Object securing fire-ignition devices to tobacco pipes of various sizes and forms used to smoke tobacco

Abstract

The Invention provides an improved device for storing a fire-ignition device and attaching such device to a tobacco pipe. The Invention is comprised of a large Fabric Band, which attaches securely to a tobacco pipe, a Small Fabric Loop which attaches securely to a fire-ignition device, and a tether which can be extended and retracted via a retractable mechanism attached at one end to the Fabric Band and at the other to the Small Fabric Loop. The tether can be extended to such an extent that the attached fire-ignition device may be used to light tobacco contained in the attached tobacco pipe.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention (“the Invention” and “the Product”) is a manufactured object best characterized as a special receptacle or package with igniter for tobacco content, tobacco-smoking accessory, smoking accessory, smoking pipe accessory, or an article carrier with relatively mobile attaching means. Individuals smoke tobacco from pipes of various sizes, forms, and materials. The variants are practically innumerable. Many manufacturers produce small, simple pipes comprised of plastic or other synthetic compounds, others produced large, elaborate pipes comprised of glass, wood, or other materials. Some pipes bear dramatic ornamentation, while others are extremely simple in appearance.

These pipes all contain a receptacle in which individuals place tobacco, which is then ignited with a cigarette or multipurpose lighter, match, or other object producing an open flame. Once lit, the smoker inhales the tobacco smoke through a hole in the pipe. The tobacco smoke may or may not pass through water within the pipe prior to inhalation, and may or may not be filtered via other processes, depending upon the particular design of the pipe.

Three objects are necessary for satisfactory use of the pipe: the pipe itself; tobacco; and a fire-ignition device that produces an open flame and ignites the tobacco. Without the fire-ignition device, the pipe is essentially useless to the smoker. Smokers often find themselves in possession of a pipe and tobacco, but no fire-ignition device. No pipes are presently equipped with a fire-ignition device. Indeed, no pipes provide the smoker with any receptacle or other manner in which they may secure a fire ignition device to the pipe. No individual, corporation, or other concern manufactures or markets a device that secures a fire-ignition device to a wide range of tobacco pipes, or to tobacco pipes of specific sizes. This invention provides just such a device, and provides a solution that enables a smoker to avoid situations in which she possesses a pipe and tobacco, but lacks a fire-ignition device, and thereby increases the smoker's satisfaction. In addition, this invention permits the smoker to light tobacco contained in the pipe without removing the fire-ignition device from the invention, thus reducing the likelihood of the fire-ignition device being misplaced by the smoker.

Several products exist which provide a means by which a fire-ignition device may be attached to a person's body. Such products have several failings.

These products require that the smoker utilize the device regularly to ensure that she has consistent access to the fire-ignition device. Therefore, the smoker is required to carry the extra weight of the product and fire-ignition device regularly, or the product is rendered ineffective. In addition, these products are often visibly attached the smoker's body or clothing, or cause visible bumps or bulges in the smoker's clothing if employed under her clothes.

These products also separate the fire-ignition device from the tobacco pipe, which requires that the smoker exert mental energy, and remember to pack and transport tobacco, pipe, and product while traveling long or short distances. This mental burden often results in one of the three necessary objects for satisfactory use of the pipe.

These products also fail to provide easy access to a fire-ignition device to one smoker, which tobacco pipes are often used by several individuals. Thus, each smoker must procure and wear/carry their own product and fire-ignition device despite the fact that all utilize a common tobacco pipe; this is inefficient and burdensome.

None of the above inventions, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Finding a fire-ignition device such as a cigarette lighter can be a frustrating and time-consuming process when a smoker wishes to use a tobacco pipe. It is often difficult for smokers to consistently remember the locations of the tobacco pipe, tobacco, and fire-ignition device, whether traveling, at home, or in another location.

The Invention provides a convenient, durable, and attractive means of attaching a fire-ignition devices to a tobacco pipe. Unlike the products described above, the Invention does not require a smoker to regularly carry the weight of the fire-ignition device. Because it is attached to the tobacco pipe, the Invention also eliminates the necessity (required by the above products) of making an unsightly modification to the smoker's appearance.

The Invention, by attaching the fire-ignition device to the tobacco pipe, reduces the number of objects required to satisfactorily use the tobacco pipe from three (i.e. tobacco, tobacco pipe, fire-ignition device) to two (tobacco; tobacco pipe with fire-ignition device attached). This provides significant benefits to the smoker, including increased convenience and decreased requirements regarding mental energy and memory. The Invention also provides an improved method of storing a fire-ignition device so that it is close at hand when a smoker wishes to use a tobacco pipe.

