CIGAR CASE

Abstract

A cigar carrying case including a housing unit having a base in which the cigars are housed and a top which fits over the base to cover the cigars. In one embodiment, the top and the base are hingedly coupled such as by a living hinge and secured by a fastener, such as a zipper, wherein the zipper may also serve as the living hinge. In another embodiment, the top and/or base also have end caps made of buffalo horn. In an alternative embodiment, the base contains an adjustable divider to prevent the cigars from damaging each other. In a further embodiment, the top has a humidification device in order to prevent the cigars from drying out. In yet another embodiment, a storage compartment is incorporated into either the top or the base.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 11/530,611, filed Sep. 11, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/819,239, filed Jul. 7, 2006, wherein this application is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of accessories for smokers, and more particularly, to a case for transporting and carrying cigars.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Receptacles for cigars and cigarettes, including humidors and tubes, are known in the art. These receptacles are made from a variety of materials including leather, plastic, vinyl, wood and metal. True cigar aficionados require a case that both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

What is needed, therefore, is a cigar carrying case that is made of the finest materials, is lightweight yet durable, and is capable of housing several cigars in a protected environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the cigar carrying case includes a housing unit having a base in which the cigars are stored and a top that is coupled to the base by a living hinge.

In another embodiment, the top of the cigar carrying case is coupled to the base by a zipper.

In yet another embodiment, a storage compartment is incorporated into the top or the base of the cigar carrying case.

In a further embodiment, the base has an adjustable, insertable divider to prevent the cigars from damaging each other. Alternatively, the base has a series of stationary dividers.

In an additional embodiment, the top of the cigar carrying case has an end cap made of buffalo horn.

In an alternative embodiment, a humidification device is housed within the top.

In any embodiment, the top and the base are a multi layer construction based upon a wooden veneer surrounded by whiteboard, aluminum, cardboard and leather. Furthermore, the top and base may contain multi layer inserts between which the cigars rest.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a cigar carrying case with the top piece in the closed position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a cigar carrying case with the top piece in the open position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view illustrating a cigar carrying case with the top piece in the closed position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a cigar carrying case with the top piece in the closed position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a cigar carrying case with the top piece in the open position configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a cigar carrying case configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the top piece of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear view illustrating the top piece of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating the top piece of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating the end cap of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view illustrating the end cap of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating the wooden veneer layer that surrounds the top and base pieces of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating the various layers of material which comprise the top and base pieces of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view illustrating the various layers of material which comprise the top and base pieces of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view illustrating the leather layer that surrounds the top and base pieces of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 16 is a top view illustrating the insert portion of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating the insert portion of the cigar carrying case configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a rear view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a front view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece. The top piece and the base are shown separately.

FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece. The top piece and the base are shown separately.

FIG. 23 is a rear view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece. The top piece and the base are shown separately.

FIG. 24 is a front view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece and the base configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a side view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece and the base configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a rear view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece and the base configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a front view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece and the base. The top piece and the base are shown separately.

FIG. 28 is a side view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece and the base. The top piece and the base are shown separately.

FIG. 29 is a rear view illustrating a cigar carrying case with a storage compartment incorporated into the top piece and the base. The top piece and the base are shown separately.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 1-5, a cigar carrying case 10 is comprised of a base 30 which houses the cigars and a top 20 which engages base 30 to cover the cigars housed therein. According to one embodiment the top 20 engages base 30 by means of a hinge 45 and the top 20 is secured to the base 30 by a fastener 42. In one embodiment, fastener 42 is a zipper. However, fastener 42 may be selected from a number of devices, including but not limited to, snaps, clips, magnets and hook and loop fasteners. Hinge 45 may be a continuous hinge or a series of hinges. Hinge 45 may also be a butt hinge, a T-hinge, a strap hinge, or a living hinge.

In another embodiment, top 20 may also engage base 30 via a living hinge 45. Living hinges are sectional elements that flexibly couple two segments and allow a hinging mechanism. The materials used to make a living hinge are typically flexible plastic such as polypropylene and polyethylene. In one embodiment, a strip of leather (not shown) positioned between top 20 and base 30 on one side serves as the living hinge. In another embodiment, fastener 42 is a zipper that extends around the edge of the top 20 and base 30 wherein a portion of the zipper serves as the living hinge 45. Thus, the zipper fastener 42 serves dual functions in this embodiment including the living hinge and securing the top 20 to the base 30.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, fastener 42 extends around a top edge 31 of base 30 and a bottom edge 21 of top 20 and terminates at the ends of living hinge 45. Alternatively, fastener 42 may be positioned around the perimeter of the lower half of base 30. In another embodiment, fastener 42 and hinge 45 extend along a central axis on the front and rear sides of top 20 and base 30 with the case opening in a clamshell fashion.

