PORTABLE TAMPER ARTICLE

Abstract

A portable tamper article is disclosed, including a non-flammable tamper device, and a retaining member secured to or integrated with the tamper device, said retaining member adapted to engage a portable device. Also dislcosed is a portable tamper article, including a non-flammable retaining member comprising a tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage a portable device. Further dislcosed is a combination lighter and tamper article, including a lighter and a retaining member comprising a tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage the lighter.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The benefit of priority under 35 USC 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/504,465 filed Jul. 5, 2011 in the names of Robert Andrew Healy and Craig John Errington for “PORTABLE TAMPER ARTICLE” is hereby claimed. The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/504,465 is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to portable tamper and/or snuffer articles.

BACKGROUND

In the use of pipes for smoking (e.g., tobacco, cloves, cannabis, etc., hereinafter “consumable material” or “burning material”), a tamper or snuffer may be utilized to tamper, control, or terminate the incineration of consumable material. A tamper is generally a blunt instrument, either a simple dowel or object shaped like the top of a nail, with a flat end for tamping down the consumable material when the bowl is being packed, and for crushing the ash together to aid relighting. Tampers are generally smaller than the opening (i.e., “bowl”) of a pipe, so that the limited portions of the consumable material contained in the bowl may be selectively tampered down. A snuffer is generally a small metal cup used to extinguish the consumable material by placing the cup in a position (e.g., over the bowl) to deprive the material of oxygen.

The size of a pipe, particularly the bowl, depends largely on what consumable material is to be smoked in it. Large tobacco pipes are used for strong-tasting, harsh tobaccos, the smoke from which is usually not inhaled. Smaller pipes such as a midwakh or kiseru are used to inhale milder tobaccos such as dokha and kizami or other substances such as cannabis and opium. Pipes are often made from a variety of materials including glass, ceramic, metal, briar, clay, corncob, meerschaum, gourd, stone, and wood.

Tampering of consumable material is common in order to improve the combustion of the material. Given the high temperatures associated with the burning of consumable material, it is common but not preferred to use a finger (or thumb) to tamper and/or extinguish the burning material. In addition, the use of a disposable lighter for tampering or extinguishing the burning material is common but generally not desirable given the fact that most disposable lighters contain flammable fluid and are made from plastic.

Existing tampers and snuffers are generally bulky instruments that are not easily portable.

In consequence, it would be desirable to have a portable tamper or snuffer. In addition, it would be desirable to have an article that may be utilized as a tamper and a snuffer, and yet is still portable. Moreover, it would be desirable to have a portable tamper and/or snuffer article that may be attached to a portable device such as a lighter.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to portable tamper and/or snuffer articles.

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a portable tamper article, comprising a non-flammable tamper device, and a retaining member secured to or integrated with the tamper device, said retaining member adapted to engage a portable device.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a portable tamper article, comprising a non-flammable retaining member comprising a tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage a portable device.

In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to a combination lighter and tamper article, comprising a lighter, and a retaining member comprising a tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage the lighter.

Other aspects, features and embodiments of the disclosure will be more fully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tamper article according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the tamper article according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the tamper article according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the tamper article according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the tamper article according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tamper article according to a second embodiment, revealing a vertically displaced tamper insert positioned for engaging the tamper article.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the tamper article according to the second embodiment, revealing the vertically displaced tamper insert positioned for engaging the tamper article.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the tamper article according to the second embodiment, revealing the horizontally displaced tamper insert positioned for engaging the tamper article.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the tamper article according to the second embodiment, revealing the vertically displaced tamper insert positioned for engaging the tamper article.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the tamper article according to the second embodiment, revealing the horizontally displaced tamper insert positioned for engaging the tamper article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to portable tamper and/or snuffer articles.

Unless otherwise defined, terms used herein should be construed to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art. Further, the use of any term in this disclosure in one tense or context shall not be limited to only the tense or context of the term as used.

Unless the absence of one or more elements is specifically recited, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” as used herein should be interpreted as open-ended terms that do not preclude the presence of one or more elements.