The Invention, by attaching the fire-ignition device to the tobacco pipe, imbues all users of the pipe with the benefit of convenient tobacco lighting. If multiple individuals use a single tobacco pipe, only one Invention is required.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the Invention to provide a means of attaching a variety of fire-ignition devices to a variety of tobacco pipes (with one fire-ignition device attached to one tobacco pipe).

It is another object of the Invention to provide a means to do so in such a way that the fire-ignition device is securely and reliably attached to the tobacco pipe.

It is another object of the Invention to provide a means to do so in such a way that the fire-ignition device may be easily moved for purposes of lighting the tobacco contained in the tobacco pipe, yet remain attached to the tobacco pipe.

It is an object of the Invention to provide elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable, durable, and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present Invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. A is an overhead view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. A depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether (with the tether retracted), and depicts an exploded view of the inner workings of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. FIG. A also depicts the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band.

FIG. B is a three-quarters view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. B depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether (with the tether partly extended), and depicts an exploded view of the inner workings of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. FIG. B also depicts the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band.

FIG. C is a three-quarters view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. C depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether (with the tether partly extended), and depicts an un-exploded view of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. FIG. C also depicts the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band.

FIG. D1 is a lateral view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. FIG. D1 depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether (with the tether partly extended), and depicts an un-exploded view of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. FIG. D1 also depicts the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band, and the Invention wrapped to depict how the Velcro closure and D ring may be used to secure the Invention to a tobacco pipe.

FIG. D2 is a three-quarters view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. D2 depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether (with the tether partly extended), and depicts an un-exploded view of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. FIG. D2 also depicts the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band, and the Invention wrapped to depict how the Velcro closure and D ring may be used to secure the Invention to a tobacco pipe.

FIG. E1 is a lateral view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. FIG. E1 depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether (with the tether retracted), and depicts an un-exploded view of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. FIG. E1 also depicts the Invention without the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band to depict how the friction created by the Large Fabric Band may be used to secure the Invention to a tobacco pipe.

FIG. E2 is a three-quarters view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. E2 depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether (with the tether retracted), and depicts an un-exploded view of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. FIG. E2 also depicts the Invention without the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band to depict how the friction created by the Large Fabric Band may be used to secure the Invention to a tobacco pipe.

FIG. F is an overhead view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. F depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether (with the tether retracted), and depicts an un-exploded view of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. FIG. F also depicts the Invention without the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band to depict how the friction created by the-Large Fabric Band may be used to secure the Invention to a tobacco pipe.

FIG. G is an overhead view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of the environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is made to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. G depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether (with the tether partly extended), and depicts an un-exploded view of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with the other portions of the Invention. FIG. G also depicts the Invention without the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band to depict how the friction created by the Large Fabric Band may be used to secure the Invention to a tobacco pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Invention will be described fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This Invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that the present Invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the claims set forth herein.

The Product is comprised of a large elasticized fabric band and one smaller elasticized fabric loop. The Large Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop are connected by a tether which can be extended and retracted via a retractable mechanism embedded in one of the components.

The Product contains a Large Fabric Band made up of an elastic material that expands when stretched by human hands applying moderate force. The elastic material is employed in different colors, fabrics, and patterns for designer and style purposes.

The Large Fabric Band may be wrapped around the cylindrical or semi-cylindrical portion of a tobacco pipe. The surface of one portion of the band, once wrapped around the tobacco pipe is connected with a Velcro strap to the surface of another portion of the Large Fabric Band or looped back through a D ring. Alternatively, the ends of Large Fabric Band may be connected to each other with permanent or semi-permanent stitching, permitting the Large Fabric Band to be secured to a tobacco pipe via the friction created by the elasticity of the Large Fabric Band. These options of securing the Large Fabric Band to tobacco pipes permit the Product to be secured to tobacco pipes of a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and forms.

The Small Fabric Loop is made up of an elastic material that expands when stretched by human hands applying moderate force. The Small Fabric Loop's dimensions permit the secure insertion and retention of cigarette and multipurpose lighters of common size, shape, and form.

The Large Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop are connected by a tether. The tether may be extended or retracted via a retractable mechanism embedded in one of the components. No claim is made in this patent to the internal workings or other aspects of the retractable mechanism independent of its function in the context of the Product.

The Large Fabric Band is attached to the tobacco pipe by the user, and securely fastened using the Velcro closure and/or D ring. A fire-ignition device is then secured within the Small Fabric Loop by the user. At this stage, the user has successfully utilized the Product, and may ignite the tobacco residing in the pipe by extending and later retracting the tether between the Large Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop so as to bring the open flame produced by the fire-ignition device within close proximity of the tobacco.