Base 30 and top 20 are preferably elliptical in shape, but may also have a variety of geometrical shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, square, cylindrical, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and octagonal. According to one embodiment, top 20 is the same diameter as base in order to ensure a uniform fit between them with the fastener 42 securing the top 20 to the base 30 at the interface.

In another embodiment, base 30 has a divider (not shown) that prevents the remaining cigars from falling over once one is removed. According to one embodiment, the divider may be insertable into base 30 and be held in place by a friction fit. The divider may be adjustable and slidably engage the floor and walls of base 30. This divider allows the user to store cigars of varying sizes in the carrying case. In another embodiment, the divider is two pieces, one horizontal and one vertical, that engage each other via a vertical slot in each piece to create four compartments within the carrying case.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, base 30 contains a series of stationary dividers that serve to separate the cigars and prevent potential damage to the cigars that may result from the cigars coming into contact with each other.

In a further embodiment, top 20 has a humidification device (not shown) affixed to an inner surface of top 20 in order to prevent the cigars from drying out. Such humidification devices are known to those skilled in the art. Cigars are kept freshest when stored at the correct combination of temperature and humidity. Too little humidity leads to a dry cigar which will burn too hot and harsh, while too much humidity can prevent correct burning and draw, and may also lead to spoliation and mold. Cigars should be stored at room temperature (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) with a humidity level of 68 to 72 percent. This problem is alleviated to some extent in one embodiment by using wooden veneers on the inner surfaces of the case thereby ameliorating the humidity issue to some extent as the wood retains some moisture.

In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 6, a cigar carrying case 10′ is comprised of a base 30′ which houses the cigars and a top 20′ which slidably engages base 30′ to partially cover it and the cigars housed therein. Referring to FIG. 7, top 20′ is larger in diameter than base 30′ in order to facilitate the top sliding over the base. Referring to FIG. 9, the top is smaller than the base in height. When engaged, base 30′ and top 20′ are held together by a friction fit that forms a vacuum. This helps to keep the cigars fresh by providing a tight seal thereby reducing their exposure to air and preventing the cigars from drying out.

Base 30′ and top 20′ are preferably elliptical in shape, but may also have a variety of geometrical shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, square, cylindrical, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and octagonal. Base 30′ and top 20′ each include an end cap 40. End cap 40 is also preferably elliptical in shape, but may also have a variety of geometrical shapes in order to match the shapes of base 30′ and top 20′.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, end cap 40 is made of buffalo horn according to one embodiment of the present invention. Water buffalo and its domesticated counterpart have been an integral part of life in India for thousands of years. Buffalo horn from India contains various colors which are not found in any other part of the world. The colors range from nearly transparent to various honey shades, brown to deep black. Thus, the demand for Indian horn products is high. The buffalo horn used in the cigar case is sourced from the domesticated animal and is a bi-product of agriculture. Rugged yet elegant, buffalo horn is made up of dense layers of fibers that have a very hard and durable surface providing a unique aesthetically pleasing cigar case. Polished to a glossy finish, it adds a distinctive decorative touch to the cigar case, which heretofore has not employed buffalo horn. Buffalo horn is made of keratin, a fibrous structural protein. Because keratin, like many proteins, is denatured by heat, it is possible to mold the buffalo horn to form the elliptical shape of end cap 40.

As seen in FIG. 10, the outer surface of end cap 40 is convex. The inner surface of end cap 40 is concave as seen in FIG. 11. The tip of the buffalo horn is solid, while the base is hollow. The hollow portion of the horn is used to make end cap 40. End cap 40 is positioned into each of base 30′ and top 20′ between the shell and leather layer 100 and held in place by adhesive and friction. In one embodiment, end cap 40 is positioned such that less than 50% of its height is showing in the finished product.

In a further embodiment, the cigar carrying case has a fastener to engage the top and the base, a hinge to couple the top and the base, and has an end cap positioned within the top and the base.

In an additional embodiment, shown in FIGS. 18-23, the top piece 303 has a storage compartment for housing cigar accessories, such as a lighter, matches, or a cutter. In this embodiment, the storage compartment is incorporated into top piece 303 of the cigar carrying case. However, as shown in FIGS. 24-29, the storage compartment may also be incorporated into the base 304. In either embodiment, the storage compartment is formed by attaching a lid 300 to top piece 303. Lid 300 engages top piece 303 by means of a hinge 301. Lid 300 is secured to top piece 303 by a fastener 302. In this embodiment, fastener 302 is a zipper. A portion of the zipper fastener 302 serves as hinge 301.