The terms “tamper” and “snuffer” as used herein refer to any article that may be used to tamper and/or extinguish a burning consumable material (e.g., tobacco), and are used herein interchangeably. In one embodiment, a tamper comprises any one or more of glass, ceramic, metal, briar, clay, corncob, meerschaum, gourd, stone, and wood. In one embodiment, a non-flammable tamper device comprises any one or more of glass, ceramic, and metal.

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a portable tamper article, including a non-flammable tamper device, and a retaining member secured to or integrated with the tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage a portable device.

The term “non-flammable” means not easily ignited and not burning rapidly if ignited. In one embodiment, the tamper device comprises glass which is generally non-flammable. In various embodiments, the retaining member is non-flammable. In a specific embodiment, a non-flammable retaining member comprises a band or sleeve adapted to engage a portable device such as a disposable lighter. In one embodiment, the non-flammable retaining member comprises a flame retardant neoprene rubber that has excellent flame resistant properties. This type of neoprene rubber is also known as fireproof rubber, and provides the necessary elasticity to allow engagement with a portable device (e.g., around a disposable lighter). In one embodiment, a non-flammable retaining member comprises Kevlar® (poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide). In one embodiment, the retaining member is a metal ring with a tightening member that may include a screw, latch, or similar retention member.

The term “retaining member” as used herein refers to any one or more of a clamp (e.g., with screw adjustment member), a band, a clip, an adhesive, a sleeve, watch band (e.g., expandable) and a Velcro strap. In one embodiment, a retaining member is secured to or integrated with a tamper device, to allow the tamper device and retaining member to engage a portable device. In a specific embodiment, a non-flammable retaining member comprises a band or sleeve adapted to engage a portable device and protect the portable device from the high temperatures associated with burning consumable material during use of a tamper device. In various embodiments, the retaining member comprises any one or more of rubber, Kevlar®, metal, and silicone. In a preferred embodiment, a retaining member is heat resistant.

In various embodiments, the non-flammable retaining member comprises a metal sleeve for sliding over a portable device. In one embodiment, the metal sleeve includes an elongated gap running the entire length of the metal sleeve, such that the metal sleeve may be slightly expanded a sufficient amount to allow easy sliding on and off the portable device.

The term “sleeve” as used herein refers to an article adapted to cover a majority of the portable device. In one embodiment, a sleeve insulates and protects a portable device from consumable material being tampered or extinguished by a tamper device. The term “band” as used herein refers to an article adapted to cover less than a majority of a portable device. In one embodiment, a band is secured to or integrated with a tamper device to attach the tamper device to a portable device such as a disposable lighter. In various embodiments, a band, clamp, or sleeve may be utilized to attach a tamper device to a portable device.

The term “portable device” as used herein refers to any device able to be easily transported by a user (e.g., human), and includes, but is not limited to, a lighter (including disposable and non-disposable lighters), a pen, a key chain, a wallet, a purse, a PDA or mobile phone, and a pocket knife.

In one embodiment, a portable tamper article includes a non-flammable tamper device and a retaining member secured to or integrated with the tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage a portable device. In various embodiments, the retaining member is secured to the tamper device and is a separate component and/or comprises a different material. In various embodiments, the retaining member is engaged with the tamper device and may comprise the same material as the tamper device and/or comprise one single component.

In one embodiment, the tamper device includes a shaped (e.g., cylindrical) portion sized to fit the bowl of a pipe. The tamper device may comprise any desired shape to compliment a bowl of a pipe, including round (e.g., cylindrical), octagonal, etc. In one embodiment, a tamper device includes a raised cylindrical member including a tapered top or bezel for deeper insertion and positioning guidance when inserting into a bowl of a pipe. In one embodiment, a tamper device includes an outer raised lip to prevent the tamper device from slipping from the bowl during use. In various embodiments, a tamper device and/or tamper insert comprises a shape sufficient to fit into at least a portion of the opening of a bowl of a pipe and provides tampering function or snuffing functionality, depending upon the angle of application, length of application, and volume of consumable material in the pipe. Therefore, one advantage of the present disclosure is a combined tamper and snuffer capable of either tampering the consumable material, or extinguishing the consumable material.

