CA2279621A1 - Case for retaining a cigar or other article - Google Patents

Case for retaining a cigar or other article Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2279621A1
CA2279621A1 CA 2279621 CA2279621A CA2279621A1 CA 2279621 A1 CA2279621 A1 CA 2279621A1 CA 2279621 CA2279621 CA 2279621 CA 2279621 A CA2279621 A CA 2279621A CA 2279621 A1 CA2279621 A1 CA 2279621A1
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
cap
cigar
primary body
hollow interior
article
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2279621
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Blake Jarrett
Peter Slater
Gerald M. Root
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2279621A1 publication Critical patent/CA2279621A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A case for retaining a cigar or other article. The case contains a generally tubular primary body having a generally hollow interior, an open upper end in connection with the hollow interior, and a closed lower end. The hollow interior is capable of receiving and retaining a cigar or other article. The case also includes a cap that has an enclosed upper end and an open lower end. The lower end of the cap is releasably securable to the open upper end of the primary body to form an air tight seal therewith. The enclosed upper end of the cap is releasably securable to the open upper end of the primary body when the cap is inverted to thereby enable the case to hold and support the end of a cigar or other article.

Description

TITLE: Case For Retaining A Cigar Or Other Article FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to cases that may be used to retain or encapsulate an article.
In one particular application the invention relates to a portable cigar case that may also be used as a means to hold or support a lit cigar.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Although cigars may be sold, transported and stored in relatively large volumes, often cigars are purchased and carried individually. When sold or carried on an individual basis, cigars are typically wrapped in a protective covering or, alternatively, may be placed within a protective housing. In general the more expensive the cigar the more substantial the protective covering in which it is packaged and sold. Commonly finer cigars are sold in aluminum or plastic tubes having a removable cap on one end.
While existing cigar tubes are relatively proficient in their ability to protect a cigar from physical damage, they unfortunately provide no means whatsoever to protect, hold or carry a cigar once it has been lit. Cigar smoking is often enjoyed by individuals who participate in a wide variety of sports and other activities that, from time to time, require the use of both hands. In such situations an individual is forced to either hold a lit cigar in his mouth, place it on an object such as a desk, table or other structure, or in some cases even resort to placing the lit cigar on the ground.
Clearly all of these options are less than ideal as they present potential fire hazards, can cause damage to the cigar, or can result in bacterial contamination of the cigar through its' coming into contact with foreign objects.

