it. The gripable surface can have grooves or projections to allow a user to grip the cigarette 100. The interior portion of the sleeve 200 can be secured to the exterior of the cigarette 100. In one variation, when wet, the sleeve 200 can be easily slid onto the electronic cigarette 100. When dry, the sleeve 200 can be prevented from being removed from the cigarette 100. The sleeve 200 can provide a number of features or functions to the cigarette 100, which will be described below.

The sleeve 200 can initially cover the entire surface of the smoking device 100 from the filter to the distal end. The sleeve 200 can be made of neoprene or the like and be slid up and down the length of the device 100. In an up position, the sleeve 200 can cover the mouth piece. By doing this, the mouth piece/filter can be protected from outside contaminants such as dirt. When down, the sleeve 200 allows the user of the smoking device 100 to be able to puff the device 100.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary electronic smoking device 100 of FIG. 1 having a cap sleeve 300. The cap sleeve 300 can also protect the smoking device 100 from being in touch with contaminants. To use the sleeve 300, one end of the sleeve 300 can be placed on the battery side. In turn, the other end of the sleeve 300 can be stretched over the end of the device 100 where the cartridge, or mouthpiece, is located. The connection between the two pieces can be made of an elastic band or the like. Other mechanisms can be used to connect the two ends together. In operation, the sleeve 300 can be used to cover the smoking device 100 when not in use. When in use, the sleeve 300 can simply be removed, or at least the section covering the mouthpiece.

FIG. 4A is an exemplary sleeve 400 for surrounding the electronic smoking device of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4B, a portion of the device 100, in particular the cartridge 102, can be partially covered by the sleeve 400. The exemplary sleeve 400 can also completely surround the device 100 of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 4C. Through the sleeve 400, the tip of the cartridge 102, or mouthpiece end, can be protected when the electronic cigarette 100 is dropped. In one embodiment, the sleeve 400 can be slide through either end, that is, either through the battery side or the cartridge side.

It can be desired to have the sleeve 400 terminate prior to the portion of the device 100 that would go into a user's mouth so that the user is not placing the sleeve 400 into his or her mouth. Where the device 100 is rechargeable, it would typically consist of a cartridge 102 which goes into the user's mouth and a battery 104 which does not. In this embodiment, the sleeve 400 might only cover the battery 104 or perhaps the battery 104 and only some small portion of the cartridge 102. It can also be desirable to provide a sleeve 400 that could be extended over the portion of the device 100 that would normally go into a user's mouth to act as some type of carry case for the device 100 and to thereby protect the portion that goes into the mouth from being exposed to dirt or the like while being transported.

Through the sleeve 400, regardless of whether it is partially or fully covering the electronic cigarette 100, the sleeve 400 can change the look and feel of the device 100. By way of a non-limiting example, the sleeve 400 can change the look of a traditional electronic cigarette 100, that is, having a white top portion along with a colored bottom portion from which the user inhales and exhales. It can be imagined that the electronic cigarette 100 can be used in a setting in which it would be disruptive if it was perceived to be a traditional cigarette, for example, in a club or stadium. The use of the sleeve 400, particularly one having a distinctive color, can enable a user to distinguish the product as not being a traditional cigarette.

Beforehand, the sleeve 400 was capable of being placed through either end of the electronic cigarette 100. As shown in FIG. 5A, a sleeve 500 having a covered end 502 can also be used. The covered end 502 can prevent the electronic cigarette 100 from entering in one side. To secure the sleeve, the battery side can slide into the sleeve 500 first with the cartridge side following.

In one embodiment of the sleeve 500, the covered end 502 can include a transparent cover such that light exiting from the electronic cigarette 100 can exit uninterrupted. The covered end 502 can also include a colored layer that can be displayed when light is directed therethrough. The sleeve 500, or at least the closed end 502, can be opaque so as to block any light emitting from the electronic cigarette 100. It can also be desired to provide structure on the sleeve 500, perhaps tubes, that can transmit the light from the closed end 502 to a length along the sleeve 500. FIG. 5B is an exemplary sleeve 500 reflecting light from a tip of the device 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The light can hit the covered end 502 and reflected backwards along some type of design, for example, straight lines 504. Other patterns can be provided such as lightning bolts.

The sleeves 400 or 500 on the electronic cigarette 100 can also have the same white color as a traditional cigarette. The sleeve 500 having a closed end 502 can block the LED light of the electronic cigarette 100 that would otherwise shine at the tip and give off the appearance of a cigarette. In such an embodiment, the white sleeves 400 or 500 would not only block the light but also provide benefit as a carrying case.

The previous sleeves 400 and 500 had a circular cross-section to match the shape of the electronic cigarette 100. FIG. 6A is an exemplary sleeve 600 having a triangular cross section in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The triangular cross sectional sleeve 600 can permit the electronic cigarette 100 to lie flat and not roll. FIG. 6B is the exemplary sleeve 600 of FIG. 6A surrounding the device 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The sleeve 600 can entirely surround the electronic cigarette 100 or a portion thereof as shown. Typically, the sleeve 600 can be weighted such that the cigarette 100 does not tip over. An interior circular channel can be provided within the sleeve 600 to insert cigarette 100.