In various embodiments, the tamper device is of limited thickness (approximately less than two cm) to allow easy transport and access when put into a user's pocket or purse. In various embodiments, the benefits of the tamper device of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, small size, limited weight, ease of engagement with a portable device (e.g., lighter), and attractive appearance. In various embodiments, the tamper device includes an attractive appearance or ornamental design.

In one embodiment the tamper device is adapted to retain a tamper insert. The tamper insert may comprise a charm or similar element having an attractive appearance or ornamental design (e.g., decorative charm). In various embodiments, the tamper insert would comprise a non-flammable material including any one or more of glass, ceramic, and metal. In one embodiment, the tamper device comprises a female recess for retaining the tamper insert, wherein the tamper insert may comprise a male protrusion adapted to fit within or compliment the female recess.

For the various embodiments including a tamper insert, the tamper device may retain and secure the tamper insert with any one or more of a magnet, threaded engagement, snap, plug, Velcro, and any other known means for engaging two elements (“securing member”). The securing member may be comprised within the male protrusion and/or female recess.

A tamper device and/or tamper insert in various embodiments may comprise a thickness (not including the full retaining member) of less than approximately 3 cm, and preferably less than approximately 2 cm, and more preferably less than approximately 1 cm.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a portable tamper article, comprising a non-flammable retaining member comprising a tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage a portable device. In one embodiment, the retaining member includes a tamper device and may comprise one material and/or component for ease of manufacture.

In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to a combination lighter and tamper article, comprising a lighter, and a retaining member comprising a tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage the lighter. In one embodiment, a lighter may be manufactured with a tamper device to avoid the necessity of a retaining member. Additional protection (beyond that already provided for a lighter, particularly a plastic and/or disposable lighter may need thicker walls or alternative materials) may be needed for the lighter fuel against the heat and/or combustion of the consumable material.

In various embodiments, the advantages of the present disclosure provide either a lighter adapted with a tamper device or a means for adding a tamper device to a lighter or other portable device. Such combination of features provides for additional benefits beyond requiring a user to carry two separate devices (e.g., a lighter and a tamper device). In one embodiment, a tamper article may be secured to a portable device to allow for either a right-handed or left-handed user.

The advantages and features of the disclosure are further illustrated with reference to the following example, which is not to be construed as in any way limiting the scope of the disclosure but rather as illustrative of one embodiment of the invention in a specific application thereof.

FIG. 1 discloses a perspective view of a tamper article 10 according to a first embodiment. The tamper article 10 includes a band 20 comprising a non-flammable material (e.g., flame retardant neoprene rubber) capable of being expanded around a portable device (e.g., lighter 40) or slid onto the lighter 40. The band is either secured to or engaged with a tamper device 30 for tampering or extinguishing a consumable material (not shown). The tapered top 35 of the tamper device 30 provides for a guided and deeper fit into a bowl of a pipe (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the tamper article 10 of FIG. 1 revealing another view of the tapered top 35 of the tamper device 30. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the tamper article 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the tamper article 10 of FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the tamper article 10 of FIGS. 1-4, revealing the lack of any clasp holes in the band 20 that are common in watch bands. Such a band could include a watch-type clasp, but would likely increase cost of manufacture, weight, and bulkiness. FIG. 2 reveals the relative limited thickness of the tamper device 30 (e.g., less than 2 cm).