There is therefore a need for a case or holder that is able to retain and protect a cigar or other article when in transit or storage, and also able to provide a means to securely, safely and hygienically hold a lit cigar when a smoker requires use of both of hands for other tasks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention therefore provides a case that fulfils the above described deficiencies in existing devices by providing a sealed case for transportation and storage of a cigar or other article. Where the article is a cigar the case also enables an individual to securely hold a lit cigar when desired.
Accordingly, in one of its aspects the invention provides a case for retaining a cigar or other article, the case comprising a generally tubular primary body having a generally hollow interior, an open upper end in connection with said hollow interior, and a closed lower end, said hollow interior capable of receiving and retaining a cigar or other article therein; and, a cap having an enclosed upper end and an open lower end, said open lower end of said cap releasably securable to said open upper end of said primary body to form an air tight seal therewith, wherein said enclosed upper end of said cap is releasably securable to said open upper end of said primary body when said cap is inverted and thereby providing a means to hold and support the end of a cigar or other article.
In a further aspect the invention provides a case for retaining a cigar or other article, the case comprising, a generally tubular primary body having a generally hollow interior, an open upper end in communication with said hollow interior, and a closed lower end, said hollow interior capable of receiving and retaining a cigar or other article therein; and, a cap having an enclosed upper end and an open lower end, said open lower end of said cap releasably securable to said open upper end of said primary body and when so secured forming an air tight seal therewith, wherein said enclosed upper end of said cap includes an exterior recess such that when said open lower end of said cap is secured to said open upper end of said primary body said exterior recess provides a means to hold the end of a cigar or other article.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of the case according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the case of Figure 1 that has been rotated 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis;
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 2 ;
Figure 4 is the case shown in Figure 3 having its cap inverted;
Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a bottom view of the case according to the present invention;
Figure 7 is a side perspective view of the cutter incorporated within the lower end of the case of the present invention; and, Figure 8 is a side sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention may be embodied in a number of different forms. However, the specification and drawings that follow describe and disclose only some of the specific forms of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow herein.
The case of the present invention is shown in the attached drawing and noted generally by the reference to number 1. Case 1 is comprised generally of a tubular primary body 2 and a cap 3. Primary body 2 has a hollow interior 4, an open upper end 5 in communication with hollow interior 4, and a closed lower end 6. Cap 3 has a hollow interior 7, an enclosed upper end 8, and an open lower end 9. Open lower end 9 of cap 3 is constructed so as to be releasably securable to open upper end 5 of primary body 2 so that when a cigar or other article is received within hollow interior 4, cap 3 may be secured to the primary body to enclose hollow interior 4 and retain the cigar or other article therein. To prevent the possibility of dirt and moisture entering hollow interior 4, in the preferred embodiment when open lower end 9 of cap 3 is secured over open upper end 5 of the primary body it forms an air tight seal therewith.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a wide variety of mechanical structures could be utilized in order to secure cap 3 to primary body 2. In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, open lower end 9 of cap 3 has threads that mesh with threads 11 on upper end 5 of the primary body so that cap 3 is 5 threadably received thereon and held tightly in place. Alternatively, open upper end 5 of the primary body may be constructed with an internal thread and cap 3 may have an external thread such that the cap may be threadably received within hollow interior 4. In a still further embodiment cap 3 may be secured to primary body through frictional engagement or by way of a hinge mechanism. In addition, a wide 10 variety of sealing mechanisms could be used between the cap and the primary body, including an O-ring 24 or other mechanical seals, to ensure an air tight fit.
In the preferred embodiment cap 3 may be removed from open upper end 5 of primary body 2 after which enclosed upper end 8 of cap 3 may be releasably secured to open end 5 of primary body 2 through inverting the cap. As shown in Figure 4, in this configuration the inverted cap provides a means to hold the end of a cigar or other article such that the cigar or other article may be supported within the hollow interior of the cap without the assistance of additional devices or supporting mechanisms. It will be appreciated that where a cigar is supported in the inverted cap since only the unlit end of the cigar is being supported within the cap the cigar may be held in this fashion even when it is lit and burning.
As in the case of the securing of open lower end 9 of cap 3 to primary body 2, enclosed upper end 8 of cap 3 may be releasably secured to the primary body in a number of ways when it is inverted. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, enclosed upper end 8 of cap 3 has a reduced diameter portion 12 that is releasably securable within open upper end of primary body 2. The reduced diameter portion is constructed so that it closely fits within the internal diameter of hollow interior 4.