Manner and Process of Making

The Product is created through the sewing and manipulation of two layers of elastic fabric to form the Large Fabric Band and Small Fabric Loop as described above and visualized in the submitted Drawings. The elastic fabric is cut to size, and then all seams and edges are machine-sewn to form a strong bond and prevent fraying of the fabric or stitching.

The retractable tether component is inserted between two layers of elastic fabric after the fabric is cut to size, and before it is machine-sewn. The retractable tether component is glued to the surface of one layer of fabric. A ⅛″ space is left between stitches at the edge of the piece of fabric to which the retractable tether component is attached. This space accommodates the extrusion of the tether itself outside the fabric following the stitching of the two layers.

The D ring is inserted between the two layers of elastic fabric that comprise the Large fabric Band after the fabric is cut to size, and before it is machine-sewn. The D Ring is glued at the right end of the Large Fabric Band.

The D Ring is inserted between the two layers of elastic fabric that comprise the Large Fabric Band after the fabric is cut to size, and before it is machine-sewn. The D Ring is inserted at the right end of the Large Fabric Band, and extrudes from the Large Fabric Band as shown in the attached Drawings.

The Velcro Closure is glued to the surface of the elastic fabric that comprises the Large Fabric Band after the fabric has been cut to size and machine-sewn. The Velcro Closure is glued to the fabric at the left side of the Large Fabric Band, and extends beyond the left edge of the Large Fabric Band as shown in the attached Drawings.

Best Mode Contemplated

The Best Mode Contemplated of the Product is a Large Fabric Band between 5″-8″ in length, 2″-3″ in height, 1/16″-⅛″ in width, connected with a 10″-12″ long, ½″ to ¾″ wide Velcro strap.

The Velcro strap can either be connected directly around product or looped back through a 1¼″ metal D ring.

Sewn into the Large Fabric Band is a retractable tether component comprised of a mechanism that provides the capacity to extend and retract, and a tether comprised of nylon cord with a circumference of one-eighth inch and a length of twenty inches.

The Small Fabric Loop is connected to the Large Fabric Band via the tether, and is a 1½″ (height)×3″ (total) loop made of elastic fabric designed to accommodate the most common cigarette and multipurpose lighters.

Note Regarding Claims

As is customary practice, I request that the Patent Examiner point out any claims resulting from the above descriptions and drawings I may have inadvertently missed, and that she point out any relevant changes that should be made to clarify the submitted claims, and that she point out any unintended duplication of claims should such inadvertently occur.

Claims

1. A tobacco pipe accessory consisting of the combination of:

one small fabric loop, adapted to enwrap and remain connected to a fire-ignition device,

a tether connecting the Small Fabric Loop to a tobacco pipe, wherein said tether can be extended and retracted via a retractable mechanism embedded in the Fabric Band or the Small Fabric Loop to such an extent that the enwrapped fire-ignition device may be used to light tobacco contained in the attached tobacco pipe.

2. A tobacco pipe accessory consisting of the combination of:

one large fabric band adapted to enwrap and remain connected to a tobacco pipe,

one smaller fabric loop, adapted to enwrap and remain connected to a fire-ignition device, and

a tether connecting the Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop which can be extended and retracted via a retractable mechanism embedded in the Fabric Band or the Small Fabric Loop to such an extent that the enwrapped fire-ignition device may be used to light tobacco contained in the enwrapped tobacco pipe.

3. The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein:

said Fabric Band is elasticized and remains connected to a tobacco pipe by means of friction and the Fabric Band's elasticity, and

the Small Fabric Loop is elasticized and remains connected to a fire-ignition device by means of friction and the Small Fabric Loop's elasticity.

4. The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein:

said Fabric Band remains connected to a tobacco pipe by means of fabric secured by a Velcro closure, and

the Small Fabric Loop is elasticized and remains connected to a fire-ignition device by means of friction and the Small Fabric Loop's elasticity.

5. The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein the Small Fabric Loop is fabricated such that its interior width and depth dimensions are equal to or within a 1/16″ inch tolerance of the size of common fire-ignition devices.

6. The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein the Small Fabric Loop is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected to fire-ignition devices of various sizes.

7. The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein the Small Fabric Loop is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected to a fire-ignition devices of a specific size.

8. The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein the Fabric Band is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected to tobacco pipes of various sizes.

9. The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein the Fabric Band is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected to tobacco pipes of a specific size.