FIG. 7A is an exemplary sleeve 700 having a square cross section in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The square cross sectional sleeve 700 can also be slid onto the electronic cigarette 100 through the battery side or the cartridge side of the cigarette 100. FIG. 7B is the exemplary sleeve 700 of FIG. 7A surrounding the device of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The square cross section of the sleeve 700 can also prevent the cigarette 100 from rolling. The sleeve 700 can entirely surround the electronic cigarette 100 or a portion thereof. Typically, the sleeve 700 can be weighted such that the cigarette 100 does not tip over. An interior circular channel can be provided within the sleeve 700 to insert cigarette 100.

FIG. 8A is an exemplary sleeve 800 having a flared end section 802 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The sleeve 800 can include a circular interior channel for insertion of the electronic cigarette 100. The end section 802 can flare out like a trumpet having a circular or square base. When slid on the electronic cigarette 100 through the battery or cartridge end, the cigarette 100 can be stood up in a vertical manner. FIG. 8B is the exemplary sleeve 800 of FIG. 8A surrounding the device of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. A portion, or the entirety, of the electronic cigarette 100 can be covered by the sleeve 800.

Those features described above can be combined in the presented sleeves. As noted above, the sleeves can be provided in a distinctive color so as to make it clear that it is not a traditional cigarette. It can also be desired to imprint on the sleeve a trademark either of the device manufacturer or of a sports team, corporation or the like. It can also be desired to put a logo or other visual image on the sleeve, whether alone or in combination with a mark or name.

Furthermore, the sleeves can be made of a variety of materials and is not limited to the rubber-like sleeves described above. FIG. 9 is an exemplary sleeve 900 having a snap-on configuration in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The sleeve 900 can be made of plastic or similar rigid material. To place the sleeve 900 over the electronic cigarette 100, the sleeve 900 can surround the cigarette 100 and shut tight forming a seal between a top half and bottom half of the sleeve 900.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary sleeve 1000 capable of storing refill cartridges in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Appendages 1002 can be permanently coupled to the sleeve 1000 or separable therefrom. In one embodiment, the sleeve 1000 can be removed before use or be part of the electronic cigarette 100 when operating the device.

While various features and functions for the sleeves were described above, a number of additional benefits can exist by using the sleeves. By way of a non-limiting illustration, the sleeve can provide additional flavoring to the aerosol provided by the electronic cigarette 100. Cigar flavoring can be provided within the sleeves of the present disclosure. When used, the sleeves, or a portion on the cartridge side where the user's mouth is, can add a flavor to the mist created by the cigarette 100. Furthermore, a number of designs and patterns can be placed onto the sleeve. These patterns and designs can distinguish the electronic cigarette 100 from typical cigarettes.

The sleeve can also be used to emit a fragrance, or other smell, when the sleeve is on the electronic cigarette 100. The fragrance can be placed onto the sleeve. Instead of a light being emitted, the fragrance from the sleeve can be activated, and in one embodiment, using the power emitted from the light at the end of the cigarette 100. A heating element can be placed at the end of the sleeve and activated when the light goes on in the cigarette 100. Different fragrances can be used dependent on the situation in which the cigarette 100 is used.

The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic cigarette sleeve comprising: an enclosure surrounding an electronic alternative smoking device disguising traditional cigarette features found within the electronic alternative smoking device.

2. The electronic cigarette sleeve of claim 1, wherein the enclosure extends to a tip of a mouthpiece of the electronic alternative smoking device to a distal end of the electronic alternative smoking device.

3. The electronic cigarette sleeve of claim 1, wherein the electronic alternative smoking device is a single-use device.

4. The electronic cigarette sleeve of claim 1, wherein the electronic alternative smoking device is a multi-use device.

5. The electronic cigarette sleeve of claim 1, wherein the multi-use device comprises a power source and a cartridge threadedly connected to each other.

6. A system comprising: an electronic cigarette; anda sleeve for the electronic cigarette providing a plurality of features to the electronic cigarette.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve is made at least one of silicone and neoprene.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve covers an entire surface of the electronic cigarette.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises an up configuration where a mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette is exposed and a down configuration where the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette is covered.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve for the electronic cigarette comprises a cap for placement over a mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the cap is stretched over the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette and secured.

12. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve is made of phosphorescence.

13. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a gripable surface on an exterior portion.

14. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve when wet slides on and off the electronic cigarette.

15. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve changes an appearance of the electronic cigarette.

16. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve changes a feel of the electronic cigarette.

17. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a triangular cross section and a circular interior to fit the electronic cigarette.

18. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a square cross section and a circular interior to fit the electronic cigarette.

19. The system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a flared section and a circular interior to fit the electronic cigarette.

20. A method for removing traditional cigarette features on an electronic alternative smoking device comprising: inserting a sleeve around the electronic alternative smoking device covering at least a portion of the electronic alternative smoking device to disguise the traditional cigarette features.