The inverted cap is thus securely held within the primary body by means of frictional engagement therewith. Alternatively, enclosed upper end 8 of cap 3 may be threadably received onto, or within, the primary body in a similar fashion as the cap is held on open lower end 9 when in its non-inverted configuration.
As shown in Figures 1 through 4, primary body 2 further includes a clip 13 on its outer surface that allows the primary body to be releasably secured to another article.
A broad range of clip structures could be utilized on the exterior of primary body 2, however, in the embodiment shown in the attached drawings the clip is comprised of a manually actuatable lever that pivots about a pin 14. The clip is normally biased in a closed position by an internal spring such that its end is maintained against, or in close proximity to, the outer surface of primary body 2. When the clip is displaced from its normally closed position the internal spring applies a biasing force that attempts to return the clip to its closed position, thereby presenting a means for cigar case 1 to be attached or secured to another object. To enhance its operation, clip 13 may also include a thumb portion 15 on its upper end to assist in opening the clip. An inwardly directed hook 16 may be positioned on the lower end of the clip to assist in grasping and engaging an object over which the clip is secured.
In accordance with the above described structure, case 1 may thus be used as a means to retain, transport and protect a cigar or other article when open lower end 9 of cap 3 is retained over open upper end 5 of primary 2. If desired, clip 13 may be engaged about an object or device to support or hold case 1.
A particular application of case 1 related to its use to hold a cigar will now be explained so as to help demonstrate its features and function. Where an individual is engaged in playing a game of golf, clip 13 could be used to engage the side of a golf bag so that the case is held securely on the side of the bag. To access a cigar held within hollow interior 4, the cigar case need not be removed from the golf bag since the individual need only remove cap 3. If during smoking the cigar the individual requires the use of both of his hands the cap can be inverted such that reduced diameter portion 12 is received within the open upper end of the primary body thereby presenting hollow interior 7 of cap 3 to receive the end of the cigar.
With the cigar case secured to the golf bag by clip 3, the individual is then able to support the lit cigar without having to lay it on the ground or some other object.
Retrieving the lighted cigar from the inverted cap is equally simple and merely requires that the individual grasp the end of the cigar as it protrudes outwardly from hollow interior 7 of the cap.
Since case 1 provides an air tight and protective chamber within which to transport and store a cigar, in some cases cigars may be stored within the case for an extended period of time. Case 1 may therefore include humidification means that may be used to humidify the air within hollow interior 4 of primary body 2. In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the humidification means comprises an absorbent material 17 that is preferably positioned at the innermost portion of hollow interior 7 of cap 3. Absorbent material 17 is capable of absorbing water and releasing water vapour into hollow interior 4 to humidify the air therein. Preferably absorbent material 17 is comprised of cellulose, foam or other sponge-type absorbent material that is capable of absorbing and retaining water, while preventing water from dripping onto the end of a cigar held within the case.
So as to prevent the end of a cigar from coming into direct physical contact with absorbent material 17, the interior portion of enclosed upper end 8 of cap 3 preferably contains a series of longitudinally oriented support members 18.
Support members 18 are located on the interior surface of upper end 8 of cap 3 and prevent the end of a cigar from protruding into hollow interior 7 beyond their lower ends, thereby preventing contact of the cigar with absorbent material 17. As shown in Figure 4, support members 18 will also provide a surface upon which the end of a cigar can rest when received within the inverted cap. Support members 18 may be integrally formed with cap 3 or, alternatively, may be comprised of neoprene or other material that will elevate the end of the cigar above absorbent material 17 and help to reduce potential damage to the cigar. In an alternate embodiment, support members 18 may be in the form of a hollow cylinder or one or more post structures.
Preferably absorbent material 17 is retained within channels 19 that are defined by the support members to ensure that it remains physically separated from the end of the cigar. In this manner the humidification of the environment within hollow interior 4 can be controlled and maintained without the risk of the cigar coming into contact with the absorbent material and becoming wet. It will be understood that this structure will also allow an individual to re-humidify a cigar that has become dried out by merely inserting the cigar into the case and retaining it therein for a period of time.
Referring to Figures 4, 6 and 7, where case 1 is used in association with cigars it may also include a cutter 20 that may be used to remove the tip, or a portion of the tip, of a cigar. In the preferred embodiment closed lower end 6 of primary body 2 includes a recess 21 in its exterior surface. Cutter 20 is received and secured within recess 21 so that the tip of a cigar may be removed or cut off through inserting the cigar into the cutter on the end of the cigar case. The cutter preferably includes a serrated or sharpened circular blade 22 which allows for the removal of the tip of a cigar by way of a simple rotational or twisting movement when the cigar is inserted into recess 21. In this fashion case 1 provides a quick, simple and safe method of removing the tip of a cigar without the need to carry a separate cutting implement.
As is also shown in the attached drawings, primary body 2 may include an external viewing window 23 that allows for visual inspection of the contents of case 1.
Viewing window 23 may take a variety of different forms, including a small transparent window inserted within the exterior of primary body 2.
Alternately, viewing window 23 may be a tubular structure forming an integral part of the primary body. Where viewing window 23 is tubular in nature it is preferably secured to primary body 2 in such a manner to ensure an air tight seal therebetween.
In cases where case 1 is comprised of a plastic material the viewing window is preferably glued or heat sealed to the primary body. In instances where case 1 is comprised of a metallic or wooden material, viewing window 23 may be threadably received onto the primary body, or may be held through a variety of other fastening means.
Regardless of the manner in which viewing window 23 is attached to primary body 2, its function will be the same. It will allow an individual to examine the contents of the case. Where the case is used to hold a cigar, the viewing window will allow inspection of the label of a cigar held in the case to quickly identify the cigar, and permit an inspection of the condition of the cigar in terms of humidification, over humidification, swelling etc.
It is to be understood that what has been described are the preferred embodiments of the invention and that it may be possible to make variations to these embodiments while staying within the broad scope of the invention. Some of these variations have been discussed while others will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while in the preferred embodiment cap 3 may be inverted to provide a means to hold a lit cigar, the enclosed upper end of the cap could equally include an exterior recess 25 (see Figure 8) that enables the cap to hold a cigar, a cigarette or other article without inverting the cap. In addition, while one of the primary uses of case 1 is expected to be for retaining cigars and holding and supporting lit cigars, it will be appreciated that the structure described herein is sufficiently broad so as to enable the case to hold and/or support a wide variety of other articles such as, but not limited to, cigarettes, pens and pencils, and may also be used to hold and retain various liquids.