In any embodiment of the present invention, the base and the top have a multi layer construction. The layers are wrapped around a mold to form a shell that gives the case its elliptical shape. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the first layer 60 is a wooden veneer, preferably cedar. The veneer may be other types of wood, however, cedar provides a cigar friendly environment that assists in maintaining humidity. The cedar is seasoned to remove the smell and sanded to ensure smoothness. The second layer 70 is a white paperboard. The third layer 80 is aluminum, which provides strength to the shell. The fourth layer 90 is cardboard. The four layers are held together by an adhesive 95, typically a water based adhesive. When the side edges of these layers are brought together around the shell to form a seam, the edges should be flush in order to ensure proper assembly of the top and base.

Once the shells of the base and top are constructed, an insert 50 is positioned into one end of each shell to provide a surface upon which the cigars rest. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, insert 50 is also a multi layer construction of several layers of cardboard 52 topped with a layer of wooden veneer 54. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18-29, insert 50 serves to form part of the storage compartment that is incorporated in the either the top or the base.

Referring to FIG. 15, a layer of leather 100 lined with cardboard is then wrapped around the shell and the insert. The leather is stitched around its perimeter in order to hold the cardboard and the leather together. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 8, when side edges 102, 102′ of the leather layer are brought together around the shell to form a seam 105, 105′, they should be flush in order to ensure proper assembly of the top and base.

The cigar case may be manually assembled; however, it is possible to automate assembly of the cigar case.

It should be noted that the size of the cigar case will vary based upon the number of cigars to be housed. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, cigar carrying case 10 holds 10 cigars. However, a cigar case may hold a few as 3 cigars and as many as 10 cigars in a single row case. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, cigar carrying case 10′ holds 3 cigars. Housing greater than 10 cigars may require a double row cigar case.

Cigars are measured by their length and diameter. The diameter is measured by a unit called a “ring gauge”. One inch equals 64 ring gauge (R/G). A typical cigar is about 1 inch in diameter and 8 inches in length. However, a cigar may be narrower in diameter or longer in length depending upon the preference of the smoker. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, base 30 of cigar case 10 is 7 inches wide and 5½ inches in height. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, base 30′ of cigar case 10′ is 3 inches wide and 5½ inches in height.

It should also be noted that the carrying case may used for items other than cigars, such as pens or small electronic devices, such as cell phones, portable music players, or personal digital assistants. In yet another embodiment, a pouch or strap may be affixed to the outside of the cigar carrying case in order to carry these items.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A cigar case for carrying at least one cigar comprising:

a base for housing a plurality of cigars;

a top hingedly coupled to said base providing a cover for said base and said plurality of cigars; and

at least one fastener securing said top to said base.

2. The cigar case of claim 1 wherein the fastener is selected from a group consisting of: zippers, clips, snaps, and a combination thereof.

3. The cigar case of claim 1 wherein the top and the base are the same diameter in order to facilitate engagement of the top and the base.

4. The cigar case of claim 1 wherein a hinge selected from the group consisting of a butt hinge, a T-hinge, a strap hinge, or a living hinge is used to hingedly couple the top to the base.

5. The cigar case of claim 1 wherein the top is smaller in height than the base.

6. The cigar case of claim 1 further comprising an insert in said base upon which said cigars rest.

7. The cigar case of claim 1 wherein the shape of the top and the base are selected from a group consisting of: rectangular, square, cylindrical, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and octagonal.

8. The cigar case of claim 1 wherein the base contains a divider selected from the group consisting of: adjustable divider; stationary divider and insertable divider.

9. The cigar case of claim 1 wherein said base and said top are constructed from a plurality of material layers.

10. The cigar case of claim 9 wherein said plurality of material layers are selected from the group consisting of: wooden veneer, cardboard, aluminum and leather.

11. The cigar case of claim 10 wherein said wooden veneer is cedar.

12. The cigar case of claim 9 wherein said plurality of material layers are joined together by a water based adhesive.

13. The cigar case of claim 1 further comprising at least one end cap positioned in at least one of the top and the base.

14. The cigar case of claim 13 wherein said end cap is made of buffalo horn.

15. A cigar case for carrying at least one cigar, comprising:

a base having a base height, a base width and a base length;

a cover having a cover width greater than a base width and a cover length greater than a base length; and an end cap on at least one of said base and said cover, wherein at least a portion of said end cap is comprised of buffalo horn; wherein said cover slidably engages about said base housing said cigar therein.

16. The cigar case of claim 15 wherein said end cap is positioned in said top and said base such that less than 50% of its height is visible.

17. The cigar case of claim 15 wherein said end cap is affixed to said top and said base via a frictional fit.

18. The cigar case of claim 15 wherein said end cap is affixed to said top and said base by an adhesive.

19. The cigar case of claim 15 further comprising a humidification device in said case.

20. (canceled)

21. A cigar case for carrying at least one cigar comprising:

a base for housing a plurality of cigars, the base having a base height, a base width and a base length;

a top piece having a width greater than the base width and a length greater than the base length, wherein the top piece slidably engages the base;

a cover hingedly coupled to the top piece providing a compartment for storage; and

at least one fastener securing the cover to the top piece.