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tamper article 110 according to a second embodiment, revealing a vertically displaced tamper insert 130 positioned for engaging a tamper device 140 (or housing) in a direction A. The tamper article 110 includes a band 120 comprising a non-flammable material (e.g., flame retardant neoprene rubber) capable of being expanded around a portable device (e.g., lighter 150) or slid onto the lighter 150. The tapered top 135 of the tamper insert 130 provides for a guided and deeper fit into a bowl of a pipe (not shown). The tamper device 140 includes a female recess 147 for accepting a male protrusion 137 of the tamper insert 130 as shown in FIG. 7, and may comprise any one or more of a magnet, threaded engagement, snap, plug, Velcro, and any other known means for engaging two elements. FIG. 7 also discloses a front elevation view of the tamper article 110, revealing the vertically displaced tamper insert 130 comprising a male protrusion 137 and positioned for engaging the tamper device 140 in the direction A. FIG. 8 discloses a top plan view of the tamper article 110 of FIGS. 6 and 7, revealing a horizontally displaced tamper insert 130 positioned for engaging the tamper article 140 at the recess 147. FIG. 9 discloses a side elevation view of the tamper article 110 of FIGS. 6-8, revealing a vertically displaced tamper insert 130 including the male protrusion 137, and positioned for engaging the tamper device 140. FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the tamper article 110 of FIGS. 6-9, revealing a horizontally displaced tamper insert 130 and male protrusion 137 positioned for engaging the tamper device 140.

Any one or more features and elements as disclosed herein are contemplated for use in combination with one or more other features and elements herein, regardless of whether such features are disclosed in connection with different embodiments, absent indication to the contrary herein.

While the disclosure has been has been described herein in reference to specific aspects, features and illustrative embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that the utility of the disclosure is not thus limited, but rather extends to and encompasses numerous other variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, as will suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the field of the present invention, based on the disclosure herein. Correspondingly, the disclosure as hereinafter claimed is intended to be broadly construed and interpreted, as including all such variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, within its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A portable tamper article, comprising:

a non-flammable tamper device; and

a retaining member secured to or integrated with the tamper device, said retaining member adapted to engage a portable device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tamper device is less than 1 cm thick.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the tamper device comprises a non-flammable material including any one or more of glass, ceramic, and metal.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the tamper device is adapted to retain a tamper insert.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein the tamper insert comprises a non-flammable material including any one or more of glass, ceramic, and metal.

6. The article of claim 4, wherein the tamper device comprises a recess for retaining the tamper insert.

7. The article of claim 4, wherein the tamper insert is retained by the tamper device with any one or more of a magnet, threaded engagement, snap, and plug.

8. The article of claim 4, wherein the tamper insert comprises a decorative charm.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein the retaining member comprises any one or more of a clamp, a band, a clip, an adhesive, a sleeve, and a Velcro strap.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the retaining member comprises any one or more of rubber, Kevlar, metal, and silicone.

11. The article of claim 1, wherein the retaining member comprises heat resistant, non-flammable material.

12. The article of claim 1, wherein the portable device comprises a lighter.

13. A portable tamper article, comprising:

a non-flammable retaining member comprising a tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage a portable device.

14. The article of claim 13, wherein the tamper device is less than 1 cm thick.

15. The article of claim 13, wherein the retaining member includes slip-resistant material for engaging the portable device.

16. The article of claim 15, wherein the slip-resistant material comprises any one or more of rubber and silicone.

17. The article of claim 13, wherein the retaining member comprises any one or more of glass, ceramic, and metal.

18. The article of claim 13, wherein the retaining member comprises any or more of a clamp, a band, a clip, an adhesive, a sleeve, and a Velcro strap.

19. The article of claim 13, wherein the retaining member comprises any one or more of rubber, Kevlar, metal, and silicone.

20. The article of claim 13, wherein the retaining member comprises a gap for expanding said retaining member for engaging the portable device.

21. The article of claim 13, wherein the portable device comprises a lighter.

22. A combination lighter and tamper article, comprising:

a lighter; and

a retaining member comprising a tamper device, wherein the retaining member is adapted to engage the lighter.

23. The article of claim 22, wherein the retaining member comprises any or more of a clamp, a band, a clip, an adhesive, a sleeve, and a Velcro strap.

24. The article of claim 22, wherein the tamper device comprises any one or more of glass, ceramic, and metal.