Claims (13)

1. A case for retaining a cigar or other article, the case comprising:
(i) a generally tubular primary body having a generally hollow interior, an open upper end in connection with said hollow interior, and a closed lower end, said hollow interior capable of receiving and retaining a cigar or other article therein; and, (ii) a cap having an enclosed upper end and an open lower end, said open lower end of said cap releasably securable to said open upper end of said primary body to form an air tight seal therewith, wherein said enclosed upper end of said cap is releasably securable to said open upper end of said primary body when said cap is inverted and thereby providing a means to hold and support the end of a cigar or other article.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosed upper end of said cap has a reduced diameter portion that is releasably securable within said open upper end of said primary body when said cap in inverted.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said primary body includes a clip secured to its outer surface, said clip permitting said primary body to be releasably secured to an article.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3 including humidification means to humidify the environment within said hollow interior surface of said primary body.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4 including a cutter for removing the tip of a cigar.
6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said closed lower end of said primary body includes a recess in its exterior surface, said cutter received within said recess and secured thereto such that the tip of a cigar may be removed through insertion of the end of the cigar into said recess.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said humidification means comprises an absorbent material capable of absorbing water and releasing water vapour into said hollow interior of said primary body.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said absorbent material is positioned in said enclosed upper end of said cap.
9. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said reduced diameter portion of said enclosed upper end of said cap is releasably secured within said open upper end of said primary body through frictional engagement therewith.
10. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said reduced diameter portion of said enclosed upper end of said cap is threadably securable within said open upper end of said primary body.
11. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said primary body includes an external viewing window to allow for visual inspection of the contents of said primary body.
12. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hollow interior of said primary body forms a chamber capable of retaining a liquid therein.
13. A case for retaining a cigar or other article, the case comprising:
(i) a generally tubular primary body having a generally hollow interior, an open upper end in communication with said hollow interior, and a closed lower end, said hollow interior capable of receiving and retaining a cigar or other article therein; and, (ii) a cap having an enclosed upper end and an open lower end, said open lower end of said cap releasably securable to said open upper end of said primary body and when so secured forming an air tight seal therewith, wherein said enclosed upper end of said cap includes an exterior recess such that when said open lower end of said cap is secured to said open upper end of said primary body said exterior recess provides a means to hold the end of a cigar or other article.
CA 2279621 1998-08-06 1999-08-04 Case for retaining a cigar or other article Abandoned CA2279621A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13014698A 1998-08-06 1998-08-06
US09/130,146 1998-08-06

Publications (1)

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CA2279621A1 true CA2279621A1 (en) 2000-02-06

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ID=31186214

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2279621 Abandoned CA2279621A1 (en) 1998-08-06 1999-08-04 Case for retaining a cigar or other article

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CA (1) CA2279621A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8151803B2 (en) 2007-02-02 2012-04-10 Japan Tobacco Inc. Smoking appliance
WO2012049339A1 (en) * 2010-10-11 2012-04-19 CERA SANZ, Iván Device for storing cigars or cigarettes while same is being smoked

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8151803B2 (en) 2007-02-02 2012-04-10 Japan Tobacco Inc. Smoking appliance
WO2012049339A1 (en) * 2010-10-11 2012-04-19 CERA SANZ, Iván Device for storing cigars or cigarettes while same is being smoked

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